A door featuring a glass insert can add class and uniqueness to your home. However, installing a glass insert into a door is a delicate affair that should be accomplished with a sense of flair and finesse.
While it is recommended that you get a professional to perform this task for you, if you are a DIY fan and you are determined to do it yourself, you have to be cautious to avoid causing damage to the door or the glass insert. Also, make sure you have all the right tools before you commence the task of inserting the glass into your door. Below is a step-by-step breakdown of the process of inserting a glass into a door.
1. Remove the Door
To insert the new glass, you will have to unhinge the door by removing the hinge-pins. Once the door is securely out of the frame, lay it on a flat sawhorse. As you do this, make sure that the door does not get damaged by the surface. It is recommended that you remove from the surface anything that could scratch or pierce your door.
2. Remove the Moulding
Once the door is removed, break the paint seal using a utility knife and then begin the task of removing the moulding. If you can, attempt to remove the moulding from the frame without breaking it. However, if the moulding has greatly deteriorated, it may be difficult to remove it without breaking it. Once you have removed the window stop moulding, put it aside.
3. Remove the Plexiglass
Anything that’s holding the plexiglass should be removed. Start by removing any glazing compound that could be holding the plexiglass in place. The objective is to safely and carefully remove the plexiglass. As you remove the plexiglass, take care not to damage the door frame. This is an intricate process that should be undertaken with extreme caution.
4. Scrape the Door Frame Clean
A putty knife is an ideal tool to clean the door frame surface. As you do this, be careful not to damage the wood surface. If there are glazier points residues remaining, remove them at this stage. Your next step is to clean the door frame with a mild cleaning solution before leaving it to dry.
5. Add a Bead of Glazing Compound
Now is the time to prepare the door frame by applying a bead of fresh glazing compound around its perimeter. You can choose either acrylic- or an oil-based compound. However, acrylic is highly recommended since it does not leave residue on the glass.
6. Install the Glass Insert
Carefully re-confirm the measurements of both the opening and the glass before inserting the new glass insert into the opening of the door frame. You should then press down the glass onto the glazing compound. Secure the glass by pressing into place glazing points around the perimeter of the frame.
7. Install the Wooden Glass Stops
The next step is to re-install the glass stops or add new ones as needed. You can secure the wooden stops by a brad nailer. Next, paint the wooden stops. Painting leaves a paint seal between the wood and the glass. This adds to the firmness of the glass insert. Whenever possible, it’s highly recommended that new wooden stops be primed before the installation.
Installing glass door inserts is an intricate affair. It needs to be expertly done to avoid damaging either the door frame or the glass insert itself. For instance, you should use a nail gun rather than a hammer to avoid gorging the frame or causing harm to the glass.
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