How to Replace Cracked Sliding Glass Doors

Repairing a cracked sliding glass door is not difficult.

Sliding glass doors are great additions to a home. They provide easy access to outside areas and allow more light into the home, which can completely change the feel of any space. While most modern sliding glass doors are made to be fairly break-resistant, it is still possible for them to crack if they are struck hard enough. The good news is that a crack will not require you to replace the whole set. Simply remove the glass from the frame and replace it with new glass.

Things You'll Need

• Sliding glass door owner's manual
• Power screwdriver
• Silicone
• Replacement glass

Instructions

1. Contact your local glass company and request a new pane of glass for your sliding door model. The dimensions are found in the owner's manual. If you do not have access to the owner's manual, request a technician to take the proper measurements for the replacement glass. This makes the glass company responsible for delivering the correct size.

2. Remove the metal trim pieces around the cracked pane, and remove all of the screws along the base of the pane. Lift the metal base piece out of the door frame.

3. Remove the screws in the head bracket, located in the top corner of the door frame, and remove the final trim piece.

4. Support the window frame with one hand, and gently push it out of the door frame with the other until it is at a 45-degree angle. Grip the pane with both hands, and lift it out of the door frame completely. Discard the cracked pane.

5. Clean and dry the replacement door pane. Apply a 1/2-inch silicone bead around the outer edge of the new window pane to seal it against moisture and condensation.

6. Set the bottom edge of the replacement pane into the door frame, and push it into the frame.

7. Support the door pane, and install the head bracket with the power screwdriver.

8. Insert the base piece. Secure it in place with its mounting screws. Replace the trim pieces to complete the installation.

References

• Andersen Windows: Caring for Your Andersen Gliding Patio Door
• This Old House: Sliding-Door Tune-up