Replacing Door Glass Installation Guide

Installing new door glass can be completed in less than 90 minutes. Below you will find a step-by-step guide for replacing the existing glass in your door. Don’t forget to checkout our installation video as well.

STATEMENT OF INTENDED USE

Door glass panels are for use in 1¾” thick residential steel and fiberglass doors. They are not designed for use in wood doors, doors that do not have rigid steel frames, or as windows in a wall. Any misuse or installation other than stated will void the warranty.

CAUTION

When working with glass and frames, care should be taken. Door glass is made of tempered safety glass but should be carefully supported at all times. The smaller sized glass can be installed vertically, but we recommend that 22″x 66″ and larger glass kits be installed with the door off the hinges and lying down. Door glass kits may be heavy and of an awkward size, so two installers may be required to remove the old glass from the opening and lift the door glass.

If you have questions about your installation or would like assistance, please contact us for help.

TOOLS

FIND A HELPER

• Painter’s Tape• Drop Cloth

• Safety Gloves	• Safety Glasses
• Dry Wall Screw (size optional)	• Power Screw Driver with Phillips Head Bit
• Putty Knife	• Window Cleaner
• Tape Measure	• Pencil

IF YOU NEED TO CUT AN OPENING

• 2 Saw-horses	• Drill with ⅜” or ½” bit
• Jigsaw with a shirt-stroke blade	• Ear Protection

DOOR GLASS CONSTRUCTION

Door glass is made up of two different sections.

OUTSIDE FRAME & DOOR GLASS

The outside frame section contains the glass.

INSIDE FRAME

The inside frame section with holes for the attachment screws.

SCREWS & SCREW PLUGS

Attachment screws are used from inside of the home.

REPLACING DOOR GLASS INSERTS

1. Remove Frame & Glass

A. LOCATE AND REMOVE SCREWS

Old paint, putty, or caulk may need to be removed from the screw plugs first. Remove all screw plugs and all attachment screws.

B. REMOVE INNER FRAME

Once the screws are removed, have a helper stand on the outside of the door and hold the frame. REMOVE THE INNER FRAME.

C. LOOSEN OUTER FRAME

Apply painter’s tape to protect the outside surface. INSERT THE PUTTY KNIFE between the outer frame and the door to break the old caulk seal.

TIP: Spray window cleaner around the outer frame’s edge to help release caulk.

D. REMOVE EXISTING DOOR GLASS

While wearing safety glasses and gloves, GENTLY remove the existing glass.

E. CLEAN & PREPARE DOOR SURFACE

After the door glass has been safety removed, CAREFULLY SCRAPE any old or excess caulk and dirt from the inside and outside openings.

2. Prepare Your Door

A. Remove door knob or handle set and any lock sets and carefully set them aside until after the door glass is installed.

B. Remove door from hinges. Lay door across sawhorses.

3. Measure, Mark, and Cut

A. Extend your existing vertical and horizontal dimensions down to the bottom of your embossments. Make sure your cutting area is centered.

B. Apply painter’s tape around cutting area to prevent damage while cutting.

C. Drill ⅜” or ½” starter hole in all remaining corners to be cut out.

D. DO NOT CUT ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE DOOR. The up-stroke should not leave the door and the down-stroke should not exceed 1″ into the door.

E. Using the starter holes, INSERT JIG SAW with a short-stroke blade into the inner core of the door and CUT ALONG MARKED GUIDELINES, corner to corner.

F. If you need to cut near the handleset, you will be cutting through a material of a different density. You will feel slightly more resistance in this area.

G. FLIP DOOR OVER and repeat steps A to E for the backside of the door.

H. REMOVE TAPE AND DEBRIS

I. REMOVE all packaging from the door glass kit.

J. SEPARATE the inner frame from the outer frame with glass.

3. Installing New Door Glass

A. Lift the door off the sawhorses an LAY DOWN OUTER FRAME with the glass over the sawhorses.

TIP. To ensure that the glass is correctly installed, the temper stamp should appear on the bottom of the door.

B. Carefully LAY THE DOOR OVER THE DOOR GLASS. To properly distribute the weight of the door glass, place the bottom edge of the door opening snugly to the bottom of the door glass.

C. Place interior frame with the exposed screw holes over the inside of the door.

D. Align the frames by matching the screw hole guides.

E. Insert each screw working from side to side. Tighten firmly so that the frame fits snugly against the door and the seal is compressed. AVOID OVER TIGHTENING THE SCREWS.

F. Align the screw plugs with the frame profile. Insert and tap each one into place.

G. Place the door back on it’s hinges. Use standard window cleaner to make your new door glass shine!

FRAME FINISHING CONSIDERATIONS

PREMIUM PAINT AND STAIN READY TAN PLASTIC FRAME

Tan frames are manufactured with a specially engineered plastic that is designed to be painted or stained. No primers or adhesion promoters are required when painting or staining this frame. We recommend using the same high quality exterior grade paint or stain as you will use to finish your entry door.

FRAME SURFACE PREP

The frame should be free of any dust and debris. Use mild detergent and water. The frame should be dry and acclimated to room temperature before applying paint. No other surface prep is necessary for finishing this frame.

NOTE: DO NOT APPLY ADHESION PROMOTERS or PRIMERS containing adhesion promoter to this frame.

PAINTING AND STAINING

Painting – Recommended for use with exterior latex paint. Apply thin coats, allowing paint to dry between coats, to achieve the desired coverage and finish.

Staining – A 2-Step Staining process is recommended for the most desirable level of adhesion.

Step 1 – Apply an opaque base coat of paint to the frame, as described above.

Step 2 – Apply the stain to the frame. Work stain into the graining with a sponge or cloth. Wipe off the excess stain for the desired finish. Stain manufacturer’s instructions may differ or provide additional information. Please follow their instructions. Apply a compatible clear top coat to the manufacturer’s recommendation to protect finish.

HIGH PERFORMANCE MAINTENANCE-FREE WHITE FRAME FINISHING INSTRUCTIONS

White frames are the perfect solution for a durable, maintenance-free frame that does not require painting. It will not yellow over time and when unpainted, will not warp behind a storm door.

If you desire to paint the frame around your door glass, we recommend that your purchase the Premium Paint- and Stain-Ready Tan Frame. However, if you choose to paint a White Frame:

1. For increased paint adhesion use adhesion promoting primer made for use with polypropylene.

2. Finish with an exterior grade acrylic latex paint.

CAUTION – Apply paint in a well-ventilated area and follow all paint manufacturer’s cautions, warnings and instructions.