How to Replace the Glass on a Metal Clad French Door

Cut the caulk around the outside of the plastic trim that's mounted on the inside of your metal clad door. Use a sharp utility knife to break the seal.

Unscrew the fasteners spaced every 8 inches around the perimeter of the plastic trim. Typically, the fastener head used is a specialty head that you can find at your local home improvement store. Match the head to the fastener. These heads usually fit into your standard rotary or drill tool.

Slide a putty knife between the plastic trim and pry the trim away from the glass. Be careful not to stress the plastic or to break the glass further. Sometimes the factory caulk is hard and the putty knife helps to release the plastic trim.

Remove the inside plastic. Clean off all remaining factory caulk. Remove and dispose of the glass. Clean the track with your putty knife. Install the replacement insulated glass purchased for the door. Your glass may be double paned and you may need to order the door glass, so be prepared to wait if the glass company doesn't have one on hand. You can tape plastic over the opening for a few days if necessary.

Install the glass. Apply caulk to help hold the glass in place in the track. Apply a small bead of caulk between the inside plastic trim and the glass. Press the trim into the caulk. Line up the fastener holes and screw the inside trim back in position. Apply a thin bead of caulk around the outside plastic trim. Smooth the caulk with a moist rag.