How To Change My Fireplace Door Glass?

There are different models and styles of fireplace doors. Fast Replacement Glass offers tempered glass panels for replacement on bi-fold doors. The following instructions are meant to be general guidelines. Please keep in mind that they may not apply to your particular fireplace application. We strongly recommend consulting your owner's manual before attempting to replace the glass on your fireplace doors according to our instructions.

Bi-fold glass panels can be easily replaced on fireplace doors. Keep in mind this is tempered glass that has been specifically designed for use with wood burning fireplace applications. Before getting started, make sure you have the appropriate tools on hand to complete the task:

• Sturdy, elevated working surface (preferably a table)
• Large piece of cardboard scrap
• Soft drop cloth or blanket
• Flathead screwdriver
• Box cutter
• Tape measure
• Channel lock pliers
• Glass retainer clips

1. With your utility knife, cut a small piece (approximately 1” x 1”) off the cardboard and set aside. You'll need this later when it is time to install your glass retainer clips.
2. Prepare your work surface (table) by laying down either a large piece of cardboard scrap or a  drop cloth (blanket). This will help protect the glass pane from being scratched and keep them steady during installation. 
3. Carefully remove your new glass panes from the box and set them, side by side.
   • There will be 4 panes of glass altogether for a set of bi-fold doors. Start with one side (2 panes), then complete the installation for the other side. 
4. Make sure that the top and bottom rails of your bi-fold door frame are clear of debris and old retainer clips.
5. Install the bottom rail first (this is the one with the door handles on it). You will want to be sure that the hinge joint is facing upward and the door handles facing downward. 
6. The ends of the glass panes should hang slightly over the edge of your working space. This will allow you to install the rail without the door handles contacting your work surface (which creates pressure points).
7. With the handles facing downward, slide the bottom rail onto the 2 glass panes. Take care not to let the inside edges of the glass get caught in the hinge.
8. Use the tape measure to help you place your glass retainer clips.

• Retainer clips have 3 sides:
  • front side = smooth, flat
  • back side = upward facing “spikes” to grip the inside of rails
  • bottom = has open gap

9. The smooth side of the retainer clip should be placed against the glass 1-1/4” from the edge of the glass pane, one clip per corner. (You may need to adjust this placement in the presence of hinges/screw holes.)

• For example: along the bottom rail, you'll place 4 clips (1 at each outer and inner corner of the 2 glass panes). 

10. Place the 1”x1” cardboard scrap against the bottom outside of the rail and hold in place. This will act as a cushion so that the pliers do no scratch or dent your rails.
11. Using the channel lock pliers, grip the bottom of the rail and the top of the glass retainer clip. Slowly press the clip into the rail. Repeat this process for the remaining 3 clips.
12. If after insertion, the clip appears crooked, you can easily fix your mistake by inserting a flat head screwdriver into the opening of the retainer clip; use a gentle back and forth rocking motion to remove the clip – never force it out.
13. Repeat steps 5-12 for the top rail. You will still want to keep the glass panes in the same position with the door handles hanging slightly over the edge of your working surface to avoid pressure points. 

• Keep in mind that you will now have 8 glass retainer clips installed altogether (4 clips for each pane of glass).

14. Finally, if your bi-fold glass panels do not appear to be aligned, you can fold the door in half and apply firm but careful pressure to the top of the glass.
15. Repeat steps 3-14 for the other side of your bi-fold doors.