Remove a Therma-Tru door lite or sidelite surround for frame or glass replacement: drive a screw into each interior plug to extract them, tape the surround in place from the exterior so the glass doesn't fall, unscrew the inside frame, pry it free, then push the surround out from the interior side.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Locate the Interior Screw Plugs

• This procedure removes the surround and glass from a Therma-Tru door lite or sidelite so the frame or glass insert can be replaced.
• Work from the interior side of the door first — the screws holding the surround in place are hidden under small plugs along the inside frame.
• Identify each plug around the perimeter of the lite before you start pulling them.

2. Extract the Plugs

• Drive a screw into the center of each plug using a drill.
• Once the screw bites, grip the plug with pliers and pull it out of the frame.
• Use the drill in reverse to back the screw out of the removed plug, then move to the next plug and repeat until every interior plug is out.

3. Tape the Surround From the Exterior

• Move to the outside of the door and tape across the surround and glass so they cannot fall out of the door once the inside frame is unscrewed.
• Use strong tape and span across multiple sides of the surround for full support.

4. Unscrew and Pry Off the Inside Frame

• Back out the screws now exposed on the interior frame.
• Carefully pry the inside frame away from the door, working around the perimeter so it releases evenly.
• Set the inside frame aside in a safe spot.

5. Push Out the Surround and Glass

• Remove the tape from the exterior, supporting the surround so it does not drop.
• Pull the surround out from the outside, or have a helper push it out from the interior side.
• You are now ready to replace the surround frame and/or the glass insert.
• If you are not reinstalling the glass right away, leave it seated in the surround so the edges stay protected.

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Entry Door Glass Surrounds

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