How to Repair French Doors
French doors are a beautiful addition to a home they connect outdoor and indoor spaces. They can become problematic with time, requiring immediate attention to safety and functionality.
Misalignment, sagging and warping of the sash and frame of the door are all common problems. Most of these problems are easily solved with a little time and effort.
Locks that are not aligned
Certain doors may become stuck or misaligned due to humidity, wood swelling or house settling. This could cause the bolt of the lock to be awry and making it more difficult to open or close the door. This puts additional strain on the lock, which can eventually lead to mangled inner-lock components or even broken locks completely. It's an issue that is quite common and is often solved by simple DIY methods.
In some instances, a small amount of lubricant may be enough to make the door easier to open and close. It is possible to use graphite as a lubricant, but be careful to select one that is safe for your door. Be sure to clean the area with a moist cloth to remove any debris around the door prior to you apply the grease.
A door that hangs off-center can be fixed by adjusting and loosening the hinges until they are aligned with the frame. However, you must be careful not to tighten too much the screws, as this could damage the hinges or door.
If your exterior French door isn't closing properly it could be a sign there is a blockage in the lock mechanism. This is usually caused by short factory screws that come undone with time. Replace the screws with larger ones to pull more wood from the door frames.
You could also try adjusting the lock itself, but this is more complicated and difficult. Begin by loosening the lock knob or handle using a flat-head screwdriver. Then, you can remove the lock by removing it from the cubbyhole and taking it out. Check for any obstructions, and then reassemble and tighten the screw connections.
If the latch doesn't touch the strike plate, you may have to move the strike plate or expand it. If the strike plate is lower or higher than the hole of the latch, this could prevent the lock from closing and require a locksmith. If the hole is too small, you can increase it by using a metal file or drill.
Sagging
If your doors are creaking or have gaps between them, it can impact the insulation properties of your home and lower its energy efficiency. french doors repair can also obstruct views and create drafts. Fortunately, there are a few easy fixes that can help resolve these problems.
To begin with tighten the hinges to ensure they're correctly aligned. This will take about 10 minutes or less and will not require any tools. If this does nothing to fix the problem, you will need to replace your hinges. They are likely to be nearing the end of their lifecycle.
Over time the weight of your French door could cause them to loosen. To prevent this make sure you tighten all the hinges on your door and inspect them frequently to ensure that they're still secure. Occasionally, you should also grease the hinges with a lubricating spray to extend their lifespan.
Old or damaged hinges can cause a door to sag replacing them with new ones can aid. A new doorknob or freshly painted door can also impact the alignment of your French door.
Other causes of sagging are foundation settlement, wear on the hinges, or incorrect changes made to your doors. You can repair a door that is sagging by tightening or changing the hinges.
Also, it is important to inspect the weather stripping on your doors and to make sure they are functioning correctly. If they're not working, you can remove them and replace them.
Additionally, you should periodically look over the wood of your door frame for signs of warping or rotting. These issues can lead to drafts that reduce the efficiency of your door. They can also lead to water leakage or damages to your home.
If your doors are sliding and you've tried the two methods above most likely you'll have to sand down your door jamb using a hand plane, advises Popular Mechanics. To do this, unhook your doors from their hinges. Lay them flat on a sturdy surface like a sawhorse. Mark the places that need planed, and then use a hand plane to smooth out these areas of the doorjamb.
Leaks
French doors with large glass areas are prone to leaks, especially if you live in a region that receives frequent rain. If left untreated the leaks could lead to decay of the frame and the structure surrounding it. It is fairly easy to fix these leaks and will only take only a few minutes.
Leaks can be caused by many causes, including
A broken seal
This issue can be easily resolved by replacing the rubber seal on either side of the threshold an entirely new seal. This will ensure that there is an exact fit and stop rainwater from getting into your home.
Water leaking through the sill
This problem can be caused through a variety of causes, including the lack of a sillpan, or using a sill made from metal that is not watertight. If you notice that water is accumulating around your French doors, it's important to contact the builder and request them to install a sill pan or to replace the steel sill with an alternative made of wood that will be able to resist moisture.
Obstructions
A damaged seal can cause fog to build up between the double panes of glass on French doors, which obstructs the view and decreases their energy efficiency levels. This can be fixed by replacing the seal with a new one that can stop moisture and air from entering.
Loose handles
A loose handle could be dangerous since it could fall when you are closing or opening your French door. This problem can be fixed by tightening the screws or replacing the handle if damaged or worn.
A track stop that is not correctly installed could cause doors to become jammed and scratch the frames. This issue can be resolved by adding silicone caulk to track stops or tracks. It's also an excellent idea to check regularly for cracks and wear on the exterior surfaces of doors and frames to ensure they're in good shape.
Warping
If you're not careful, your French doors may begin to warp because of exposure to heat or moisture. If this happens, consider calling a handyman who specialises in the repair of French doors. They can provide advice on the best method to fix your doors and ensure that they are safe to open and close.
If your doors are severely bent, it may be necessary to replace them. However, if they're just slightly warped, it could be possible to get them back to straight by wetting heavy towels and placing them across the affected area. Leave the towels in the doors for a few days or even longer until they're completely flattened.
This method can be used to fix uPVC or wood doors provided that the wood has been well-seasoned. The process is challenging and time-consuming, particularly if your doors are warped.
If the doors were stored incorrectly, this can be a cause of stretching. They should be kept clear from building works that generate lots of humidity, like decorating or plastering work. They should also be kept flat on a surface and not stacked especially in their unfinished state.
A damaged strike plate could also cause warping. To fix this, you must remove the doors and set them up on a pair of sawhorses. Then, you can use a hand plane to remove any wood from the top and bottom of each door. It is recommended to work in smaller increments to avoid removing too much wood from the doors. This could result in them becoming too thin and brittle.
Once the doors are fixed, you can put the strike plate back into place. If the lock still doesn't work, the barrel catch may be caught against the frame's side. the frame. This can usually be repaired by lubricating the latch with silicone spray. If that doesn't work, the latch might need to be replaced.