How to Repair French Doors
French doors are a beautiful way to connect outdoor and indoor spaces. However, they can experience problems over time that require prompt attention for both safety and practicality.
Sagging, misalignment and warping of the sash and frame of the door are all common issues. Fortunately, most of these issues can be easily fixed with some time and effort.
Locks that are not aligned
Sometimes doors get stuck or misaligned due to humidity, swelling of the wood or the house sinking. This could cause the strike or lock bolt plate sway, requiring more force to open and close the door. This can put extra stress on the lock, which could result in mangled lock components or broken locks altogether. This is a frequent issue which can be solved with DIY techniques.
In some cases there are times when a tiny amount of lubricant is all you need to make the door more easy to open and close. You can use a graphite lubricant but make sure it's safe for the door. Make sure you clean the area with a damp cloth to clean any debris from around the door before applying the grease.
A door that hangs off-center can be easily fixed by adjusting and loosening the hinges until they are aligned with the frame. However, be careful not to tighten too much the screws, as this could cause damage to the door or hinges.
If your exterior French doors are not closing properly, this could be an indication that there is a problem in the lock mechanism. This is typically caused by small screws from the factory that have become loose over time. To fix this issue, replace the screws with ones that grip more of the door frame wood.
You can also adjust the lock, but it will be more difficult and complicated. Begin by loosening the knob of the lock or handle using a flathead screwdriver. You can then remove the lock assembly from its cubbyhole by removing it and taking it out. Look for obstructions, and then reassemble it, and make sure that all screw connections are tightened.
If the latch isn't touching the strike plate hole, you may need to move or enlarge the strike plate hole. If the strike plate is either higher or higher than the latch hole, this can prevent the lock from closing, and require a locksmith expert. If repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk is small, you can make use of a file made of metal to increase the size of the hole.
Sagging
If your doors are sliding or have gaps between them, it can impact the insulation properties of your home and lower the efficiency of its energy use. These gaps can also create drafts and block your view. Fortunately there are easy fixes to help solve these problems.
In the beginning start by tightening your hinges to ensure they are properly aligned. This will take about 10 minutes or less, and will not require any tools. If this doesn't solve the issue, you will need to replace your hinges. They are likely to be nearing the end of their lifespan.
Over time the weight of your French door may cause them to become loose. To prevent this ensure that you tighten all hinges on your door and test them regularly to ensure they are still secure. Occasionally, you should also grease the hinges with an oil-based spray to prolong their life.
The hinges that are old or damaged can cause a door to slide replacing hinges with new ones could aid. A new doorknob or freshly painted doors could affect the alignment of your French door.
Other causes of sagging include foundation settlement or wear and tear on the hinges, or improper modifications to your doors. You can fix a door that is sagging by tightening or adjusting the hinges.
It is also important to inspect the weather stripping and door sweep regularly to ensure that they're functioning properly. If they're not working, taking them off and replacing them could fix the issue.
Also, you should check your doors' frames for signs of rot or warping. These issues can create a draft and will not only affect the performance of your doors, but can also cause water leakage and other damages around your house.
Popular Mechanics advises that if your doors are sagging, and you've tried the first two options, you may need to sand your door jambs with a handplane. To do this, unhook your doors from their hinges. Set them flat on a solid surface like a sawhorse. Note the areas that require smoothing, and then use a plane to smooth these areas.
Leaks
French doors with large glass areas are susceptible to leaks, particularly in a region that receives frequent rain. If not treated, these leaks can cause the door frame to become rotted and also the structure around it to deteriorate. It is comparatively simple to repair these leaks, and it should only take just a few minutes.
Leaks can be caused by a variety of factors, such as
A broken seal
This issue can be easily resolved by replacing the rubber seal on either side of the threshold the new seal. This will ensure a tight fit, which will prevent rainwater from getting inside your home.
The sill is leaking with water.
This problem can be caused by a number of reasons, such as a absence of a sill pan or a sill made of steel that isn't watertight. If you find that water is gathering around your French door, call the builder to install sill pans or replace the steel sill with a wooden sill that will be able to resist water.
Obstructions
A damaged seal can result in fog accumulating between the two panes of glass on French doors, which obstructs the view and decreases their energy efficiency. The issue can be solved by replacing the seal with a newer one that blocks both moisture and air.
Loose handles
Having a loose handle on your French doors can be quite dangerous, as it can be snagged while you're opening or closing the door. Tightening the handles' screws can resolve this issue or you can replace the handle altogether in the event that it's damaged or worn out.
A track stop that isn't properly set can prevent the doors from sliding correctly, resulting in scratches and jams on the frames. This problem can be solved by putting silicone caulk on tracks or track stops. You should also regularly check the exterior surfaces of doors and frames for wear or cracks, and ensure that they are in good working order.
Warping
A French door offers a lovely view and lets in plenty of natural light, but when you're not cautious, your doors can start warping as a result of exposure to humidity or heat. It's a good idea to contact a handyman with experience in repairing French door. They can guide you on the best method to repair your doors and ensure that they're safe to close and open.
If your doors are badly warped, you might need to replace them entirely. If they are just slightly warped, you might be capable of straightening them by placing wet heavy towels over the problem area. Place the towels on the door for a few days, or even longer, until they're completely flattened.
This technique is typically employed on uPVC doors, but it can also be applied to wood ones - provided the wood is well seasoned. The process is challenging and time-consuming, particularly in the case of doors that are warped.
If the doors have been stored incorrectly, this can be a cause of warping. They should be kept clear from construction work that generates a lot of humidity like decorating or plastering work. They should be stored flat, on a solid surface.
A damaged strike plate may also cause warping. To fix the issue you'll need to remove your doors and place them on a pair of sawhorses. You can then employ a hand plane to remove any excess wood from the top and bottom of each door. It is essential to work in small pieces so that you don't end up taking too much off the doors, which can cause them to become too thin and fragile.
After the doors have been rehung, put the strike plate back in place. If the lock still doesn't work the barrel catch could be catching against the side of the frame. This can usually be solved by lubricating and lubricating the latch with silicone spray. If this doesn't work the latch, it may require replacement.