7 Small Changes That Will Make The Difference With Your Repair French Doors
How to Repair French Doors
French doors are a beautiful addition to a home they connect outdoor and indoor spaces. However, they may face issues over time that require immediate attention for both safety and practicality.
Warping, sagging and misalignment of the sash and frame of the door are common problems. Most of these problems can be solved with just a bit of time and effort.
Locks that are not aligned
Sometimes doors are stuck or misaligned due humidity, wood swelling or the house shifting. This can cause the bolt for the lock to become loose, making it harder to open or close the door. This could also put extra stress on the locks, which may eventually lead to broken locks or damaged inner components. It's an issue that is common and can often be solved with simple DIY solutions.
In certain situations, all that is required is a little lubrication to aid the door in opening and close easily. It is possible to use graphite as a oil, but you must be cautious to choose a product that is safe for your door. Before applying the lubricant wipe the door's perimeter with an abrasive rag that is damp to remove any debris.
Another method to fix a door that's hanging off the wall is by loosing the hinges and then moving them until they're level with the door's frame. Be careful not to over-tighten the screws, as this could damage the hinges or damage the door.
If your exterior French doors aren't closing properly, this could indicate that there is an obstruction in the lock mechanism. Most often, this is caused by factory screws that are short that become loose over time. Replace the screws with longer ones to pull more wood from the door frames.
You can also try adjusting the lock itself, however this will be more difficult and complex. Start by loosening either the lock knob or handle using a flathead screws. You can then remove the lock from its cubbyhole by unscrewing and pulling it out. Check for obstructions, then reassemble the lock and tighten all the screw connections.
If the latch isn't touching the strike plate hole it may be necessary to relocate or expand the strike plate hole. If the strike plate is lower or higher than the latch hole it could hinder the lock from closing and may require locksmith assistance. If the hole is too small, you can enlarge it with a metal file or drill.
Sagging
If your doors aren't straight or have gaps, this will reduce the energy efficiency of your home. These gaps can also obstruct views and cause drafts. There are simple solutions to address these issues.
Start by tightening your hinges and aligning them correctly. This should only take 10 minutes and no tools are required. If this does not solve the issue, you may need to replace the hinges since they have likely reached the end of their life.
Over time, your French doors can loosen because of the weight. To avoid this make sure you tighten all the hinges on your door and check them frequently to ensure that they are still secure. You can also keep your hinges lubricated with a lubricating spritz to prolong their life.
A damaged or worn-out hinge can cause doors to slide replacing hinges with new ones can help. A new doorknob or freshly painted door can affect the alignment of your French door.
Other causes of sagging include foundation settlement, wear on hinges or the wrong modifications made to your doors. A sagging door can be corrected by adjusting the hinges, tightening the hinge screws, or even replacing the hinges completely.
It is also necessary to check the weather stripping and door sweep often to make sure they're working properly. If they're not functioning, you can remove them and replace them.
Also, you should look over your frames for indications of warping or rot. These issues can lead to drafts, which can decrease the effectiveness of your door. They could also cause water leakage or damages to your home.
Popular Mechanics advises that if your doors are sliding after you've tried all three options, you may have to sand your door jambs with a handplane. To do this, remove the doors from the hinges and lay them flat on a sawhorse, or something else that is sturdy. Note the areas that require smoothing out, then use a plane to smooth these areas.
Leaks
The vast areas of glass on French doors can be a common source of water leaks, especially in a region that receives frequent rainfall. If left untreated the leaks can lead to rotting of the door frame and the surrounding structure. french door glass replacement is fairly simple to repair these leaks and will only take you only a few minutes.
Leaks can be caused by a variety of factors, such as
A broken seal
Replace the rubber seals on both sides of your threshold with new seals. This will ensure a perfect fit, preventing rainwater from getting inside your home.
The sill is leaking water.
This problem can be caused by a variety of issues, including a lack of a sillpan or a sill made of steel that isn't watertight. If you notice water collecting around your French doors, it's important to get in touch with the builder and ask for the installation of a sill pan or to replace the sill made of steel by a wooden one that can be able to resist water.
Obstructions
A faulty seal can also cause fog to accumulate between the double panes glass on French doors, which block the view and decreases their energy efficiency levels. This can be fixed by replacing the existing seal with one that is able to block out air and moisture.
Loose handles
A handle that isn't tight could be dangerous because it could fall when you are opening or closing your French door. This problem can be fixed by tightening screws or replacing the handle if it's damaged or worn.
Similar to a track stop that's not correctly set can block doors from sliding in the right way, leading to scratches and jams on frames. This issue can be resolved by applying silicone caulk to track stops or tracks. It's also a good idea to regularly check for cracks and wear on the exterior surface of the frames and doors to ensure that they are in top condition.
Warping
A French door offers a lovely view and allows plenty of light. However, when you're not cautious, your doors can start warping due to exposure to heat or humidity. It's a good idea to contact a handyman with experience in fixing a French doors. They can advise you on the best way to fix your doors and make sure that they're safe to shut and open.
If your doors are seriously bent, you may have to replace them completely. If they are just slightly warped, you may be capable of straightening them by placing damp towels over the problem area. Place the towels on the floor for a few days or until the doors are completely flattened.
This method is often employed on uPVC doors, but can also be applied to wood doors in the event that the wood is properly seasoned. The process is laborious and time-consuming, particularly in the case of doors that are warped.
If the doors were stored improperly, it could cause warping. They should be kept clear from building works that generate a lot of humidity like decorating or plastering work. They should be kept in a flat place, on a solid surface.
A damaged strike plate could also cause warping. To fix the problem you'll need to take the doors off and place them on a pair of sawhorses. The excess wood can be removed from the bottom and top edges of each door with hand planes. It is recommended to work in smaller increments to avoid taking too much wood from the doors. This could result in them becoming too thin and brittle.
After the doors have been rehung, screw the strike plate in the appropriate position. If the lock isn't working after this the barrel catch could be catching on the side of the frame. This can usually be solved by lubricating and applying silicone spray. If this isn't working, you might need to replace the latch.