How to Repair French Doors
French doors can be a stylish method of connecting indoor and outdoor spaces. They can develop problems over time, which require immediate attention to ensure safety and functionality.
Warping, sagging and misalignment of the sash and frame of the door are all common issues. The majority of these issues can be easily resolved 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 settlement. This can cause the bolt for the lock to become loose and making it more difficult to open or close the door. This can put extra stress on the lock, which can eventually result in mangled inner-lock components or broken locks altogether. This is a common problem that can be easily solved through DIY solutions.
In some instances, all that is required is a little lubrication to help the door open and close easily. You can use a graphite-based lubricant, but be sure it is safe for the door. Make sure to wipe the area with a damp cloth to clean any debris from the door prior to you apply the grease.
Another simple way to fix a door that's hanging off the wall is by loosing the hinges and then adjusting them until they're level with the frame of the door. You must be careful not to tighten the screws too much as this could cause damage to the hinges or door.
If your external French doors aren't closing properly, it could be an indication that there is a problem in the lock mechanism. This is typically caused by short screws that came from the factory that have come loose over time. Replace the screws with larger ones to remove more wood from the door frames.
You can also alter the lock, but it will be more complex and difficult. Begin by loosening the knob of the lock or handle using a flat-head screwdriver. Then, you can remove the lock assembly from its cubbyhole by unscrewing and pulling it out. Examine it for any obstructions and then reassemble and tighten the screw connections.
If the latch isn't hitting the strike plate hole it may be necessary to move or enlarge the strike plate hole. If the strike plate is smaller or higher than the hole for the latch, this could prevent the lock from closing and will require a locksmith. If the hole is too small, you can expand it with a metal file or drill.
Sagging
If repairing french doors repairmywindowsanddoors are sagging or have gaps between them, it will affect the insulating properties of your house and decrease its energy efficiency. These gaps can also block views and create drafts. Fortunately there are simple fixes to help solve these issues.
To begin, tighten your hinges to ensure that they are correctly aligned. This is usually 10 minutes or less and not require any tools. If this isn't enough to solve your issue, you may need to replace the hinges since they've likely reached the end of their usefulness.
Over time, the weight of your French door may cause them to loosen. To stop this from happening, tighten all of the hinges on your door and test them frequently to ensure they are still secure. Sometimes, you must apply lubrication to the hinges using a spray of lubrication to prolong their lifespan.
The hinges that are old or damaged can cause doors to bow and sag, so replacing hinges with new ones could help. A new doorknob or freshly painted doors could also impact 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. A sagging door can be fixed by adjusting your hinges and tightening the hinge screws or even replacing the hinges completely.
It is also essential to check the weather stripping and door sweep often to ensure that they are working correctly. If they are not, removing them and replacing them will fix the issue.
Also, you should examine your door frames for signs of warping or rot. These issues can create drafts and not only affect the performance of your doors, but they could also lead to water leakage and other damage around your home.
Popular Mechanics advises that if your doors are sliding and you've tried the first two alternatives, you might have to sand the door jambs using a handplane. To do this, remove your doors from their hinges. Lay them flat on something sturdy like a sawhorse. Make a note of the areas that require planed, and then use a hand plane to smooth these areas of the doorjamb.
Leaks
The large glass areas on French doors can be a common source of water leaks, especially when you live in a region that receives significant rainfall. If left untreated the leaks can lead to rotting of the door frame and the structure surrounding it. Fortunately, fixing leaks is a relatively simple task that will only take just a few hours to finish.
Leaks can be caused by a number of factors that include:
A broken seal
This problem can be resolved by replacing the rubber seal on either side of the threshold with a new one. This will ensure that there is an exact fit and stop rainwater from getting inside your home.
Water is leaking from the sill
This problem can be caused by a number of reasons, such as a absence of a sill pan or the use of a sill made of steel that isn't watertight. If you notice that water is accumulating around your French doors, it's important to contact the builder and request for the installation of a sill pan or to replace the sill made of steel with an alternative made of wood that will resist moisture.
Obstructions
A leaky seal could cause fog to accumulate between the two panes of glass on French doors, which blocks the view and lowers energy efficiency levels. This can be fixed by replacing the seal with a new one that can keep out moisture and air.
Loose handles
A loose handle could be dangerous since it can fall while you're opening or closing your French door. This problem can be fixed by tightening the screws or replacing the handle if it is damaged or worn.
Similarly, a track stop that isn't properly set can stop the doors from sliding correctly, resulting in jams and scratches on the frames. This problem can be solved by applying silicone caulk to track stops or tracks. It is also recommended to regularly inspect the exterior surfaces of frames and doors for cracks or wear to ensure they are in good working order.
Warping
If you're not cautious If you're not careful, your French doors may begin to warp because of exposure to moisture or heat. If this happens, you should consider hiring a handyman who specializes in the repair of French doors. They can guide you on the best way of repairing your doors and make sure that they're safe to close and open.
If your doors are seriously bent, you might need to replace them. If they're only slightly warped it might be possible to get them straight by wetting heavy towels and laying them on the problem area. Leave the towels in place for several days or more until the doors have been flattened completely.
This method can be used to repair uPVC or wood doors provided that the wood has been well-seasoned. The process is difficult and time-consuming, particularly if your doors are warped.
If the doors have been stored incorrectly, this can be a cause of warping. Keep them away from any construction work that creates lots of moisture, such as plastering and decorating. They should also be stored flat on a solid surface and not stacked, especially in their unfinished state.
Another reason for warping is the strike plate being loose. To fix this issue, you'll need to take the doors off and place them on a pair of sawhorses. Then, you can employ a hand plane to remove any excess wood from the top and bottom of each door. You should work in small increments to avoid taking too much wood from the doors. This could result in them becoming too thin and fragile.
Once the doors are rehung, you can screw the strike plate back in place. If the lock still doesn't work the barrel catch could be getting caught on the side of the frame. This is fixable by spraying silicone onto the latch. If this isn't working, you might have to replace the latch.