How to Repair French Doors
French doors can be a stylish method of connecting indoor and outdoor spaces. They can become problematic in time, and require immediate attention to ensure security and efficiency.
Common issues are problems with alignment, sagging, and warping of the door's frame and sash. Fortunately, the majority of these issues can be fixed with some time and effort.
Misaligned locks
Certain doors may become misaligned or stuck due to humidity, wood swelling or house settlement. This can cause the bolt for the lock to become loose and make it difficult to open or close the door. This also puts extra strain on the lock, which could eventually result in mangled inner-lock components or broken locks altogether. This is a frequent issue that can be resolved through DIY solutions.
In some cases, all that is required is a small amount of lubrication help the door open and close smoothly. You can apply a graphite-based lubricant, but be sure it is safe for the door. Before applying the lubricant, clean the area around the door with a damp rag to remove any debris.
A door that hangs off-center can be easily fixed by adjusting and loosening the hinges until they align with the frame. However, be careful not to tighten too much the screws since this can cause damage to the door or hinges.
If your external French doors aren't closing correctly, it could indicate that there is a problem in the lock mechanism. This usually happens due to short screws that came from the factory that have come 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, however it's more complicated and difficult. Begin by loosening the knob or handle with a flathead screwdriver. After that, you can remove the lock assembly by uncrewing it from its cubbyhole and pulling it out. Examine it for any obstructions and then rebuild 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 higher or lower higher than the hole for the latch, it could hinder the lock from closing and may require the assistance of a locksmith. If the hole is too small, you can enlarge it by using a metal file or drill.
Sagging
If your doors aren't straight or have gaps, this can lower the efficiency of your home. These gaps can also cause drafts that block your view. Fortunately there are simple fixes that can help resolve these issues.
Start by tightening your hinges and aligning them properly. This is usually 10 minutes or less and will not require any tools. If this does nothing to fix the issue, you will need to replace the hinges. They're likely to be to be nearing the end of their lifecycle.
Over time the French doors can loosen due to the weight. To stop this from happening, tighten the hinges of your door and make sure they are secure. Sometimes, you must apply lubrication to the hinges using an oil-based spray to prolong their life.
The hinges that are old or damaged can cause doors to slide replacing hinges with new ones could help. A new doorknob or freshly painted door can also impact the alignment of your French door.
Other causes of sagging include foundation settlement, wear and tear on the hinges, or inadequate modifications to your doors. You can fix a sagging door by tightening or altering 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 then you can remove them and replace them.
Also, you should check your frames for signs of warping or rot. These issues can lead to drafts, and they will not only reduce the efficiency of your doors, but could also cause water leakage as well as other damage within your home.
If pop over here are creaking and you have tried the two options above most likely you will need to sand down your door jamb with a hand plane according to Popular Mechanics. To do this, take the doors from their hinges, and put them flat on a sawhorse, or something else that is sturdy. Mark the places that need planning, and then use a hand plane to smooth out these areas of the doorjamb.
Leaks
The vast areas of glass on French doors can be an ideal source for water leaks, especially in an area that experiences significant rainfall. If left untreated the leaks could lead to the frame of the door to rot and the structure surrounding it. Fortunately, fixing these leaks is a relatively easy task that will take only just a few hours to finish.
Leaks are caused by many factors, such as
A broken seal
This issue can be solved by replacing the rubber seal on either side of the threshold with a new one. This will ensure that there is a tight fit, and will also stop rainwater from getting inside your home.
Water leaking through the sill
The problem could be caused by a number of factors, including the absence of a sill pan or a metal sill that isn't watertight. If you notice that water is collecting around your French door, you should contact the builder to ask them to install sill pans or replace the steel sill by the wooden sill which will be able to resist moisture.
Obstructions
A faulty seal may also cause fog to build up between the double panes on French doors. This can obstruct the view and reduce their energy efficiency. This can be fixed by replacing the seal with one that is able to keep out moisture and air.
Loose handles
A handle that is loose can be dangerous as it could fall when you're opening or closing your French door. This issue can be resolved by tightening the screws, or replacing the handle if it's damaged or worn.
A track stop that isn't properly set can block doors from sliding properly, resulting in scratches and jams on the frames. This problem can be solved by adding silicone caulk to track stops or tracks. It's also an excellent idea to check for cracks regularly and wear on the exterior surfaces of doors and frames to ensure they remain in good condition.
Warping
If you're not cautious, your French doors may begin to warp because of exposure to heat or moisture. It is recommended to call a handyman with experience in repairing French doors. They can advise you on the best method of repairing your doors and make sure that they are safe to shut and open.
If your doors are seriously damaged, you may need to replace them entirely. If they are just slightly bent, you may be capable of straightening them by putting wet towels over the area that is causing problems. Place the towels in the doors for a few days, or even longer, until they are completely flattened.
This method can be used to fix uPVC or wood doors, provided that the wood is well-seasoned. The process is difficult and time-consuming, especially when your doors are distorted.
If the doors have been stored incorrectly, this can be a cause of stretching. They should be kept clear from construction projects that create lots of humidity, such as decorating or plastering work. They should be kept flat on a firm surface.
A loose strike plate can also cause warping. To correct the issue, you will need to take your doors off and place them on a pair sawhorses. You can then employ a hand-planer to remove any excess wood from the top and bottom of each door. It is essential to work in small steps to avoid cutting too much off the doors, which can make them too thin and brittle.
After the doors have been rehung, fix the strike plate into 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 be fixed by spraying silicone on the latch. If this does not work, you might need to replace the latch.