The Three Greatest Moments In Repair French Doors History

How to Repair French Doors

French doors are a beautiful addition to a home that connects outdoor and indoor spaces. However, they may face problems over time that require prompt attention for both security and function.

Misalignment, sagging and warping of the sash and frame of the door are common problems. Many of these issues are easily solved with some time and effort.

Locks that aren't aligned

Sometimes doors become stuck or misaligned because of humidity, wood swelling or the house sinking. This can make the lock bolt or strike plate sit askew which requires more force to open and close the door. This could put additional pressure on the locks which can eventually lead to broken locks or mangled inner components. Fortunately, this is an issue that is common and is often solved by simple DIY solutions.

In certain situations all that is required is a small amount of lubrication allow the door to open and close easily. It is possible to use graphite as a oil, but you must be cautious to choose one that is safe for your door. Before applying the lubricant, wipe the area around the door with a damp rag to get rid of any debris.

Another way to fix a door that's hanging off the wall is by loosing the hinges and then adjusting them until they are level with the frame of the door. Be careful not to over-tighten the screws because this could damage the hinges or door.

If your exterior French doors aren't closing correctly, it could be a sign that there is a blockage in the lock mechanism. Usually, this is caused by the short screws of the factory that loosen with time. To fix this, replace the screws with ones that will hold more of the door frame wood.

You could also try adjusting the lock, but it will be more difficult and complicated. Begin by loosening either the knob or handle using flathead screw. You can then take the lock assembly from its cubbyhole by unscrewing and pulling it out. Look for obstructions, and then reassemble it, and tighten all screw connections.

If the latch isn't hitting the strike plate hole, you may need to move or enlarge the strike plate hole. If the strike plate is lower or higher than the latch hole this could prevent the lock from closing and require locksmith assistance. If the hole is too small, you can increase it by using a metal file or drill.

Sagging

If your doors aren't straight or have gaps, this will decrease the energy efficiency of your home. These gaps can also block views and create drafts. Fortunately, there are a few easy fixes that can solve these issues.

Start by tightening your hinges and aligning them correctly. This should take 10 minutes or less and not require any tools. If this doesn't solve the issue then you'll need to replace your hinges. They are likely to be at the end of their lifespan.

Over  french door hinge repairs  of your French door can cause them to become slack. To stop this from happening make sure you tighten all the hinges on your door and test them regularly to ensure they're secure. At times, you should apply lubrication to the hinges using a spray of lubrication to prolong their lifespan.

A damaged or worn-out hinge can cause a door to slide replacing hinges with new ones can help. A new doorknob or freshly painted doors could affect the alignment of your French door.

Other causes of sagging are foundation settlement, wear on the hinges or the wrong modifications to your doors. A door that is sagging can be fixed by adjusting your hinges or tightening the hinge screws or even replacing the hinges entirely.

It is also essential to inspect the weather stripping and door sweep often to make sure they are working correctly. If they're not functioning then you can remove them and replace them.

You should also look over your doors' frames for signs of warping or rot. These issues can lead to drafts that reduce the efficiency of your door. They can also lead to water leakage and other damages to your home.

If your doors are sagging and you have tried the two options above It is likely that you'll have to smooth down the jamb of your door with a hand-planer, advises Popular Mechanics. To do this, take your doors from the hinges. Set them flat on something sturdy like a sawhorse. Note the areas that require smoothing out, then use a plane to smooth these areas.

Leaks

The large areas of glass on French doors can be a common source of water leaks, particularly when you live in an area that experiences significant rainfall. Untreated, these leaks may cause the frame of the door to rot and the surrounding structure. Fortunately, fixing leaks is a fairly simple task that should only take a few hours to complete.

Leaks are caused by many factors, including

A broken seal

This problem can be resolved by replacing the rubber seal on either side of the threshold with a the new seal. This will ensure a secure fit, and prevent rainwater from entering your home.

The sill is leaking water.

This problem can be caused a number of ways such as the absence of a sillpan or by using a metal sill which isn't watertight. If you find that water is gathering around your French door, you should contact the builder to ask them to install sill pans or replace the steel sill with the wooden sill which will keep out moisture.

Obstructions

A damaged seal can cause fog to build up between the double panes glass on French doors, which obstructs the view and reduces their energy efficiency levels. The issue can be solved by replacing the old seal with a fresher one that can block out both moisture and air.

Loose handles

A handle that is loose can be dangerous as it could fall when you are opening or closing your French door. This issue can be resolved by tightening screws or replacing the handle if damaged or worn.

A track stop that isn't properly set can stop doors from sliding in the right way which can cause jams and scratches on the frames. Applying silicone caulk to the tracks or track stops may help solve this problem. It's also a good idea to check for cracks regularly and wear on the exterior surface of doors and frames to ensure that they are in good shape.

Warping

If you're not cautious If you're not careful, your French doors could begin warping due to exposure to moisture or heat. It's worth calling in an experienced handyman with experience repairing French door. They can advise you on the most effective method to fix your doors, and also ensure that they are safe to open and close.

If your doors are badly bent, you may have to replace them entirely. However, if they're just slightly warped it might be possible to get them straight by soaking heavy towels and laying them over the affected area. Leave the towels on the doors for several days, or even longer, until they're completely flattened.

This method is often applied to uPVC doors, but it can also be applied to wooden doors in the event that the wood is well seasoned. The process is difficult and time-consuming, particularly in the case of doors that are warped.

If the doors have been stored improperly, it could cause warping. Keep them away from any construction work that generates lots of moisture, such as plastering and decorating. They should also be stored flat on a surface and not stacked, particularly in their unfinished state.

Another reason for warping is an unfastened strike plate. To remedy this, you need to take the doors off and set them up on a pair of sawhorses. The wood that is left over can be removed from the edges at the top and bottom of each door by using a hand plane. You should work in small increments to avoid removing too much wood from the doors. This could cause them to become thin and fragile.

Once the doors are fixed, you can put the strike plate back into place. If the lock doesn't work, the barrel catch may be getting caught on the side of the frame. This can usually be repaired by applying silicone spray. If this doesn't work, you may require replacing the latch.