15 French Door Repair Bloggers You Should Follow
How to Fix Common French Door Repair Problems
French doors can add a touch of elegance to your home. They're also an excellent choice for period homes.
They're also simple to keep. It's best to clean them frequently, using mild soap solutions.
However, like any door they are susceptible to damage over time. There are several ways to fix these doors.
Broken or damaged window
A cracked or broken glass window is not only unsightly, but it also compromises your home's security and insulation. While it's impossible to stop the spreading of cracks for a long time but you can slow it down by making quick and simple fixes.
Wear protective glasses and gloves when working with glass. It's easy to break glass shards if you're not cautious. To remove dirt and debris, use a damp cloth to clean the area surrounding the crack. This will ensure that the glue you use to fix the crack sticks well and doesn't leak or cause further damage.
Then, you must decide if you'd prefer the temporary route and utilize tape or plastic film, or if you'd like to try a more permanent solution that will last longer. If homepage decide to choose the latter option, be sure to use glass glue that is specifically designed specifically for glass and windows such as Loctite’s Super Glue Glass. This glue is strong and can be used inside or outside your glass and windows. It's perfect for quick repairs.
A clear nail polish can also be used to temporarily fill in cracks. This is particularly beneficial for stress cracks that form when temperatures change dramatically from cold to hot. However, keep in mind that nail polish wasn't created to withstand water, so it won't last for an indefinite period of time. You can also cover windows with a plastic sheet, that will protect the windows and keep out insects, rain and wind.
Sagging Hinges
A sliding front door can be an eye sore and could affect the stability of your home. Fortunately, most times, it's easy to fix. If your door is beginning to sag, it's important that you address the issue as soon as you notice it. Small issues can turn into serious, such as squeaks and other misalignments.
Begin by looking at the hinges to find out what's causing the problem. Often loose screws are the cause. If tightening screws do not resolve the sagging issue replacing them with screws that are more long might aid. Longer screws can support the weight of the door and stop it from sagging over time.
You may also have to install shims to adjust the hinge's positioning. These thin strips of metal can be inserted between the hinge and the frame or jamb, distributing the weight evenly and preventing sagging in the future. Use a door stopper or a person to hold it in place while you remove screws from the hinge. Then, carefully lift the doors off the hinges.
It's important to note that a sagging door can be caused by uneven floor levels. This knowledge can lead you to look at the floor and correct any issues that could help you solve the problem of sagging without focusing on the door itself. In some instances the sagging might be due to the condition of the hinge components, such as the pin or knuckle. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the hinges, a task that can be difficult for those with no carpentry skills. In certain cases the sagging hinges on doors could also mean that the construction of the door is too heavy for its frame or jamb.
Doors that are not aligned
Doors that aren't aligned properly may cause them to sag, scrape against the frame, or be difficult to latch. A door that isn't aligned correctly can be a nuisance however it could also contribute to energy inefficiency and squeaky, scratchy noises throughout your home. There are many simple solutions to this problem without the need to call an expert.
If the gap around your doors is uneven, it could mean that your hinges need to be tightened. If, however, the gap is not excessive, it might be due to the door frame shifting or settling with time. In this case, you can use shims to adjust the frame.
Another reason for misalignment is the presence of humidity in the air. This could cause the wood to swell and cause doors to not to close properly. This is not a permanent issue, and usually goes away when the humidity decreases.
Many people are aware that their doors aren't aligned following a storm, but the solution is easy: just tighten the hinge screws to fix the alignment. If this doesn't work, you can employ longer screws to fix your hinges. This will provide them with more support and stop the hinges from becoming loose in the near future.
Another potential issue is an unaligned strike plate. The strike plate will need to be moved lower to allow for more space for the latch. This is also a simple fix, but you will need to remove the existing strike plate and drill new holes for it. Use a wood dowel with the same diameter as the screwhole to fill in the old hole, and then fix it in its new position.
Broken Latch
If the latch fails to retract when you use the handle or manually push it, it's a sign that something within the mechanism's internals is broken. You can determine the cause of the problem by examining the location where the latch contacts are placed. A lipstick test can help identify if the problem is caused by sagging hinges misaligned latch bolt, narrow strike plate holes or a combination of these issues. To conduct the test apply an area of lipstick (or similar marking material) on the latch. Close and open the latch. If the latch is in contact with the lipstick below or above the strike plate hole it indicates that there is no contact between the latch and strike plate.
The most effective way to fix this is to grease the latch. Lubricating can be done with a graphite pen that is more effective than WD-40 or other dry oil lubricants. You can also try putting an unwrapped cotton swab into the keyhole to clean out any dirt that has built up in the keyhole.
If lubricating the latch does not resolve the problem, it may be necessary to move the strikeplate. If you've shimmied, sanded, or enlarged your strike plate hinges or holes and hinges, you'll need to move the strikeplate to the proper position in relation to the lock. After you've moved your strike plate and adjusted the latch to a proper position, test the lock to ensure that it's working properly. If the latch is not working you can use a wood filler to fill in any old gap or screw holes that were created by moving the strike plate or sanding hinges. Then, you can paint or stain the frame to complete the repair.
Leaks
Leaky French doors can cause serious issue. Water can leak through French doors and cause mold or wood damage. This can result in expensive repair costs in the future. The good news is that the majority of French door leaks can be repaired with a little effort and a few basic tools.
Poor weatherproofing is among the most frequent causes of leaks from French doors. This is due to the unique design of French doors, which comprise of large areas of glass and a frame. It is essential to regularly check every part of your French doors for signs of wear and tear that could lead to leaks. It is essential to ensure that all seals have not changed and are in good working order.
If you notice that your French doors are leaking when it rains, it's a good idea to conduct a thorough inspection to identify the source of the leak. Check for obvious indications of water intrusion for example, damaged seals on window frames or around window panes. Also, rusty threshold sealants can be a sign. It is also essential to ensure that the threshold is sealed and sealed and insulated.
A French door may leak during rain when there is a blockage within the lock mechanism. It is essential to clean the lock using an oil containing silicone in the event of this. This will help lubricate the lock and prevent the lock from getting stuck. If you're having trouble opening the lock, it could be because the key is worn or damaged and needs to be replaced. You can purchase a replacement key at most hardware stores. If your key is short or worn out, it could be time to upgrade your lock.