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How to Fix Common French Door Repair Problems
French doors can give an air of elegance to any home. They're also an excellent choice for period homes.
They're also simple to keep. They should be cleaned regularly with mild soap.
However, like any door they can get damaged over time. There are many ways to fix these doors.
french door handle repairs sutton RepairMyWindowsAndDoors or cracked window
A broken or cracked glass window is not only unsightly, but it can also affect your home's security and insulation. While it is impossible to stop a crack from spreading indefinitely, you can slow the process down with a few quick and simple fixes.
Wear safety glasses and gloves when working with glass. It's easy to break glass shards if you're not cautious. Then take the time to thoroughly clean the area around the crack using a the help of a damp cloth to eliminate any dirt or debris. This will ensure that the adhesive you use to fix the crack sticks well and doesn't leak or cause further damage.
Next, decide whether you'd prefer to go with the temporary route and use plastic film or tape or if you want to test a more permanent solution that lasts longer. If you decide to go with the latter option, be sure to buy a glass glue that is made for glass and windows like Loctite's Super Glue Glass. This glue is strong and can be used inside or outside your windows and glasses. It's perfect for quick repairs.
A clear nail polish may also be used to temporarily fill cracks. This is especially useful for stress cracks that develop when temperatures change dramatically from cold to hot. However, keep in mind that nail polish wasn't created to withstand moisture, so it won't last for an indefinite period of time. Additionally, you can cover your windows with the use of a plastic barrier that will shield your glass and help to keep out rain, wind bugs and other pests.
Sagging Hinges
A door that isn't in good shape can be an eyesore and can also affect the overall stability of your home. Fortunately, most of the time it is simple to fix. If your door starts to move, it's crucial to fix the issue as soon as you notice it. Minor issues can escalate into serious, like the sound of squeaks or other misalignments.
Start by examining the hinges to determine what's causing the problem. Screws that are loose are usually the cause. If tightening the screws does not stop the sagging and sagging, replacing them with longer screws may help. Longer screws will be able to support the door's weight and stop it from sliding over time.
It is also possible to install shims to alter the hinge's location. These thin strips can be placed between the frame and hinge or jamb to distribute the door's weight evenly. This will prevent any future sliding. Use a doorstop or let someone hold the door in place while you remove the screws from the affected hinge, and then lift the door off the hinges.
It is crucial to remember that a floor that is uneven can cause the door to sag. This knowledge can lead you to look at the floor and fix any issues that may aid in resolving the issue without focusing solely on the door itself. The door's sagging may be caused by the condition of hinge parts like the pin or the knuckle. In this case, you will need to replace your hinges. This can be an intimidating task for those with no experience in carpentry. In certain cases the sagging hinges could suggest that the door's frame is too heavy for the frame or jamb.
Misaligned Doors
If your doors are sagging, scratching against the frame, or are difficult to latch, they could be misaligned. A door that isn't aligned correctly can be a hassle however it could also cause energy inefficiency as well as the sound of scratchy, squeaky noises throughout your home. There are a variety of simple ways to address this problem without calling in an expert.
If the gap between your doors is uneven, it could be a sign that the hinges need to be tightened. If the gap is not too large, it could be that the frame of your door has settled or moved over time. In this case you can use shims to reset the frame.
Another reason that causes misalignment is a high level of humidity in the air. This could cause the wood to swell and cause doors to shut properly. This isn't a permanent issue and usually disappears when the humidity drops.
After a heavy rainstorm there are many who discover that their doors are not aligned properly. The solution is simple: tighten the hinge screws. If this does not work, you could make use of longer screws to fix your hinges. This will give them more strength and will stop the hinges from loosening again in the near future.
A misaligned strikeplate is a different possible issue. The strike plate is usually moved lower to make room for the latch. This is also an easy fix, but you'll have to remove the current strike plate and drill new holes for it. Then, you can use a wooden dowel of the same diameter as the screw hole to fill in the holes, and then fix the strike plate in its new position.
Broken Latch
If the latch doesn't retract when you press the handle or manually push it, it's most likely that something in the internal mechanism is broken. Examining the location where the latch contacts can help you determine the reason for it to fail. The test of lipstick can be used to determine if the problem originates from sagging hinges, or a latch bolt that is not aligned properly. It can also be used to determine if it is a combination of issues, such as hinges that are sagging and a narrow strike plate. To test the lipstick put an area of lipstick (or similar marking material) on the latch. Close and then open the latch. If the latch touches the lipstick below or above the strike plate's hole, it means that there is no contact between the latch and strike plate.
The best solution is to lubricate the latch. Lubricating can be done using a graphite pen, which works better than WD-40 or other dry oil lubricants. You can also make use of a cotton swab in order to remove any dirt from the keyhole.
If lubricating the latch does not solve the problem, it may be necessary to reposition the strikeplate. If you have shimmied, sanded, or enlarged your strike plate's hole or hinges, you will need move the strikeplate to the proper position in relation to the lock. Check the latch after you've adjusted the latch and moved the strikeplate to the correct position. If your latch remains stuck, you can use a wood filler to repair any holes or gaps caused by moving the strike plate or sanding the hinges. Then, you can paint or stain your frame to complete the repair.
Leaks
A serious issue can result from French doors that leak. Water can seep through the French doors and cause mold or wood damage. This can lead to expensive repairs in the near future. The good news is, the majority of French door leaks are easily fixed with a little work and a few basic tools.
One of the primary reasons for leaks from French doors is the poor weatherproofing. This is due to French doors their unique design, which comprises large areas of tempered glass and a frame. It's important to regularly inspect the entire structure of your French doors for signs of wear and tear that could lead to leaks. It is essential to ensure that all seals haven't been damaged and are in good condition.
If you notice that your French doors leak when it rains it's a good idea do a thorough inspection to determine the source of the leak. Check for obvious evidence of water intrusion such as damaged seals on window frames or around windows. Also the presence of rusty threshold sealants could be a sign. Check that the threshold is properly sealed and insulated.
In some cases it is possible that a French door may leak when it rains, because there is an obstruction in the mechanism of the lock. If this is the case, you'll need to clean out the lock using a silicone spray. This will make the lock more lubricated and will help prevent it from becoming stuck. If you're having trouble opening the lock, it might be due to the fact that the key is worn or damaged and needs to be replaced. You can purchase a replacement key at most hardware stores. If you have a key that is too long or worn, it may be time to have an entirely new lock installed.