5 Laws That Anyone Working In Repair French Doors Should Know
How to Repair French Doors
French doors are a beautiful feature of a home that connects outdoor and indoor spaces. They can develop problems over time, which require immediate attention to security and efficiency.
Sagging, misalignment and warping of the door's frame and sash are all common problems. Fortunately, the majority of these issues can be easily solved with a little time and effort.
Misaligned Locks
Sometimes doors are stuck or misaligned due humidity, swelling of the wood or the house sinking. This could cause the lock bolt or strike plate sit askew and require more force to open and close the door. This puts additional strain on the lock, which could eventually lead to mangled inner-lock components or broken locks altogether. This is fortunately an issue that is common and can often be solved with simple DIY methods.
In certain situations, a small amount of lubricant is all that's needed to make the door easier to open and close. You can apply a graphite lubricant but make sure it's safe for the door. Before applying the lubricant, clean the area around the door with a damp rag to get rid of any debris.
A door that is hanging off-center is easily fixed by adjusting and loosening the hinges until they are aligned with the frame. However, be careful not to tighten too much the screws since this can damage the door or hinges.
If your exterior French door isn't closing properly, it could be a sign that there are obstructions in the lock mechanism. This is typically caused by short screws that came from the factory that have become loose over time. To fix paignton french door handle repairs , replace the screws with larger ones that grip more of the door frame wood.
You can also try adjusting the lock itself, however it will be more difficult and complex. Begin by loosening the knob or handle with a flathead screwdriver. You can then take the lock assembly from its cubbyhole by unscrewing and taking it out. Look for obstructions, and then reassemble it, and tighten all the screw connections.
If the latch isn't hitting the strike plate hole You may have to relocate or expand the strike plate hole. If the strike plate is higher or lower than the hole for the latch it can stop the lock from closing, and require a locksmith expert. If the hole is too small, you can enlarge it with a metal file or drill.
Sagging
If your doors are sagging or have gaps, this can lower the efficiency of your home. These gaps can also create drafts that block your view. Fortunately, there are a few easy fixes that can solve these problems.
To begin tighten the hinges to ensure they're properly aligned. 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 the hinges. They're likely to be at the end of their lifecycle.
Over time the French doors can become loose because of the weight. To avoid this, tighten all of the hinges on your door and inspect them regularly to ensure they're still secure. It is also recommended to keep your hinges lubricated by spraying them with lubricant to extend their lifespan.
Replace hinges that are damaged or worn out to stop your door from sagging. 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 incorrect modifications to your doors. A sagging door can be corrected by adjusting the hinges or tightening the hinge screws or replacing the hinges altogether.
It is also essential to inspect the weather stripping and door sweep regularly to make sure they're working properly. If they are not working, taking them off and replacing them will fix the issue.
It is also important to look over your door frames for signs of warping or rot. These issues can lead to drafts that decrease the effectiveness of your door. They can also lead to water leakage or other problems around your home.
If your doors are sliding and you have tried the two options above It is likely that you will need to sand down your door jamb using a hand plane as recommended by Popular Mechanics. To do this, unhook your doors from their hinges. Set them flat on a solid surface like a sawhorse. Make a note of the areas that require planed, and then use a hand plane to smooth out these areas of the doorjamb.
Leaks
The vast areas of glass on French doors make them an ideal source for water leaks, especially if you live in an area that experiences significant rainfall. If left untreated the leaks can lead to the frame of the door to rot and the surrounding structure. Fortunately, fixing leaks is a relatively easy task that will only take a few hours to complete.
Leaks can be caused by a variety of factors which include:
A broken seal
This issue can be easily resolved by replacing the rubber seal on either side of the threshold with a an entirely new seal. This will ensure that there is a tight fit, and will also stop rainwater from entering your home.
The sill is leaking with water.
This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including the lack of a sill pan or a sill made of steel that isn't watertight. If you notice that water is accumulating around your French doors, you need to get in touch with the builder and ask them to install sill pans or replace the sill made of steel by a wooden one that can resist water.
Obstructions
A damaged seal can cause fog to accumulate between the double panes glass on French doors, which block the view and reduces their energy efficiency levels. The issue can be solved by replacing the old seal with a newer one that blocks moisture and air.
Loose Handles
A handle that isn't tight can be dangerous as it could fall while you're opening or closing your French door. This issue can be resolved by tightening the screws, or replacing the handle if damaged or worn.
Similarly, a track stop that's not correctly set can block doors from sliding properly, leading to scratches and jams on the frames. Adding silicone caulk to the tracks or track stops can aid in solving this issue. It's also recommended to check for cracks regularly and wear on exterior surfaces of the frames and doors to ensure they remain in good shape.
Warping
A French door has a stunning view and lets in lots of light, however If you're not careful, your doors can start warping due to exposure to heat or humidity. If this happens, you should consider calling a handyman that specializes in repairing French doors. They can advise you on the best method to repair your doors and make sure that they are safe to open and close.
If your doors are severely warped, you might need to replace them completely. If they are only slightly bent, you may be capable of straightening them by placing wet heavy towels over the problem area. The towels should remain in place for a couple of days or until the doors are flattened completely.
This technique is typically employed on uPVC doors, but it could also be applied to wood ones - provided the wood is well seasoned. The process is challenging and time-consuming, especially if your doors are warped.
The doors could warp when they are stored improperly. Keep them away from any construction work that creates lots of moisture like decorating and plastering. They should also be kept flat on a smooth surface and not stacked, especially in their unfinished state.
A damaged strike plate may also cause warping. To fix the problem it is necessary to remove your doors and place them on a pair sawhorses. Then, employ a hand plane to remove any excess wood from the top and bottom of each door. It is important to work in small increments so that you don't end up cutting too much off the doors, which could cause them to become too thin and brittle.
After the doors have been rehung put the strike plate back in place. If the lock doesn't work the barrel catch could be getting caught on the side of the frame. This can usually be solved by lubricating and applying silicone spray. If that doesn't help the latch, it could require replacement.