The 3 Biggest Disasters In French Door Repair History
How to Fix Common French Door Repair Problems
French doors can add a touch of elegance to your home. They're also a great fit for period homes.
They're also easy to maintain. It's best to clean them frequently with a mild soap solution.
Like any door, they are prone to being damaged over time. There are several methods to repair these doors.
Broken or damaged window
A damaged or cracked window does more than just look ugly, it compromises the security and insulation of your home. Although it's impossible to stop the spread of a crack, you can slow the process down with a few simple and quick solutions.
Wear safety glasses and gloves while 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 scrub the area around the crack. This will ensure that the glue that you use to fix the crack is bonded well and doesn't cause damage or leaks.
Next, decide whether you'd prefer to go with the temporary route and utilize tape or plastic film, or if you'd like to try a more permanent solution that lasts longer. If you decide to opt for the latter option, be sure you use a glass glue designed specifically for glass and windows like Loctite's Super Glue Glass. It is durable and can be used outside or inside your glass windows and. 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 form when temperatures change dramatically from hot to cold. Be aware, however, that nail polish was never designed to withstand water and therefore it won't last for long. You can also cover the windows with a plastic sheet, which will shield them from insects, rain and wind.
Sagging Hinges
A door that isn't in good shape is a snare and could can also affect the overall stability of your house. Fortunately, the issue is usually easy to fix. If your door is beginning to slide, it's imperative to address the issue immediately. Otherwise, minor problems can escalate into bigger ones such as squeaks or other serious misalignments.
Begin by inspecting the hinges to find out what's causing the problem. Most often loose screws are the culprit. If tightening screws do not fix the issue of sagging replacing them with screws that are more long may help. Longer screws will support the weight of your door and prevent it from sagging.
It is also possible to install shims to alter the position of the hinge. These thin strips can be placed between the frame or jamb to distribute the weight of the door equally. This will stop future sagging. Use a doorstop or let someone else hold the door while you remove the screws from the damaged hinge, and then carefully lift the door off of the hinges.
It's important to remember that a floor that is uneven could cause the door to sag. Understanding this can prompt you to check the floor and address any issues that could help you solve the problem of sagging without focusing on the door itself. The door's sagging could be due to the condition of hinge parts like the knuckle or the pin. In this scenario, you will need to replace your hinges. This is a difficult task for homeowners who lack experience in carpentry. In some instances the sagging hinges could suggest that the door's frame is too heavy for the frame or jamb.
Doors that aren't aligned
If your doors are sliding or scraping against the frame or difficult to latch, they may be not aligned correctly. A sagging or misaligned door can be annoying, but it can also contribute to energy loss and squeaky, scratchy sounds in your home. There are a few easy ways to fix the issue without calling a professional.
If the gap around the door is uneven, the hinges might require tightening. If, however, the gap isn't too large, it might be due to your door frame shifting or settling over time. In this case it is possible to use shims to reset the frame.
Another common cause of misalignment is a high level of moisture in the air. This can cause wood to expand and cause your doors to become stuck. However, this isn't an issue that lasts long and typically disappears when humidity decreases.
After a heavy rainstorm there are many who discover that their doors aren't properly aligned. The solution is simple: tighten the hinge screws. If this doesn't work, you can employ 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. Typically, the strike plate must be relocated lower to allow for more space for the latch. This is a simple fix, but you'll have to take off the existing strike plate and drill new holes for it. Make use of a wooden dowel that has the same diameter as the screwhole to cover the hole that was previously drilled, and then anchor it in the new position.
Broken Latch
If the latch does not retract when you push it manually or turn the handle, it is likely that the mechanism is broken. You can determine the root of the issue by examining where the latch contacts are placed. The test of lipstick can be used to determine if the problem is due to sagging hinges or a misaligned bolt for the latch. It can also be used to determine whether it is a mix of issues, like hinges that are not aligned properly and a small strike plate. To test apply a lipstick strip (or another marking material) over the latch. Close and open the latch. If the latch touches the lipstick below or above the strike plate hole it means that there is a lack of contact between the latch and the strike plate.
The best solution is to grease your latch. Lubrication can be accomplished using graphite pen, which works better than WD-40 or other dry lubricants. You can also make use of a cotton swab in order to remove any dirt from the keyhole.
If lubricating repair french doors doesn't solve the issue, you may need to move the strike plate. If you've shimmied or expanded, or sanded the strike plate's hinges or holes to the point that you 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 suitable position, test the lock to ensure it's functioning properly. If your latch is still not working, you can use wood filler to fill any old holes or gaps caused by moving the strikeplate or sanding hinges. Then, you can stain or paint your frame to complete the repair.
Leaks
Leaky French doors can pose a serious issue. They could allow water to be able to seep into your home, causing wood damage and mold growth. This could result in costly repairs in the near future. The good news is that the majority French door leaks can be easily repaired with a little effort and the use of a few basic tools.
Inadequate weatherproofing is among the main causes of leaks from French doors. This is due to the unique design of French doors, which are made up of large glass areas and frames. It is important to check all components of your French doors for signs of wear and tear that could cause leaks. It's important to check that all seals have not changed and are in good working order.
If you notice that your French doors leak during rain, it's an ideal idea to conduct a thorough inspection in order to find the source of the leak. Look for visible evidence of water intrusion like damaged seals on window frames or around window panes. Also the presence of rusty threshold sealants could be an indication. It is also essential to ensure that the threshold is sealed and insulated.
A French door may leak when it rains when there is a blockage within the lock mechanism. If this is the case, you'll have to wash the lock with an oil spray of silicone. This will help lubricate the lock and help keep it from becoming stuck. If you're having trouble opening the lock, it could be because the key is damaged or worn out. It's going to need to be replaced. The majority of hardware stores sell replacement keys. If your key is short or worn out, it could be time to upgrade your lock.