How to Repair French Doors
French doors can be an elegant way to connect indoor and outdoor spaces. They can become problematic with time, requiring immediate attention for safety and functionality.
Sagging, misalignment and warping of door frame and sash are all common issues. Fortunately, many of these issues can be solved with a little time and effort.
Locks that are misaligned
Some doors can become misaligned or stuck due to humidity and wood swelling or settle. This can cause the lock bolt to become faulty and making it more difficult to open or close the door. This also puts extra strain on the lock, which can result in mangled lock components or even broken locks completely. This is a common issue that can be resolved with DIY techniques.
In some instances it is possible that a small amount of lubricant might be all you need to make the door more easy to open and close. It is possible to use graphite as a as a lubricant, but make sure to choose one that is safe for your door. Before applying the lubricant, clean the area around the door with a damp rag to remove any debris.
Another method to fix a door hanging off the wall is by loosing the hinges and then moving them until they are aligned with the door's frame. But, you should be careful not to tighten too much the screws since this can cause damage to the door or hinges.
If your exterior French doors are not closing properly, it could be a sign that there is a blockage in the lock mechanism. This is usually caused by short screws from the factory that have come loose over time. Replace the screws with larger ones to grab more wood from the door frames.
You can also try adjusting the lock, but this will be more complicated and difficult. Begin by loosening either the knob or handle using a flathead screw. Then, you can remove the lock from its cubbyhole by unscrewing and pulling it out. Look for obstructions, and then reassemble it, and tighten all the screw connections.
If the latch doesn't hit the strike plate, you might need to move the strike plate or expand it. If the strike plate is either higher or lower than the latch hole it could prevent the lock from closing, and require a locksmith professional. If french door repair near me is tiny it is possible to make use of a metal file to increase the size of the hole.
Sagging
If your doors are creaking or have gaps between them, it can impact the insulation properties of your home and reduce its energy efficiency. These gaps can also cause drafts and block your view. There are simple solutions to this issue.
Begin by tightening the hinges and aligning them properly. This should take only 10 minutes and no tools are required. If this doesn't solve the issue then you may have to replace the hinges since they have likely reached the end of their lifespan.
Over time the French doors can loosen because of the weight. To prevent this ensure that you tighten all hinges on your door and test them frequently to ensure they are still secure. It is also recommended to keep your hinges lubricated with a lubricating spritz to extend their lifespan.
A damaged or worn-out hinge can cause doors to sag, so replacing hinges with new ones could aid. A new doorknob or freshly painted doors can affect the alignment of your French door.
Other causes of sagging are foundation settlement as well as wear and tear on the hinges or inadequate modifications to your doors. You can fix a sagging door by tightening or adjusting the hinges.
Also, it is important to examine the weather stripping on your doors to make sure they're functioning properly. If they're not working, taking them off and replacing them should solve the issue.
It is also important to check your frames for indications of warping or rot. These issues can create drafts and not only affect the performance of your doors, but they could also lead to water leakage and other damages around your home.
Popular Mechanics advises that if your doors are sagging, and you've tried all three options, you may have to sand the door jambs using a handplane. To do this, take the doors from their hinges, and put them flat on a sawhorse or something else sturdy. Note the areas that require smoothing out, then use a plane to smooth these areas.
Leaks
French doors with large glass areas are susceptible to leaks, particularly if you live in an area that experiences frequent rain. Left untreated, these leaks can cause decay of the frame and the structure surrounding it. It is relatively easy to fix these leaks, and it should only take you only a few minutes.
Leaks can be caused by a number of reasons which include:
A broken seal
This issue can be solved by replacing the rubber seal on either side of the threshold with a a new one. This will ensure that there is a tight fit, and will also stop rainwater from getting inside your home.
The sill is leaking with water.
This issue can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as a lack of a sill pan or a metal sill that isn't watertight. If you notice that water is accumulating around your French door, contact the builder to install sill pans or replace the steel sill by a wooden sill that will resist water.
Obstructions
A faulty seal may also cause fog to build up between the double panes on French doors. This can obstruct the view and decrease their energy efficiency. The issue can be solved by replacing the seal with a more modern one that blocks both air and moisture.
Loose handles
A loose handle could be dangerous since it can fall while you're opening or closing your French door. By tightening the screws on the handle can solve this problem, or you could simply replace the handle altogether if it's damaged or worn out.
A track stop that's not correctly set can block the doors from sliding correctly, resulting in scratches and jams on frames. This issue can be resolved by putting silicone caulk on track stops or tracks. It's also recommended to check for cracks regularly and wear on the exterior surface of the frames and doors to ensure they remain in good shape.
Warping
A French door has a stunning view and allows plenty of light. However, if you're not careful your doors can start warping because of exposure to heat or humidity. It's a good idea to contact a handyman with experience in fixing your French door. They'll be able to provide advice on the best method to repair your doors and ensure that they are safe to open and close.
If your doors are severely bent, it may be necessary to replace them. If they're only slightly warped it might be possible to bring them straight by soaking heavy towels and placing them across the area of concern. Place the towels on the doors for several days, or even longer, until they're completely flattened.
This method can be used to repair uPVC or wood doors, provided that the wood is well-seasoned. It's important to note that this process can be lengthy and challenging to accomplish especially when the doors are severely damaged.
The doors could warp if they have been stored improperly. They should be kept away from construction projects that create a lot of humidity like decorating or plastering work. They should also be stored flat on a smooth surface and not stacked especially when they are not finished.
Another reason for warping is the strike plate being loose. To correct this, you must remove the doors and set them up on the sawhorses. Then, use a hand plane to remove any excess wood from the top and bottom of each door. It is recommended to work in smaller increments to avoid removing too much wood from the doors. This could cause them to become thin and brittle.
After the doors have been rehung fix the strike plate into the appropriate position. If the lock does not work after this the barrel catch may be stuck on the frame's side. the frame. This is usually fixed by applying silicone spray. If this isn't working, you might require replacing the latch.