How to Repair French Doors
French doors are a stylish addition to any home, connecting indoor and outdoor spaces. However, they may face issues over time, which require prompt attention for both security and function.
Sagging, misalignment and warping of the door's frame and sash are all common issues. Fortunately, many of these issues can be solved with a little time and effort.
Locks that aren't aligned
Certain doors may become stuck or misaligned due to humidity or wood swelling, or house settlement. This can make the strike or lock bolt plate sway, requiring more force to open and close the door. This also puts extra strain on the lock, which can eventually result in mangled inner-lock components or even broken locks completely. This is a common problem that can be resolved through DIY solutions.
In some cases all that is needed is a small amount of lubrication aid the door in opening and close with ease. You can apply a graphite-based lubricant, but be sure it's safe for the door. Before applying the lubricant, wipe the area around the door with an abrasive rag that is damp to remove any debris.
Another way to fix a door hanging out of alignment is to loosen the hinges and then adjusting them until they are in line with the door's frame. You must be careful not to tighten the screws too much as this could cause damage to the hinges or door.
If your exterior French doors are not closing properly, it could be an indication that there is a blockage in the lock mechanism. Usually, this is caused by short factory screws that come undone with time. To fix this, replace the screws with larger ones that grip more of the door frames wood.
You can also adjust the lock, but it's more difficult and complicated. Begin by loosening the lock knob or handle using a flathead screwdriver. You can then remove the lock from its cubbyhole by unscrewing and taking it out. Examine it for any obstructions, and then rebuild and tighten 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 higher than the hole of the latch, it could hinder the lock from closing and may require the assistance of a locksmith. If the hole is tiny it is possible to make use of a metal file to make it larger.
Sagging
If your doors aren't straight or have gaps, it will decrease the energy efficiency of your home. These gaps can also cause drafts and obstruct your view. There are some simple fixes to address these issues.
Begin by tightening the hinges and aligning them properly. This should take 10 minutes or less, and will not require any tools. If this does nothing to solve the issue, you will need to replace your hinges. They're likely to be to be at the end of their lifespan.
Over time the French doors may become loose because of the weight. To stop this from happening, tighten the hinges of your door and make sure they are secure. Sometimes, you must grease the hinges with an oil-based spray to prolong their lifespan.
The hinges that are old or damaged can cause a door to bow replacing hinges with new ones could help. A new doorknob, or freshly painted doors, can affect the alignment of your French doors.
Other causes of sagging include foundation settlement, wear on hinges or the wrong modifications made to your doors. You can fix a door that is sagging by tightening or changing the hinges.
It is also important to check the weather stripping and door sweep regularly to ensure that they're working properly. If they're not functioning you can take them off and replace them.
Also, you should examine your frames for indications of warping or rot. These issues can create drafts and not only affect the performance of your doors, but could also lead to water leakage as well as other damage around your home.
Popular Mechanics advises that if your doors are creaking, and you've tried the previous two options, you may have to sand your door jambs using a handplane. To do this, take your doors from the hinges. Set them flat on a sturdy surface like a sawhorse. Mark the areas that need smoothing out, then use a plane to smooth these areas.
Leaks
The large areas of glass on French doors can be a frequent source of water leaks, particularly when you live in an area with frequent rainfall. Untreated, these leaks may cause the door frame to become rotted and also the structure around it to deteriorate. It is comparatively easy to fix these leaks and will only take only a few minutes.
Leaks can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
A broken seal
This issue can be easily resolved by replacing the rubber seal on either side of the threshold a new one. This will ensure a perfect fit, preventing rainwater from getting inside your home.
The sill is leaking with water.
The problem could be caused by a variety of reasons, such as a lack of a sill pan or the use of a sill made of steel that isn't watertight. If you notice that water is collecting around your French door, call the builder and ask them to install sill pans or replace the steel sill with a wooden sill that will resist moisture.
Obstructions
A damaged seal could cause fog to build up between the double panes of French doors. This can obstruct the view and decrease their energy efficiency. french door repair repairmywindowsanddoors can be fixed by replacing the seal with a new one that is able to block out air and moisture.
Loose handles
Having a loose handle on your French doors can be dangerous, since it can fall off while you're opening or closing the door. This issue can be resolved by tightening the screws, or replacing the handle if damaged or worn.
A track stop that isn't correctly installed could cause the doors to jam and scratch the frames. Applying silicone caulk to the tracks or track stops may aid in solving this issue. It's also an excellent idea to check regularly for cracks and wear on the exterior surfaces of the frames and doors to ensure they remain in top condition.
Warping
If you're not cautious If you're not careful, your French doors could begin warping due to exposure to moisture or heat. It's worth calling in a handyman with experience in fixing a French door. They can advise you on the most effective method of repairing your doors, and also ensure that they are safe to open and close.
If your doors are severely bent, you may have to replace them completely. If they are only slightly warped, you may be capable of straightening them by placing wet heavy towels over the affected area. Place the towels on the floor for a couple of days or until the doors have been flattened completely.
This technique is typically employed on uPVC doors, but it can also be applied to wooden doors - provided the wood is well-seasoned. It's important to note that this process can be lengthy and difficult to achieve particularly when the doors are severely bent.
If the doors have been stored improperly, it could be a cause of stretching. Avoid them from construction work that generates a lot of moisture, such as plastering and decorating. They should be stored flat on a hard surface.
A loose strike plate can also cause warping. To fix the issue you'll need to remove your doors and place them on a pair of sawhorses. The wood that is left over can be removed from the top and bottom edges of each door with a hand plane. It is essential to work in small steps so you don't end up taking too much wood off the doors, which could cause them to become too thin and fragile.
After the doors have been put back up, you can screw the strike plate back in place. If the lock does not work, the barrel catch may be getting caught on the side of the frame. This can be fixed by spraying silicone onto the latch. If that doesn't work, the latch might need to be replaced.