How to Repair French Doors
French doors are a beautiful way to connect outdoor and indoor spaces. They can develop problems in time, and require immediate attention to safety and functionality.
Misalignment, sagging and warping of the door's frame and sash are common problems. Fortunately, many of these issues can be easily solved with a little time and effort.
Locks that are not aligned
Sometimes doors become stuck or misaligned due to humidity, wood swelling or the house sinking. This can cause the lock bolt to become loose and making it more difficult to open or close the door. This can also put extra pressure on the locks which can eventually lead to broken locks or mangled components. This is fortunately an issue that is common and is often solved by simple DIY methods.
In some cases it is possible that a small amount of lubricant is enough to make the door more easy to open and close. You can use a graphite lubricant but make sure it's safe for the door. Make sure to wipe the door with a damp cloth to eliminate any dirt from around the door before applying the lubricant.
Another way to fix a door hanging out of alignment is to loosen the hinges and then adjusting them until they're level with the frame of the door. However, be careful to avoid over-tightening the screws, as this could damage the hinges or door.
If your external French door isn't closing correctly it could be an indication that there is a blockage in the lock mechanism. This usually happens due to small screws from the factory that have come loose over time. Replace the screws with longer ones to grab more wood from the door frames.
You can also alter the lock, however it's more complicated and difficult. Begin by loosening the lock knob or handle using the flat-head screwdriver. Then, you can remove the lock from its cubbyhole, by unscrewing and taking it out. Check for any obstructions before you reassemble and tighten the screw connections.
If the latch isn't hitting the strike plate hole You may have to alter or increase the size of the strike plate hole. 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 the hole is too small, you can expand it with a metal file or drill.
Sagging
If your doors are creaking or have gaps between them, it will affect the insulation of your home and lower its energy efficiency. These gaps can also block views and create drafts. There are simple solutions to this issue.
Start by tightening your hinges and aligning them correctly. This is usually 10 minutes or less and not require any tools. If this isn't enough to solve the issue, you may need to replace the hinges since they have likely reached the end of their usefulness.
Over time, your French doors can loosen due to the weight. To stop this from happening, tighten the hinges of your door and ensure they are secure. Sometimes, you must grease the hinges with an oil-based spray to prolong their life.
A damaged or worn-out hinge can cause doors to sag and sag, so replacing hinges with new ones could aid. A new doorknob, or doors freshly painted can also affect the sloping of your French doors.
Other causes of sagging are foundation settlement as well as wear and tear on the hinges or inadequate modifications to your doors. You can repair a door that is sagging by tightening or altering the hinges.
It is also important to check the weather stripping and door sweep regularly to ensure they're functioning properly. If they are not working, taking them off and replacing them should solve the issue.
You should also check your doors' frames for signs of rot or warping. These issues can create drafts and not only affect the performance of your doors, but can also cause water leakage as well as other damage within your home.
Popular Mechanics advises that if your doors are sagging, and you've tried the previous two alternatives, you might need to sand your door jambs with a handplane. To do this, unhook your doors from the hinges. Place them flat on a solid surface like a sawhorse. Note the areas that require smoothing out, then use a plane to smooth these areas.
Leaks
The vast areas of glass on French doors make them a common source of water leaks, especially if you live in an area that experiences significant rainfall. If left untreated, these leaks could cause the door frame to decay and damage the surrounding structure. Fortunately, fixing these leaks is a relatively simple task that will take only a few hours to complete.
Leaks can be caused by a number of causes which include:
A broken seal
Replace the rubber seals on both sides of your threshold with new seals. This will ensure a tight fit and prevent rainwater from getting inside your home.
Water leaking from the sill
This issue can result from a variety of issues, including a lack of a sillpan or by the use of a metal sill that isn't watertight. If replace french door notice that water is accumulating around your French door, call the builder to ask them to install sill pans or replace the steel sill with an wooden sill that can resist water.
Obstructions
A leaky seal could cause fog to build up between the double panes of glass on French doors, which obstructs the view and decreases their energy efficiency. This can be fixed by replacing the seal with one that is able to block out air and moisture.
Loose Handles
A loose handle on your French doors can be dangerous, as it can be snagged while you're opening or closing the door. This issue can be resolved by tightening the screws or replacing the handle if it's damaged or worn.
A track stop that isn't correctly installed could cause the doors to jam and scratch the frames. This issue can be fixed by putting silicone caulk on track stops or tracks. It's also a good idea to check for cracks regularly and wear on exterior surfaces of doors and frames to ensure that they are in good condition.
Warping
If you're not careful If you're not careful, your French doors may begin to warp because of exposure to heat or moisture. It's a good idea to contact an experienced handyman who has experience fixing your French doors. They will be able to advise you on the most effective method of repairing your doors and ensure that they are safe to open and close.
If your doors are severely bent, you may have to replace them entirely. If they are just slightly bent, you may be able to straighten them by placing wet heavy towels over the problem area. Leave the towels on the doors for several days, or even longer, until they are completely flattened.
This method can be used to fix uPVC or wood doors provided that the wood is well-seasoned. The process is challenging and time-consuming, especially in the case of doors that are warped.
Doors can crack in the event that they were stored incorrectly. They should be kept clear from building works that generate a lot of humidity like decorating or plastering work. They should be stored flat on a firm surface.
A damaged strike plate may also cause warping. To correct the issue you'll need to take your doors off and place them on a pair of sawhorses. Then, employ a hand plane to remove any wood from the top and bottom of each door. It's important 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 fixed, you can put the strike plate back into place. If the lock isn't working after this, the barrel catch might be caught on the other 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.