How to Repair French Doors
French doors are a beautiful addition to a home that connects outdoor and indoor spaces. They can become problematic over time, which require immediate attention to security and efficiency.
Warping, sagging and misalignment of the door's frame and sash are all common issues. Many of these issues can be easily resolved with some time and effort.
Misaligned locks
Sometimes doors are stuck or misaligned because of humidity, swelling of the wood, or the house settling. This can cause the lock bolt to become loose and making it more difficult to open or close the door. This could also put extra strain on the locks, which may eventually lead to broken locks or damaged inner components. This is a common problem which can be solved through DIY solutions.
In some instances, all that is required is a little lubrication to aid the door in opening and close easily. You can apply graphite as a lubricant, but make sure to choose one that is safe for your door. Make sure to wipe the door with a damp cloth to clean any debris from around the door before you apply the lubricant.
Another simple way to fix a door hanging out of alignment is to loosen the hinges and then moving them until they are level with the frame of the door. You should be cautious not to over-tighten the screws, as this could damage the hinges or damage the door.
If your exterior French doors aren't closing properly, it could be a sign that there is a blockage in the lock mechanism. This is usually caused by the short screws of the factory that loosen over time. Replace the screws with larger ones to remove more wood from the door frames.
You can also adjust the lock, however it's more difficult and complicated. Start by loosening the lock knob or handle with a flathead screwdriver. Then, you can remove the lock from its cubbyhole by removing it and pulling it out. Examine it for any obstructions and then put it back together and tighten the screw connections.
If the latch doesn't touch the strike plate, you might have to move the strike plate or expand it. If the strike plate is higher or higher than the latch hole it could prevent the lock from closing and require a locksmith expert. If the hole is tiny, you can make use of a metal file to make it larger.
Sagging
If your doors are sagging or have gaps, this will decrease the energy efficiency of your home. These gaps can also obstruct views and create drafts. There are simple solutions to this issue.
Begin by tightening the hinges and aligning them correctly. This is usually 10 minutes or less and not require any tools. If this doesn't fix your problem it is possible to replace the hinges since they are likely to have reached the end of their usefulness.
Over time the weight of your French door can cause them to loosen. To stop this from happening ensure that you tighten all hinges on your door and test them frequently to ensure they're secure. It is also recommended to regularly lubricate your hinges by spraying them with lubricant to extend their lifespan.
Old or damaged hinges can cause a door to slide replacing hinges with new ones could help. A new doorknob, or doors that have been freshly painted, can also affect the position of your French doors.
Other causes of sagging are foundation settlement, wear on hinges or the wrong changes made to your doors. You can fix a sagging door by tightening or adjusting the hinges.
It is also necessary to check the weather stripping and door sweep often to ensure they're working properly. If they're not working, you can remove them and replace them.
Also, you should examine your door frames for signs of warping or rot. These issues can cause a draft, which will reduce the efficiency of your door. They can also lead to water leakage or problems around your home.
If your doors are sliding and you have tried the two options above most likely you will need to remove the door jamb with a hand-planer as recommended by Popular Mechanics. To do this, you must remove the doors from their hinges and lay them flat on a sawhorse, or something else sturdy. Note the areas that require planed, and then use a hand plane to smooth these areas of the doorjamb.
Leaks
The large areas of glass on French doors can be an ideal source for water leaks, especially when you live in an area with heavy rainfall. If not treated, these leaks can cause the frame of the door to become rotted and also the surrounding structure. Fortunately, fixing these leaks is a fairly simple task that should only take a few hours to complete.
Leaks can be caused by a variety of reasons that include:
A broken seal
Replace the rubber seals that are on either side of your threshold with new seals. This will ensure a secure fit, which will prevent rainwater from getting into your home.
Water leaking from the sill
This issue can be caused in many ways such as the absence of a sillpan or using a metal sill which is not watertight. If you see water accumulating around your French doors, it is important to get in touch with the builder and ask them to install a sill pan or to replace the sill made of steel by an alternative made of wood that will be able to resist moisture.
Obstructions
A damaged seal could cause fog to accumulate 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 old seal with a more modern one that can block out both moisture and air.
Loose handles
A handle that is loose on your French doors can be quite dangerous, as it can fall off when you're opening or closing the door. This issue can be solved 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. This issue can be resolved by putting silicone caulk on track stops or tracks. french door lock replacement 's also a good idea to regularly check for cracks and wear on the exterior surfaces of doors and frames to ensure they remain in good condition.
Warping
A French door has a stunning view and lets in lots of light, however when you're not cautious, your doors can start warping as a result of exposure to heat or humidity. It's a good idea to contact an experienced handyman who has experience repairing French door. They can advise you on the best method of repairing your doors and make sure that they are safe to shut and open.
If your doors are seriously bent, you might need to replace them. If they are only slightly warped, you might be capable of straightening them by putting wet towels over the area that is causing problems. Place the towels on the floor for a few days or until the doors are flattened completely.
This technique is typically employed on uPVC doors, but can also be applied to wood ones if the wood is properly seasoned. The process is laborious and time-consuming, especially when your doors are distorted.
The doors could warp when they are stored incorrectly. Be sure to keep them away from any building work that produces a lot of moisture, such as plastering and decorating. They should be kept flat on a hard surface.
A loose strike plate can also cause warping. To fix the problem it is necessary to take the doors off and put them on a pair of sawhorses. Then, you can employ a hand-planer to remove any excess wood from the top and bottom of each door. You should work in small increments to avoid removing too much wood from the doors. This could cause them to become too thin and fragile.
After the doors have been rehung, put the strike plate back in the appropriate position. If the lock isn't working after this the barrel catch could be caught on the other side of the frame. This is usually solved by lubricating and applying silicone spray. If this does not work, you might need to replace the latch.