This Week's Most Popular Stories Concerning Repair French Doors

How to Repair French Doors

French doors are a stylish addition to a home they connect outdoor and indoor spaces. They can develop problems with time, requiring immediate attention to security and efficiency.

Common problems include misalignment, sagging, and warping of the door frame and sash. Fortunately, the majority of these issues can be easily solved with a little time and effort.

Locks that are not aligned

Certain doors may be slack or awry due to humidity, wood swelling or house settlement. This can cause the bolt for the lock to become faulty, making it harder to open or close the door. This also puts extra strain on the lock, which can eventually lead to mangled inner-lock components or even broken locks completely. This is a common problem which can be solved by DIY methods.

In some cases, all that is required is a small amount of lubrication help the door open and close smoothly. You can use a graphite-based lubricant, but be sure it is safe for the door. Be sure to clean the area with a damp cloth to eliminate any dirt from around the door before applying the lubricant.

Another way to fix a door that's hanging askew is by loosening the hinges, and then adjusting them until they are level with the frame of the door. However, you must be careful not to tighten too much the screws, as this could damage the door or hinges.

If your external French door isn't closing correctly, it could be a sign there is a blockage in the lock mechanism. This is usually caused by the short screws of the factory that become loose as time passes. Replace the screws with larger ones to pull more wood from the door frames.

You can also alter the lock, however it will be more complex and difficult. Begin by loosening the lock knob or handle using the flat-head screwdriver. Then, you can take off the lock assembly by uncrewing it from its cubbyhole, and taking it out. Examine for obstructions, then reassemble the lock and tighten all screw connections.

If the latch isn't touching the strike plate hole it may be necessary to move or enlarge the strike plate hole. If the strike plate is higher or lower higher than the hole for the latch, it could hinder the lock from closing and may require a locksmith. If the hole is too small, you can enlarge it by using a metal file or drill.

Sagging

If your doors are sagging or have gaps between them, it will impact the insulation properties of your home and reduce the efficiency of its energy use. These gaps can also block views and cause drafts. Fortunately there are simple solutions to help solve these issues.

In the beginning tighten the hinges to ensure that they are correctly aligned. This should take 10 minutes or less and will not require any tools. If this does not fix your problem, you may need to replace the hinges, as they have likely reached the end of their lifespan.

Over time the French doors may become loose due to the weight. To avoid this ensure that you tighten all hinges on your door and check them frequently to ensure that they're secure. At times, you should apply lubrication to the hinges using a spray of lubrication to prolong their lifespan.

Replace hinges that are damaged or worn out to stop your door from sliding. A new doorknob or freshly painted doors can affect the alignment of your French door.

Other causes of sagging include foundation settlement, wear on the hinges, or incorrect modifications made to your doors. A sagging door can be fixed by adjusting your hinges, tightening the hinge screws, or replacing the hinges altogether.

Also, it is important to check the weather stripping on your doors and to make sure that they're functioning properly. If they're not, then removing them and replacing them could fix the issue.

Lastly, you should occasionally check the wood on the door frame for indications of rotting or warping. These issues can cause drafts and not only reduce the efficiency of your doors, but could also cause water leakage and other damages around your house.

Popular Mechanics advises that if your doors are sagging after you've tried all three options, you may require sanding the door jambs using a handplane. To do this, you must remove the doors from their hinges and place them flat on a sawhorse or other sturdy object. Mark the areas that need smoothing out, then use a plane to smooth these areas.

Leaks

The vast areas of glass on French doors can be a frequent source of water leaks, particularly in an area with heavy rainfall. If left untreated the leaks can lead to rotting of the door frame and the surrounding structure. It is relatively easy to fix these leaks and should only take you a few minutes.

Leaks can be caused by many causes, including

A broken seal

This issue can be easily resolved by replacing the rubber seal on either side of the threshold with a the new seal. This will ensure an exact fit and stop rainwater from getting into your home.

Water leaking through the sill

This issue can be caused in many ways that include the absence of a sillpan or using a metal sill which 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 by the wooden sill which will resist moisture.

Obstructions

A leaky seal can cause fog to accumulate between the double panes on French doors. This can obstruct the view and decrease their energy efficiency. The problem can be resolved by replacing the old seal with a fresher one that can block out both moisture and air.

Loose handles

A handle that isn't tight could be dangerous since it can fall while you're opening or closing your French door. By tightening the screws on the handle could fix this issue, or you could simply replace the handle completely if it's damaged or worn out.

A track stop that is not properly installed can also cause doors to jam and scratch the frames. Adding silicone caulk to the tracks or track stops could help with this issue. Also, you should regularly check the exterior surfaces of frames and doors for wear or cracks to ensure that they are in good working order.

Warping

A French door is a beautiful view and lets in lots of light, however if you're not careful your doors may begin to warp due to exposure to heat or humidity. If this happens, you should consider hiring a handyman who specializes in repairing French doors. They'll be able to guide you on the best way to repair your doors and ensure that they are safe to open and close.

If  french door repairs  are severely bent, you might need to replace them. If they are just slightly warped, you might be in a position to straighten them by placing damp towels over the affected area. Place the towels on the doors for several days or even longer until they are completely flattened.

This method is usually used on uPVC doors, but can also be applied to wooden doors in the event that the wood is well-seasoned. It's important to note that the process is time-consuming and challenging to accomplish particularly when the doors are severely bent.

The doors could warp if they have been stored incorrectly. Be sure to keep them away from any building work that produces lots of moisture like decorating and plastering. They should also be kept flat on a surface and not stacked especially in their unfinished state.

Another reason for warping is a loose strike plate. To correct this, you must take the doors off and set them up on a pair of sawhorses. The excess wood can be removed from the edges at the top and bottom of each door by using a hand plane. It is best to work in small increments to avoid removing too much wood from the doors. This could cause them to become thin and fragile.

After the doors have been rehung put the strike plate back in place. If the lock doesn't work the barrel catch could be catching against the side of the frame. This can be fixed by spraying silicone on the latch. If this isn't working, you might require replacing the latch.