How to Repair French Doors

French doors are a beautiful way to connect indoor and outdoor spaces. However, they can experience issues over time that require prompt attention for both security and function.

Warping, sagging and misalignment of door frame and sash are common problems. Fortunately, the majority of these issues can be repaired with a bit of time and effort.

Locks that aren't aligned

Some doors can be slack or awry due to humidity, wood swelling or house settlement. This can cause the bolt for the lock to become faulty and make it difficult to open or close the door. This also puts extra strain on the lock, which can eventually lead to mangled inner-lock components or broken locks altogether. This is fortunately an issue that is common and is often solved by simple DIY techniques.

In some instances there are times when a tiny amount of lubricant might be enough to make the door more easy to open and close. You can apply a graphite-based lubricant, but be sure it's safe for the door. Make sure you clean the area with a moist cloth to remove any debris around the door prior to you apply the oil.

Another simple way to fix a door hanging off the wall is by loosing the hinges and then adjusting them until they're in line with the door's frame. However, you must be cautious not to over tighten the screws, as this could cause damage to the door or hinges.

If your exterior French door isn't closing correctly it could be a sign there is a blockage in the lock mechanism. Most often, this is caused by short factory screws that become loose over time. Replace the screws with longer ones to pull more wood from the door frames.

You could also try adjusting the lock itself, however it will be more difficult and complicated. Begin by loosening either the knob or handle with flathead screws. You can then take the lock assembly from its cubbyhole by unscrewing and pulling it out. Examine for obstructions, then reassemble it, and tighten all screw connections.

If the latch doesn't touch the strike plate, you may have to move the strike plate or enlarge it. If the strike plate is higher or lower than the latch hole it could prevent the lock from closing and will require a locksmith professional. If the hole is too small, you can enlarge it by using a metal file or drill.

Sagging

If your doors are creaking or have gaps between them, it will affect the insulating properties of your home and lower the efficiency of its energy use. These gaps can also obstruct views and cause drafts. Fortunately, there are a few simple solutions that can solve these issues.

In the beginning tighten the hinges to ensure they are properly aligned. This will take about 10 minutes or less, and will not require any tools. If this isn't enough to solve your issue, you may need to replace the hinges since they've likely reached the end of their usefulness.

Over time, your French doors may become loose because of the weight. To prevent this ensure that you tighten all hinges on your door and inspect them frequently to ensure that they're secure. It is also recommended to lubricate your hinges periodically with a lubricating spritz to extend their lifespan.

replace sliding patio door with french doors cost hinges that are damaged or worn out to stop a door from sagging. A new doorknob or freshly painted doors can also impact the alignment of your French door.

Other causes of sagging are foundation settlement, wear on hinges or improper changes made to your doors. You can fix a sagging door by tightening or changing the hinges.

It is also essential to examine the weather stripping on your doors to make sure that they're working properly. If they are not, then removing them and replacing them should solve the issue.

Finally, you should regularly look over the wood on the door frame for indications of rotting or warping. These issues can create a draft and will not only decrease the effectiveness of your doors, but could also lead to water leakage and other damages around your house.

Popular Mechanics advises that if your doors are creaking, and you've tried all three options, you may have to sand your door jambs with a handplane. To do this, remove the doors from their hinges, and put them flat on a sawhorse, or something else that is sturdy. Note the areas that require smoothing, then use a plane to smooth these areas.

Leaks

French doors with large glass areas are prone to leaks, particularly if you live in a region that receives heavy rainfall. If not treated the leaks could lead to decay of the frame and the surrounding structure. It is comparatively simple to repair these leaks, and it should only take just a few minutes.

Leaks can be caused by a variety of causes, including

A broken seal

replace window with french doors cost uk the rubber seals that are on either side of your threshold with new ones. This will ensure that there is a tight fit, and will also stop rainwater from getting inside your home.

The sill is leaking water.

This problem can result from a variety of issues, including a lack of a sill pan or a sill made of steel that isn't watertight. If you notice water collecting around your French doors, you need to contact the builder and ask for the installation of sill pans or replace glass pane in french door the sill made of steel with a wooden one that can keep out water.

Obstructions

A leaky seal can cause fog to build up between the double panes of French doors. This can obstruct the view and reduce energy efficiency. This can be fixed by replacing the seal with a fresh one that is able to stop moisture and air from entering.

Loose Handles

A handle that is loose on your french door glass repair near me doors can be dangerous, as it can fall off while you're opening or closing the door. This issue can be solved by tightening screws or replacing the handle if damaged or worn.

A track stop that is not 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. You should also regularly check the exterior surfaces of frames and doors for wear or cracks, and ensure they are in good condition.

Warping

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 a handyman with experience in repairing 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 damaged, you may need to replace them entirely. If they are only slightly bent, you may be in a position to straighten them by placing wet heavy towels over the problem area. Place the towels on the doors for several days or even longer until they are completely flattened.

This method is usually employed on upvc french door repairs doors, but can also be applied to wooden doors - provided the wood is well-seasoned. It is important to keep in mind that this process can be lengthy and difficult to achieve particularly in the case of doors that are extremely bent.

If the doors have been stored improperly, this could be a cause of warping. Keep them away from any building work that produces lots of moisture, such as plastering and decorating. They should also be kept flat on a solid surface and not stacked, particularly in their unfinished state.

Another reason for warping is a loose strike plate. To fix the problem it is necessary to remove your doors and place them on a pair of sawhorses. You can then employ a hand-planer to remove any 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, screw the strike plate in place. If the lock isn't working after this the barrel catch could be caught on the other side of the frame. This is usually fixed by applying silicone spray. If this does not work, you might have to replace the latch.