How to Repair French Doors

French doors are a stylish feature of a home that connects outdoor and indoor spaces. They can become problematic in time, and require immediate attention for safety and functionality.

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

Locks that are not aligned

Sometimes doors are stuck or misaligned due humidity, wood swelling, or the house settling. This can cause the bolt for the lock to become loose and making it more difficult to open or close the door. This can also put extra strain on the locks, which could eventually result in broken locks or mangled components. This is a frequent issue that can be resolved by DIY methods.

In some instances, a small amount of lubricant might be all that's needed to make the door easier to open and close. You can apply a graphite-based lubricant, but be sure it's 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 grease.

A door that hangs off-center can be repaired by loosening and adjusting the hinges until they are aligned with the frame. However, be careful to avoid over-tightening the screws, as this could damage the door or hinges.

If your external French doors are not closing properly, it could be a sign that there is a problem in the lock mechanism. This is typically caused by short screws that came from the factory that have come loose over time. Replace the screws with longer ones to remove more wood from the door frames.

You can also alter the lock, but it will be more complex and difficult. Start by loosening the lock knob or handle with a flathead screwdriver. Then, you can remove the lock assembly by unscrewing it from its cubbyhole and pulling it out. Examine for obstructions, then reassemble it, and tighten all the screw connections.

If the latch doesn't hit the strike plate, you might need to move the strike plate or enlarge it. If the strike plate is either higher or lower than the hole for the latch, this can prevent the lock from closing and require a locksmith expert. If the hole is small you can use a metal file to enlarge it.

Sagging

If your doors sag or have gaps, it will decrease the energy efficiency of your home. These gaps can also block views and cause drafts. Fortunately, there are a few simple fixes that can solve these problems.

Start by tightening your hinges and aligning them properly. This is usually 10 minutes or less and not require any tools. If this doesn't fix your problem, you may need to replace the hinges since they have likely reached the end of their usefulness.

Over time over time, your French doors may become loose due to the weight. To stop this from happening, tighten the hinges of your door and make sure they are secure. At times, you should apply lubrication to the hinges using a lubricating spray to extend their lifespan.

The hinges that are old or damaged can cause a door to slide, so replacing hinges with new ones can aid. A new doorknob or freshly painted doors can affect the alignment of your french door handle replacement door.

Other causes of sagging can be foundation settlement or Repair French Doors wear and tear on the hinges or inadequate modifications to your doors. A door that is sagging could be fixed by adjusting your hinges or tightening the hinge screws, or replacing the hinges altogether.

It is also important to inspect the weather stripping and door sweep often to make sure they're working properly. If they're not functioning then you can remove them and replace them.

Also, you should check your frames for signs of rot or warping. These problems can lead to a draft, which will make it harder to use your door. They could also cause water leakage or other damages to your home.

If your doors are sagging and you have tried the first two solutions most likely you'll have to smooth down the jamb of your door using a hand plane, advises Popular Mechanics. To do this, remove the doors from the hinges and place them flat on a sawhorse, or something else that is sturdy. Mark the areas that need smoothing, and then use a plane to smooth these areas.

Leaks

The large areas of glass on French doors can be a common source of water leaks, particularly if you live in a region that receives frequent rainfall. Untreated, these leaks may cause the door frame to rot and the surrounding structure. It is comparatively simple to repair these leaks, and it should only take you a few minutes.

Leaks are 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 an entirely new seal. This will ensure a tight fit, and will also stop rainwater from entering your home.

Water is leaking through the sill

This problem can be caused by a number of reasons, such as a lack of a sillpan or by the use of a metal sill that isn't watertight. If you notice that water is accumulating around your French door, contact the builder and ask them to install sill pans or replace the steel sill with the wooden sill which will resist water.

Obstructions

A leaky seal could cause fog to accumulate between the double panes of glass on French doors, which blocks the view and reduces their energy efficiency levels. It can be corrected by replacing french door glass 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 replacement near me doors can be quite risky, since it could be snagged while you're opening or closing the door. This issue can be solved by tightening screws or replacing the handle if it's damaged or worn.

A track stop that isn't properly installed can also cause doors to jam and scratch the frames. Adding silicone caulk to the tracks or track stops may help solve this problem. It's also an excellent idea to check for cracks regularly and wear on the exterior surface of the frames and doors to ensure they remain in top condition.

Warping

A French door is a beautiful view and lets in lots of light. However, when you're not cautious, your doors can start warping due to exposure to humidity or heat. It's worth calling in an experienced handyman who has experience fixing your french door glass repair doors. They will be able to advise you on the best method of repairing your doors and make sure that they're safe to open and close.

If your doors are severely damaged, you may need to replace them completely. If they're slightly warped, it could be possible to get them back to straight by wetting heavy towels and placing them across the problem area. Leave the towels in place for a couple of days or until the doors are completely flattened.

This method can be used to repair uPVC or wood doors, provided that the wood is well-seasoned. The process is difficult and time-consuming, especially in the case of doors that are warped.

If the doors have been stored improperly, it could be a cause of the doors to warp. They should be kept clear from building works that generate lots of humidity, such as decorating or plastering work. They should also be stored flat on a solid surface and not stacked particularly in their unfinished state.

A loose strike plate can also cause warping. To fix the issue you'll need to remove your doors and put them on a pair sawhorses. The excess wood can be removed from the edges at the top and bottom of each door using hand planes. It is essential to work in small increments to avoid taking too much wood off the doors, which could cause them to become too thin and fragile.

Once the doors are fixed, you can put the strike plate back in place. If the lock doesn't work the barrel catch might be getting caught on the side of the frame. This can be fixed by spraying silicone on the latch. If this doesn't work, you may need to replace the latch.