How to Repair French Doors

French doors can be a stylish method of connecting outdoor and indoor spaces. They can become problematic in time, and require immediate attention to ensure security and function.

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

Locks that are not aligned

Some doors may become stuck or misaligned due to humidity or 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 puts additional strain on the lock, which could eventually lead to mangled inner-lock components or even broken locks altogether. This is fortunately an issue that is common and is often solved by simple DIY methods.

In some instances, all that is required is a small amount of lubrication aid the door in opening and close easily. You can apply a graphite lubricant but make sure that it is safe for the door. Before applying the lubricant, clean the door's perimeter with a damp rag to get rid of any obstructions.

Another way to fix a door that's hanging off the wall is by loosing the hinges, and then adjusting them until they are in line with the door's frame. However, you must be careful to avoid over-tightening the screws as this can cause damage to the door or hinges.

If your exterior French doors are not closing correctly, it could be an indication that there is a problem in the lock mechanism. This is typically caused by small screws from the factory that have come loose over time. To fix this issue, replace the screws with longer ones that will hold more of the door frame wood.

You can also try adjusting the lock itself, however it will be more complicated and difficult. Start by loosening the knob or handle using a flat-head screwdriver. Then, you can take off the lock by removing it from the cubbyhole and pulling it out. Inspect it for any obstructions before you put it back together and tighten the screw connections.

If the latch isn't hitting the strike plate, you may need to alter or increase the size of the strike plate hole. If the strike plate is either higher or higher than the latch hole, this can prevent the lock from closing, and require a professional locksmith. If the hole is too small, you can increase it using a file or drill.

Sagging

If your doors are sliding 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 cause drafts and block your view. There are simple solutions to this issue.

Begin by tightening the hinges and aligning them properly. This should take only 10 minutes, and no tools are required. If this doesn't solve the issue then you may have to replace the hinges, as they have likely reached the end of their life.

Over time, your French doors can become loose because of the weight. To prevent this, tighten all of the hinges on your door and inspect them frequently to ensure they are still secure. Sometimes, you must lubricate the hinges with an oil-based spray to prolong their life.

Old or damaged hinges can cause a door to slide and sag, so replacing hinges with new ones could help. A new doorknob or freshly painted doors can affect the alignment of your French door.

Other causes of sagging are foundation settlement as well as wear and tear on the hinges, or incorrect modifications to your doors. A door that is sagging can be fixed by adjusting the hinges or tightening the hinge screws or even replacing the hinges completely.

It is also necessary to inspect the weather stripping and door sweep frequently to ensure they're functioning properly. If they're not, removing them and replacing them will fix the issue.

Lastly, you should occasionally check the wood on the door frame for indications of rotting or warping. These problems can lead to drafts that decrease the effectiveness of your door. They can also lead to water leakage or damages to your home.

If your doors are creaking and you have tried the two options above most likely you'll need to smooth down the jamb of your door using a hand plane as recommended by Popular Mechanics. To do this, take your doors from their hinges. Place them flat on a sturdy surface like a sawhorse. Note the areas that require planning, and then use a hand plane to smooth out these areas of the doorjamb.

Leaks

The large glass areas on French doors can be a common source of water leaks, particularly if you live in an area that experiences heavy rainfall. If not treated, these leaks can cause the frame of the door to become rotted and also the structure surrounding it. It is comparatively simple to repair these leaks, and it should only take just a few minutes.

Leaks are caused by many causes, including

A broken seal

This issue can be solved 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.

The sill is leaking with water.

This problem can be caused a number of ways that include the absence of a sillpan or using a sill made of metal that isn't watertight. If you notice water collecting around your French doors, it is important to contact the builder and ask them to install sill pans or replace french doors with bifold the steel sill with 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 of French doors. This can block the view and reduce energy efficiency. It can be corrected by replacing the seal with a fresh one that is able to block out air and moisture.

Loose handles

A handle that is loose can be dangerous as it could fall while you are opening or closing your French door. This issue can be resolved by tightening the screws or replacing the handle if it is damaged or worn.

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

Warping

A french doors repair door is a beautiful view and lets in plenty of natural light, but 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 a handyman with experience in fixing a French doors. They can guide you on the best method to repair your doors, and also ensure that they are safe to close and open.

If your doors are seriously damaged, you may need to replace them entirely. If they are just slightly warped, you may be capable of straightening them by putting wet towels over the affected area. Place the towels in the doors for a few days or even longer until they're completely flattened.

This method can be used to restore uPVC or wood doors provided that the wood is well-seasoned. It's important to note that the process can be time-consuming and is difficult to achieve, Repair French Doors especially when the doors are severely bent.

The doors can warp in the event that they were stored incorrectly. They should be kept clear from building works that generate lots of humidity, like decorating or plastering work. They should be kept flat on a hard surface.

Another reason for warping is an unfastened strike plate. To remedy this issue, you'll need to remove the doors and place them on two sawhorses. Then, use a hand plane to remove any excess wood from the top and bottom of each door. It is important to work in small steps so you don't end up taking too much wood off the doors, which can make them too thin and fragile.

After the doors have been fixed, you can put the strike plate back in place. If the lock still doesn't work, the barrel catch may be getting caught on the side of the frame. This is fixable by spraying silicone onto the latch. If this doesn't work, you may have to replace french doors with bifold the latch.