How to Repair French Doors

French doors are a beautiful feature of a home that connects outdoor and indoor spaces. However, they may face problems over time that require prompt attention for both security and function.

Misalignment, sagging and warping of the sash and frame of the door are common problems. The majority of these issues can be easily resolved with a little time and effort.

Misaligned locks

Some doors can become misaligned or stuck due to humidity and wood swelling or settlement. This can make the lock bolt or strike plate move out of alignment and require more force to open and close the door. This puts additional strain on the lock, which can eventually result in mangled inner-lock components or broken locks altogether. This is a common issue which can be solved by DIY methods.

In some instances all that is required is a small amount of lubrication aid the door in opening and close with ease. You can apply a graphite lubricant but make sure it's safe for the door. Make sure you clean the area with a damp cloth to remove any debris from around the door before applying the grease.

A door that hangs off-center can be easily repaired by loosening and adjusting the hinges until they are in line with the frame. You must be careful not to over-tighten the screws, as this could damage the hinges or door.

If your exterior french door handle replacement door isn't closing correctly, it could be a sign there are obstructions in the lock mechanism. This is usually caused by short screws that came from the factory that have come loose over time. Replace the screws with longer ones to pull more wood from the door frames.

You can also adjust the lock itself, however it will be more complicated and difficult. Start by loosening the lock knob or handle with a flat-head screwdriver. You can then take the lock from its cubbyhole by removing it and taking it out. Inspect it for any obstructions, and then rebuild and tighten the screw connections.

If the latch isn't hitting the strike plate hole, you may need to move or enlarge the strike plate hole. If the strike plate is higher or Repair French Doors lower than the hole for the latch it can stop the lock from closing, and require a locksmith professional. If the hole is tiny it is possible to make use of a metal file to make it larger.

Sagging

If your doors aren't straight or have gaps, it will reduce the energy efficiency of your home. These gaps can also block views and create drafts. There are some simple fixes to these problems.

Begin by tightening the hinges and aligning them correctly. This should take only 10 minutes and no tools are required. If this does nothing to fix the problem it is time to replace bay window with french doors your hinges. They are likely to be at the end of their lifespan.

Over time over time, your French doors can loosen because of the weight. To prevent this ensure that you tighten all hinges on your door and check them frequently to ensure that they're still secure. It is also recommended to keep your hinges lubricated by spraying them with lubricant to prolong their life.

Old or damaged hinges can cause doors to sag replacing hinges with new ones can aid. A new doorknob or freshly painted door can affect the alignment of your French door.

Other causes of sagging can be foundation settlement or wear and tear on the hinges or improper modifications to your doors. You can repair a door that is sagging by tightening or altering the hinges.

It is also essential to inspect the weather stripping on your doors to make sure that they're functioning properly. If they're not functioning then you can remove them and replace them.

Lastly, you should occasionally look over the wood on the door frame for signs of warping or rotting. These issues can create drafts and not only decrease the effectiveness of your doors, but could also lead to water leakage as well as other damage around your house.

If your doors are sagging and you have tried the two options above most likely you'll need to remove the door jamb with a hand-planer, advises Popular Mechanics. To do this, remove the doors from their hinges, and lay them flat on a sawhorse, or other sturdy object. Mark the places that need planed, and then use a hand plane to smooth these areas of the doorjamb.

Leaks

French doors with large replacement glass panels for french doors areas are susceptible to leaks, particularly if you live in an area that experiences frequent rainfall. If not treated, these leaks can cause the door frame to become rotted and also the surrounding structure. Fortunately, fixing leaks is a fairly simple task that should only take just a few hours to finish.

Leaks can be caused by a variety of factors, including

A broken seal

This issue can be solved by replacing the rubber seal on either side of the threshold the new seal. This will ensure a tight fit, and will also stop rainwater from getting inside your home.

The sill is leaking water.

This issue can be caused by a number of factors, including the absence of a sill pan or the use of a metal sill that isn't watertight. If you find that water is gathering around your French door, contact the builder to ask them to install sill pans or replace the steel sill by an wooden sill that can resist moisture.

Obstructions

A damaged seal could cause fog to accumulate between the double panes on french door repair service doors. This could block the view and decrease their energy efficiency. The issue can be solved by replacing the 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, since it can be snagged while you're opening or closing the door. This issue can be solved by tightening screws or replacing the handle if it is damaged or worn.

A track stop that is not correctly installed could cause doors to jam and scratch the frames. This problem can be solved by adding silicone caulk to track stops or tracks. It's also a good idea to check for cracks regularly and wear on the exterior surfaces of the frames and doors to ensure they're in good condition.

Warping

A French door offers a lovely view and lets in lots of light. However, If you're not careful, your doors may begin to warp because of exposure to heat or Repair French Doors humidity. It's a good idea to contact an experienced handyman who has experience fixing a French doors. They'll be able to advise on the best way to repair your doors and make sure that they are safe to open and close.

If your doors are severely warped, you might need to replace them entirely. If they are only slightly bent, you may be in a position to straighten them by putting wet towels over the affected area. Leave the towels in place for several days or more until the doors are flattened completely.

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

The doors can warp in the event that they were stored incorrectly. Keep them away from any building work that produces a lot of moisture, such as plastering and decorating. They should be kept in a flat place on a firm surface.

A damaged strike plate may also cause warping. To fix the issue, you will need to take your doors off and place them on a pair of sawhorses. The wood that is left over 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 taking too much wood from the doors. This could result in them becoming too thin and brittle.

After the doors have been rehung, put the strike plate back in place. If the lock isn't working after this, the barrel catch might be caught on the other side of the frame. This can be fixed by spraying silicone onto the latch. If this doesn't work, you may need to replace window with french doors the latch.