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How to Repair French Doors

French doors can be a stylish method of connecting indoor and outdoor areas. However, they may face problems over time that require immediate attention for both safety and practicality.

Common issues include problems with alignment, sagging, and warping of the door's frame and sash. Fortunately, most of these issues can be easily fixed with some time and effort.

Misaligned Locks

Sometimes doors get stuck or misaligned due humidity, swelling of the wood, or the house settling. This could cause the bolt of the lock to become faulty and making it more difficult to open or close the door. This can put extra stress on the lock, which can eventually lead to mangled inner-lock components or even broken locks altogether. This is a common problem which can be solved through DIY solutions.

In some instances it is possible that a small amount of lubricant might be enough to make the door easier to open and close. It is possible to use graphite as a as a lubricant, but make sure to choose one that is safe for your door. Be sure to clean the door with a damp cloth to clean any debris around the door prior to applying the lubricant.

Another way to fix a door that's hanging askew is by loosening the hinges, and then adjusting them until they're aligned with the frame of the door. Be careful not to over-tighten the screws, as this could damage the hinges or door.

If your external french door window frame replacement door isn't closing properly it could be a sign there are obstructions in the lock mechanism. This usually happens due to short screws from the factory that have become loose over time. Replace the screws with longer ones to remove more wood from the door frames.

You can also adjust the lock, but this will be more difficult and complex. Start by loosening either the lock knob or handle using a flathead screws. You can then remove the lock assembly from its cubbyhole by removing it and taking it out. Inspect it for any obstructions, and then put it back together and tighten the screw connections.

If the latch isn't hitting 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, this can prevent the lock closing and will require the assistance of a locksmith. If the hole is small you can use a metal file to make it larger.

Sagging

If your doors aren't straight or have gaps, this will decrease the energy efficiency of your home. These gaps can also cause drafts and block your view. There are simple solutions to this issue.

In the beginning start by tightening your hinges to ensure they're correctly aligned. This is usually 10 minutes or less, and will not require any tools. If this doesn't fix the problem it is time to replace your hinges. They are likely to be at the end of their lifecycle.

Over time, your French doors can loosen because of the weight. To stop this from happening ensure that the hinges are secured your door and make sure they are secure. Sometimes, you must lubricate the hinges with an oil-based spray to prolong their life.

The hinges that are old or damaged can cause a door to slide, so replacing hinges with new ones can help. A new doorknob or freshly painted doors can also impact the alignment of your French door.

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

It is also essential to check the weather stripping and door sweep regularly to make sure they are working correctly. If they are not working, taking them off and replacing them will fix the issue.

Additionally, you should periodically look over the wood of your door frame for indications of rotting or warping. These issues can cause a draft, which will make it harder to use your door. They can also lead to water leakage and other damage around your home.

Popular Mechanics advises that if your doors are creaking, and you've tried the first two alternatives, you might have to sand your door jambs with a handplane. To do this, you must remove the doors from their hinges, and lay them flat on a sawhorse, or something else sturdy. Mark the places that need planed, and then use a hand plane to smooth these areas of the doorjamb.

Leaks

The vast areas of glass on French doors can be a frequent source of water leaks, particularly if you live in an area that experiences heavy rainfall. If left untreated, these leaks could cause the door frame to rot and the structure surrounding it. Fortunately, fixing these leaks is a fairly simple task that will only take just a few hours to finish.

Leaks can be caused by a variety of factors, such as

A broken seal

Replace the rubber seals on both sides of your threshold with new seals. This will ensure a perfect fit, which will prevent rainwater from getting into your home.

The sill is leaking with water.

The problem could be caused by a variety of factors, including the absence of a sill pan or a sill made of steel that isn't watertight. If you notice that water is accumulating around your French doors, it's important to contact the builder and ask them to install sill pans or replace the steel sill with a wooden one that will keep out water.

Obstructions

A faulty seal can also cause fog to accumulate between the double panes glass on french door repair glass doors, which block the view and decreases their energy efficiency levels. The issue can be fixed by replacing the old seal with a more modern one that can block out moisture and air.

Loose Handles

A loose handle on your french door repair near me doors can be quite dangerous, as it can be snagged while you're opening or closing the door. This problem can be fixed by tightening the screws, or replacing the handle if damaged or worn.

A track stop that is not correctly installed could cause doors to jam and scratch the frames. Applying silicone caulk to the tracks or track stops can help with this issue. It's also an excellent idea to check regularly for cracks and wear on exterior surfaces of the frames and doors to ensure they're in good shape.

Warping

A French door has a stunning view and allows plenty of light, however if you're not careful your doors may begin to warp due to exposure to humidity or heat. It is recommended to call a handyman with experience in fixing a French doors. They can guide you on the most effective method to repair french doors your doors, and also ensure that they're safe to shut and open.

If your doors are seriously bent, it may be necessary to replace them. If they are only slightly bent, you may be able to straighten them by placing damp towels over the area that is causing problems. The towels should remain in place for a couple of days or until the doors are completely flattened.

This method is usually used on uPVC doors, but it can also be applied to wood ones if the wood is well-seasoned. It is important to remember that the process can be time-consuming and difficult to achieve particularly when the doors are severely damaged.

If the doors have been stored improperly, this could be a cause of warping. They should be kept clear from construction projects that create a lot of humidity like decorating or plastering work. They should also be kept flat on a solid surface and not stacked especially in their unfinished state.

Another cause of warping is a loose strike plate. To fix this issue, you'll need to take the doors off and place them on the sawhorses. The wood that is left over can be removed from the edges at the top and bottom of each door with a hand plane. You should 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 fixed, you can put the strike plate back in place. If the lock does not work, the barrel catch may be catching against the side of the frame. This is fixable by spraying silicone onto the latch. If this isn't working, you might have to replace the latch.