Millie Connah

How to Repair French Doors

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

Sagging, misalignment and warping of the sash and frame of the door are common problems. Most of these problems are easily solved with some time and effort.

Locks that are misaligned

Sometimes doors become stuck or misaligned because of humidity, swelling of the wood or the house sinking. This can make the lock bolt or strike plate sit askew and require more force to open and close the door. This also puts extra strain on the lock, which can result in mangled lock components or even broken locks completely. This is a common issue that can be easily solved with DIY techniques.

In some cases it is possible that a small amount of lubricant may be enough to make the door more easy to open and close. You can apply a graphite-based lubricant, but be sure it is safe for the door. Before applying the lubricant, wipe the door's perimeter with a damp rag to get rid of any debris.

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

If your exterior french door window pane replacement doors aren't closing correctly, it could indicate that there is a blockage in the lock mechanism. This usually happens due to short screws that came from the factory that have come loose over time. To fix this, replace the screws with ones that grab more of the door frame wood.

You can also adjust the lock itself, but this is more difficult and complicated. Start by loosening the knob of the lock or handle with the flat-head screwdriver. Then, you can remove the lock assembly by unscrewing it from the cubbyhole and pulling it out. Inspect it for any obstructions and then reassemble and tighten the screw connections.

If the latch isn't touching the strike plate You may have to move or enlarge the strike plate hole. If the strike plate is smaller or higher than the hole of the latch, it could hinder the lock from closing and will require a locksmith. If the hole is small you can make use of a file made of metal to increase the size of the hole.

Sagging

If your doors aren't straight or have gaps, it will lower the efficiency of your home. These gaps can also obstruct views and cause drafts. There are some simple fixes to address these issues.

In the beginning start by tightening your hinges to ensure that they are properly aligned. This is usually 10 minutes or less and not require any tools. If this doesn't fix the issue then you'll need to replace sliding patio door with french doors cost the hinges. They're likely to be to be nearing the end of their lifespan.

Over time the french door glass replacement inserts doors can become loose due to the weight. To stop this from happening ensure that you tighten all hinges on your door and inspect them regularly to ensure they're still secure. Occasionally, you should also grease the hinges with an oil-based spray to prolong their lifespan.

Replace damaged or old hinges to stop your door from sliding. A new doorknob, or doors that have been freshly painted, could also alter the alignment of your French doors.

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

Also, it is important to inspect the weather stripping on your doors and to make sure they are functioning correctly. If they're not working you can take them off and replace them.

It is also important to examine your frames for indications of warping or rot. These issues can cause drafts, which can reduce the efficiency of your door. They could also cause water leakage and other damage around your home.

If your doors are sliding and you've tried the two methods above most likely you will need to smooth down the jamb of your door with a hand plane as recommended by Popular Mechanics. To do this, unhook your doors from their hinges. Place them flat on a solid surface like a sawhorse. Make a note of the areas that require planed, and then use a hand plane to smooth out these areas of the doorjamb.

Leaks

French doors with large glass areas are susceptible to leaks, particularly in a region that receives heavy rainfall. If not treated, these leaks can cause the door frame to become rotted and also the structure around it to deteriorate. Fortunately, fixing leaks is a relatively simple task that will only take just a few hours to finish.

Leaks can be caused by a variety of causes, including

A broken seal

Replace the rubber seals on both sides of your threshold with new ones. This will ensure that there is a tight fit and prevent rainwater from getting into your home.

The sill is leaking water.

This issue can be caused in a number of ways such as the absence of a sillpan or using a metal sill which is not watertight. If you notice water collecting around your French doors, it is important to contact the builder and ask them to install a sill pan or to replace the sill made of steel with an alternative made of wood that will keep out water.

Obstructions

A leaky seal can cause fog to accumulate between the double panes of french door lock repair near me doors. This can obstruct the view and reduce their energy efficiency. The issue can be solved by replacing the old seal with a newer one that blocks both air and moisture.

Loose handles

A handle that is loose on your French doors can be risky, since it could fall off while you're opening or closing the door. Tightening the handles' screws can fix this issue or you can replace the handle entirely in the event that it's damaged or worn out.

Similarly, a track stop that isn't properly set can stop the doors from sliding correctly, leading to scratches and jams on frames. Applying silicone caulk to the tracks or track stops could aid in solving this issue. It's also recommended to check for cracks regularly and wear on exterior surfaces of doors and frames to ensure that they are in good condition.

Warping

If you're not careful If you're not careful, your french door lock repair near me doors may begin to warp because of exposure to heat or moisture. If this happens, it's worth calling a handyman who specialises in the repair of French doors. They can guide you on the best way of repairing your doors and ensure that they are safe to shut and open.

If your doors are badly warped, you might need to replace them completely. If they're only slightly warped it might be possible to get them straight by soaking heavy towels and placing them across the affected area. Leave the towels on the doors for several days, or even longer, until they are completely flattened.

This technique is typically employed on uPVC doors, but it could also be applied to wooden doors if the wood is properly seasoned. It is important to remember that the process is time-consuming and is difficult to achieve, especially if the doors are very warped.

Doors can crack when they are stored incorrectly. They should be kept clear from building works that generate a lot of humidity such as plastering or decorating work. They should also be stored flat on a solid surface and not stacked, especially in their unfinished state.

A damaged strike plate could also cause warping. To remedy this, you need to remove the doors and set them up on a pair of sawhorses. You can 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 cause them to become too thin and fragile.

After the doors have been rehung screw the strike plate in the appropriate position. If the lock doesn't work, the barrel catch may be getting caught on the side of the frame. This is usually fixed by lubricating the latch with silicone spray. If this isn't working, you might require replacing the latch.