Blog entry by Carmine Soule
French Doors Repair
French doors are a beautiful addition to any home. They do require regular maintenance in order to function effectively and avoid future problems.
If your French door latch gets stuck or doesn't lock, it may be due to a blockage within the lock mechanism itself. Lubricating the lock can be a simple solution.
Chips and cracks
Wooden doors can serve a wide range of purposes for homes as well as separating living spaces, ensuring privacy and providing a home with natural light. However, even the best-made door is susceptible to physical damage, such as chips, cracks and dents. In some cases the damage could be so extensive that it's time to replace the frame of the door.
In other instances the problem is small enough that it can be repaired without tearing the entire door apart. The majority of cracks are caused by the natural shrinking and swelling of the wood in response to temperature and humidity changes or due to a physical impact like a door hitting shut. In the majority of cases, cracks can be repaired with either filler or wood putty.
It is recommended to apply a paintable filler to match the color of your painted french doors. This product dries fast and allows for easy and quick repainting to make your doors look like new.
To apply the filler or putty first clean the area around the crack, and then place a large clean towel or rag on the floor to shield it from spilled filler and wood glue. Make sure to lay the rag close to the door as well to make it easy to remove it once the filler is dry and you're ready to sand and paint your door.
Once you've decided on your filler, scoop a small amount into the inside of each crack's ridges, then smooth it out using a putty knife. Allow the filler to dry completely before sanding it down for a smooth surface and then painting it again.
For larger cracks that extend from the side of the door that is hinged to the jamb side of the door, you may have to repair an area of the frame in addition to the cracked panel itself. If the wood is decaying in this area you might need to remove the damaged section of the frame before replacing it with a brand new one. Once you've changed the section of the frame, sand and repaint it to match the rest of the door.
Fog
French doors (also known as double doors) offer a beautiful design that can add elegance and value to any home. But, as with any kind of door, they can experience problems over time that could affect their functionality or safety. Fortunately, a lot of these issues are easily solved with some know-how and a bit of effort.
French doors are often plagued by fogginess due to temperature fluctuations or humidity. These changes could cause the window seal to fail and moisture to build up between glass panes. Glass that is stained can be fixed or replaced depending on the severity of the issue.
For minor problems it is usually possible to fix the issue by de-fogging doors or windows with a commercial product such as windows cleaning spray. This is a temporary fix that needs to be repeated regularly. It is possible to hire an expert for a long-term solution to eliminate moisture from the unit. They will disassemble the door glass, thoroughly clean it and then seal the unit to avoid any further fogging.
If your French doors don't latch the most likely cause is that they are misaligned on their hinges. This could be due to wear and tear or due to the fact that your house has shifted over time. This can be corrected by loosening and tightening the hinge screws until they are equally distributed.
If your French doors are becoming increasingly difficult to open and close You can usually fix this by adjusting the latching bolts on each door. These can be found on both sides of the door, and are typically secured by two screws, which need to be removed in order to gain access to the bolts. If the bolts are loose, they can be loosen and tightened with a standard screwdriver. If the bolts still do not latch, it's worthwhile to check whether anything is blocking them, for example a furniture piece or doormat. In this situation, it's a good idea call a professional French door repair service to seek assistance.
Water Leaks
French doors can add to the beauty of a home by blending indoors and out. However, they can be damaged by a variety of factors, including aging, harsh weather, or even poor installation. If your French doors are showing signs of damage, it's crucial to address them quickly to prevent water ingress and costly repair costs in the future.
If your French doors are leaking during rainy times, it's likely because of a problem with the seal around the frame or windowpanes. Look for signs of wear, such as cracks in the sealant. Also, ensure that your installer adhered to the correct sealing instructions. If the leaks are widespread It may be required to replace the components responsible for the leakage.
Another reason for leaks in French doors is a inadequate ventilation. A gap in the weather strip could let warm air escape in winter, and cool air to pass through during summer, which can lead to drafty rooms and hefty energy bills. Inspect your French doors for signs of air gaps and if needed, add additional weather strips to provide an effective barrier against moisture.
Lastly, you can also encounter issues with your French doors if they are unable to open and close correctly. This can be caused by humidity or a sign that the door is out of alignment. Examining the hinges for tightness and sanding the areas where the door sticks can solve this issue.
uPVC replacements may not be suitable for all properties, especially listed or period homes. Chameleon can help restore the appearance of your home and also maintain the integrity of the property by repairing your replacement french door doors and windows. They can also provide advice on how to keep your French doors in good shape in the future to avoid further damage and ensuring they continue to operate smoothly. Contact Chameleon If you are looking to repair your doors, or if you need a quote for replacements. They have more than 20 years of experience in the repair and maintenance of windows, doors and other wooden features found in historic homes throughout London.
Energy Efficiency
If your French doors are damaged or inefficient, they will allow cold and heat to escape through the glass. This can alter the temperature of your home. In certain cases, based on the extent of damage, it may be necessary to replace them to maximize efficiency in energy usage.
In this situation, it is more cost-effective to replace the old doors rather than repair or seal them. It is important to determine the extent of damage before making the decision.
The cost of replacing a pair of french door repairs doors depends on both the style and the quality of the doors. For instance, a set of custom-made doors that have dual-pane glass may be more expensive than a standard door due to the additional insulation they offer. Double-paned doors also come with various options to boost efficiency in energy use. These include low-emissivity coats and argon filled between the panes of replacement glass panels for french doors to stop heat transfer. On the window labels, you will find details about these options as well as energy performance ratings.
Another way to increase the efficiency of your doors is to caulk your frames, which helps seal off air leaks and gaps. This job should be left to professionals as shifting building weights and weather conditions that change can cause the caulking to break or fall out.
If you're looking for a long-term solution, consider using drapes to create an enclosure between your doors and the outside elements. Drapes are a low-cost option to shield your home from cold and hot temperatures, and also help you save on your energy costs. It's usually cheaper, however, to replace the doors.