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How to Repair French Doors

French doors can be a stylish way to connect indoor and outdoor spaces. They can develop problems in time, and require immediate attention to ensure security and function.

Warping, sagging and misalignment of the sash and frame of the door are all common problems. The majority of these issues are easily solved with some time and effort.

Misaligned locks

Sometimes doors become stuck or misaligned due humidity, wood swelling, or the house settling. This can cause the bolt for the lock to become loose and make it difficult to open or close the door. This can also put extra stress on the locks, which could eventually result in broken locks or damaged inner components. This is fortunately a common problem that can be resolved with simple DIY techniques.

In some cases, a small amount of lubricant may be all that's needed to make the door easier to open and close. It is possible to use graphite as a oil, but you must be cautious to choose one that is safe for your door. Be sure to clean the area with a damp cloth to clean any debris from around the door before applying the grease.

A door that is hanging off-center can be easily fixed by adjusting and loosening the hinges until they align with the frame. However, be cautious not to over tighten the screws, as this could cause damage to the door or hinges.

If your exterior French doors aren't closing correctly, it could be an indication that there is an obstruction in the lock mechanism. Most often, this is caused by factory screws that are short that become loose with time. To fix this, simply replace the screws with ones that will hold more of the door frame wood.

You can also adjust the lock, but it's more complicated and difficult. Begin by loosening the lock knob or handle with flathead screws. Then, you can remove the lock assembly by uncrewing it from its cubbyhole, and taking it out. Check for obstructions, then reassemble it, and tighten all screw connections.

If the latch isn't hitting the strike plate it may be necessary to move or enlarge the strike plate hole. If the strike plate is smaller or higher than the latch hole this can prevent the lock closing and may require locksmith assistance. If the hole is too small, you can expand it using a file or drill.

Sagging

If your doors are sagging or have gaps between them, it can affect the insulating properties of your home and reduce the efficiency of its energy use. These gaps can also block views and create drafts. There are a few simple solutions to these problems.

Begin by tightening the hinges and aligning them correctly. This should take 10 minutes or less and will not require any tools. If this doesn't fix the problem, you will need to replace the hinges. They're likely to be to be at the end of their lifespan.

Over time the weight of your french doors glass replacement door can cause them to become slack. To stop this from happening ensure that you tighten all hinges on your door and inspect them regularly to ensure they are still secure. You can also keep your hinges lubricated by spraying them with lubricant to extend their lifespan.

Replace hinges that are damaged or worn out to stop your door from sliding. A new doorknob or doors freshly painted could also alter the alignment of your French doors.

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

It is also essential to check the weather stripping and door sweep frequently to ensure that they're functioning properly. If they're not working you can take them off and replace them.

You should also examine your doors' frames for indications of warping or rot. These issues can create drafts and not only affect the performance of your doors, but could also cause water leakage as well as other damage within your home.

If your doors are sagging and you've tried the two methods above, it is likely that you will need to smooth down the jamb of your door with a hand-planer, advises Popular Mechanics. To do this, unhook your doors from the hinges. Place them flat on a sturdy surface like a sawhorse. Note the areas that require planed, and then use a hand plane to smooth out these areas of the doorjamb.

Leaks

upvc french door lock replacement doors with large glass areas are more prone to leaks, especially when you live in a region that receives frequent rain. If left untreated, these leaks could cause the frame of the door to rot and the surrounding structure. It is relatively simple to repair these leaks and will only take just a few minutes.

Leaks can be caused by a number of reasons that include:

A broken seal

Replace the rubber seals that are on either side of your threshold with new ones. This will ensure a secure fit, preventing rainwater from entering your home.

Water is leaking from the sill

This issue can be caused in a number of ways that include the absence of a sillpan or using a sill made from metal that isn't watertight. If you notice water collecting around your French doors, it is important to get in touch with the builder and ask them to install a sill pan or to replace the sill made of steel with a wooden one that can resist moisture.

Obstructions

A leaky seal could cause fog to build up between the two panes of glass on French doors, which block the view and decreases their energy efficiency levels. The issue can be fixed by replacing the seal with a fresher one that blocks out both air and moisture.

Loose handles

A handle that isn't tight can be dangerous as it could fall while you are opening or closing your French door. This issue can be solved by tightening the screws, or replacing the handle if damaged or worn.

A track stop that's not properly set can prevent doors from sliding in the right way which can cause jams and scratches on the frames. Adding silicone caulk to the tracks or track stops may aid in solving this issue. Also, you should regularly check the exterior surfaces of frames and doors for wear or cracks, and ensure that they are in good working order.

Warping

If you're not careful If you're not careful, your French doors could begin warping due to exposure to moisture or heat. If this happens, it's worth calling a handyman that specializes in the repair french doors of French doors. They can provide advice on the best method to fix your doors and ensure that they are safe to open and close.

If your doors are badly bent, you might need to replace them. If they're only slightly bent, you may be able to straighten them by placing damp towels over the affected area. Leave the towels in place for several days or more until the doors are completely flattened.

This method is usually applied to upvc french door repairs doors, but can also be applied to wooden doors in the event that the wood is well seasoned. It is important to keep in mind that this process can be lengthy and challenging to accomplish, especially if the doors are very warped.

If the doors have been stored improperly, it could cause stretching. They should be kept clear from construction work that generates a lot of humidity like decorating or plastering work. They should be stored flat, on a solid surface.

Another reason for warping is an unfastened strike plate. To remedy this, you need to remove the doors and place them on a pair of sawhorses. You can then employ a hand plane to remove any excess wood from the top and bottom of each door. It is important to work in small increments so that you don't end up cutting too much off the doors, which can cause them to become too thin and brittle.

Once the doors are rehung, you can screw the strike plate back into place. If the lock does not work after this, the barrel catch might be catching 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.