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A Cheat Sheet For The Ultimate On Repair French Doors
How to Repair French Doors

French doors can be an elegant way to connect outdoor and indoor spaces. However, they could face issues over time that require immediate attention for both safety and functionality.

Common issues include misalignment, sagging, and warping of the door's frame and sash. Fortunately, many of these issues can be easily repaired with a bit of time and effort.

Locks that are not aligned

Certain doors may be slack or awry due to humidity and wood swelling or settling. This can cause the lock bolt to become loose and make it difficult to open or close the door. This can put extra stress on the lock, which can result in mangled lock components or even broken locks altogether. This is fortunately a common problem that is often solved by simple DIY methods.

In certain situations, all that is required is a small amount of lubrication help the door open and close smoothly. You can apply graphite as a lubricant, but make sure to choose a product that is safe for your door. Before applying the lubricant, wipe the area around the door with an abrasive rag that is damp to remove any debris.

Another method to fix a door hanging askew is by loosening the hinges and then moving them until they're level with the door's frame. You must be careful not to tighten the screws too much, as this could damage the hinges or the door.

If your external French doors are not closing properly, this could be an indication that there is a blockage in the lock mechanism. Most often, this is caused by factory screws that are short that become loose over time. Replace the screws with larger ones to grab more wood from the door frames.

You can also adjust the lock itself, but it will be more difficult and complex. Start by loosening the knob of the lock or handle using the flat-head screwdriver. After that, you can remove the lock assembly by unscrewing it from the cubbyhole and taking it out. Examine for obstructions, then reassemble it, and make sure that all screw connections are tightened.

If the latch does not hit the strike plate, you might need to move the strike plate or increase it. If the strike plate is smaller or higher than the latch hole it could hinder the lock from closing and may require the assistance of a locksmith. If the hole is tiny, you can use a metal file to make it larger.

Sagging

If your doors are sliding or have gaps between them, it can affect the insulation of your house and decrease its energy efficiency. These gaps can also obstruct views and create drafts. There are some simple fixes to address these issues.

Start by tightening your hinges and aligning them properly. This should take 10 minutes or less and will not require any tools. If this doesn't solve your issue then you may have to replace the hinges, as they've likely reached the end of their usefulness.

Over time, the weight of your French door could cause them to loosen. To stop this from happening, tighten the hinges of your door and make sure they are secure. You can also regularly lubricate your hinges with a spray of lubricant to prolong their life.

A damaged or worn-out hinge can cause a door to bow and sag, so replacing them with new ones can aid. A new doorknob, or doors freshly painted can also affect the sloping of your French doors.

Other causes of sagging are foundation settlement as well as wear and tear on the hinges, or improper modifications to your doors. A door that is sagging could be corrected by adjusting the hinges and tightening the hinge screws, or even replacing the hinges completely.

It is also necessary to check the weather stripping and door sweep regularly to ensure that they are working correctly. If they're not functioning then you can remove them and replace them.

Lastly, you should occasionally examine the wood of your door frame for signs of warping or rotting. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors can lead to drafts, which can reduce the efficiency of your door. They can also lead to water leakage and other damage around your home.

If your doors are creaking and you have tried the two options above most likely you'll need to smooth down the jamb of your door using a hand plane, advises Popular Mechanics. To do this, take the doors from the hinges and put them flat on a sawhorse or other sturdy object. Then, mark the areas that require smoothing out, then use a plane to smooth these areas.

Leaks

The vast areas of glass on French doors makes them an ideal source for water leaks, particularly in a region that receives significant rainfall. If left untreated, these leaks could cause the door frame to become rotted and also the structure around it to deteriorate. It is comparatively easy to fix these leaks and will only take you a few minutes.

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

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 entering your home.

Water leaking through the sill

This problem can be caused by a number of issues, including a lack of a sillpan or a sill made of steel that isn't watertight. If you notice water collecting around your French doors, you need to contact the builder and request for the installation of a sill pan or to replace the steel sill with an alternative made of wood that will be able to resist water.

Obstructions

A damaged seal can cause fog to build up between the double panes glass on French doors, which obstructs the view and decreases their energy efficiency levels. This can be corrected by replacing the seal with one that can block out air and moisture.

Loose Handles

A handle that is loose could be dangerous because it could fall while you are opening or closing your French door. The tightening of the handles' screws can solve this problem, or you could simply replace the handle altogether if it's damaged or worn out.

A track stop that isn't properly installed may 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 an excellent idea to check for cracks regularly and wear on the exterior surfaces of the frames and doors to ensure they remain in good condition.

Warping


If you're not cautious If you're not careful, your French doors may begin to warp because of exposure to heat or moisture. If this happens, it's worth hiring a handyman who specializes in the repair of French doors. They can guide you on the best method to fix your doors, and also ensure that they are safe to close and open.

If your doors are severely bent, you might need to replace them. If they're only slightly warped, it could be possible to bring them straight by wetting heavy towels and laying them over the area of concern. Leave the towels on the doors for several days, or even longer, until they are completely flattened.

This method can be used to repair uPVC or wood doors, provided that the wood is well-seasoned. It's important to note that the process is time-consuming and is difficult to achieve especially when the doors are severely damaged.

If the doors have been stored improperly, this could cause the doors to warp. Be sure to keep them away from any construction work that creates lots of moisture such as plastering and decorating. They should be stored flat on a firm surface.

Another cause of warping is the strike plate being loose. To correct the issue, you will need to take the doors off and place them on a pair of sawhorses. Then, you can employ a hand-planer to remove any excess wood from the top and bottom of each door. You should work in small increments to avoid removing too much wood from the doors. This could result in them becoming too thin and fragile.

After the doors have been put back up, 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 fixable by spraying silicone onto the latch. If this isn't working, you might need to replace the latch.

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