Notes

Why People Don't Care About Repair French Doors
How to Repair French Doors

French doors can be a stylish method of connecting outdoor and indoor spaces. They can develop problems in time, and require immediate attention for security and efficiency.

Sagging, misalignment and warping of the door's frame and sash are all common issues. Fortunately, many of these issues can be fixed with some time and effort.

Locks that are misaligned

Some doors can become misaligned or stuck due to humidity or wood swelling, or house settle. This can cause the strike bolt or lock plate sway and require more force to open and 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 that can be easily solved by DIY methods.

In some instances, all that is required is a small amount of lubrication help the door open and close easily. You can use a graphite-based lubricant, but be sure it's safe for the door. Make sure you clean the door with a damp cloth to eliminate any dirt from around the door before you apply the lubricant.

french doors glass replacement that hangs off-center is easily fixed by adjusting and loosening the hinges until they are aligned with the frame. But, you should be careful to avoid over-tightening the screws, as this could cause damage to the door or hinges.

If your external French door isn't closing properly it could be an indication that there is a blockage in the lock mechanism. Most often, this is caused by the short screws of the factory that come undone as time passes. To fix this, simply replace the screws with longer ones that will hold more of the door frames wood.

You can also alter the lock, but it will be more complicated and difficult. Start by loosening the lock knob or handle using the flat-head screwdriver. Then, you can remove the lock assembly by uncrewing it from its cubbyhole, and taking it out. Examine it for any obstructions, and then reassemble and tighten the screw connections.

If the latch isn't touching the strike plate hole it may be necessary to relocate or expand the strike plate hole. If the strike plate is lower or higher than the hole of the latch, this can prevent the lock closing and may require locksmith assistance. If the hole is tiny, you can make use of a file made of metal to enlarge it.

Sagging

If your doors are sagging or have gaps between them, it can affect the insulation of your home and lower the efficiency of its energy use. These gaps can also cause drafts and obstruct your view. Fortunately, there are a few simple solutions that can solve these problems.

In the beginning, tighten your hinges to ensure they're properly aligned. This should only take 10 minutes, and no tools are required. If this isn't enough to solve your issue then you may have to replace the hinges as they are likely to have reached the end of their lifespan.

Over time the weight of your French door could cause them to loosen. To prevent this from happening, tighten the hinges of your door and ensure they are secure. Occasionally, you should also apply lubrication to the hinges using an oil-based spray to prolong their life.

Replace damaged or old hinges to stop your door from sliding. A new doorknob or freshly painted doors could affect the alignment of your French door.


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

It is also important to check the weather stripping and door sweep frequently to ensure that they're working properly. If they're not, removing them and replacing them will fix the issue.

Also, you should check your door frames for indications of warping or rot. These issues can lead to drafts, and they will not only affect the performance of your doors, but can also cause water leakage as well as other damage within your home.

If your doors are creaking and you have tried the first two solutions, it is likely that you'll have to sand down your door jamb with a hand plane, advises Popular Mechanics. To do this, you must remove the doors from their hinges, and place them flat on a sawhorse, or other sturdy object. Note the areas that require planed, and then use a hand plane to smooth these areas of the doorjamb.

Leaks

French doors with large glass areas are susceptible to leaks, particularly when you live in a region that receives heavy rainfall. If not treated, these leaks can cause the frame of the door to become rotted and also the surrounding structure. It is comparatively easy to fix these leaks and should only take you just a few minutes.

Leaks can be caused by a number of factors which include:

A broken seal

Replace the rubber seals on either side of your threshold with new ones. This will ensure a tight fit, and will also stop rainwater from entering your home.

Water is leaking from the sill

This problem can be caused by a number of issues, including a lack of a sillpan or by the use of a sill made of steel that isn't watertight. If you notice that water is collecting around your French door, contact the builder and ask them to install sill pans or replace the steel sill with a wooden sill that will be able to resist water.

Obstructions

A leaky seal can cause fog to build up between the double panes on French doors. This can block the view and reduce their energy efficiency. This can be fixed by replacing the seal with a new one that is able to keep out moisture and air.

Loose Handles

A handle that isn't tight could be dangerous because it could fall when you are closing or opening your French door. Tightening the screws on the handle can fix this issue or you can replace the handle altogether when it's worn or damaged out.

Similar to a track stop that isn't properly set can block the doors from sliding correctly which can cause scratches and jams on the frames. Adding silicone caulk to the tracks or track stops may help solve this problem. Also, you should regularly check the exterior surfaces of doors and frames for wear or cracks to ensure they are in good shape.

Warping

If you are not careful, your French doors may begin to warp due to 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 method to fix your doors and ensure that they're safe to open and close.

If your doors are badly bent, you may need to replace them. If they're slightly warped, it could be possible to bring them back to their original position by soaking heavy towels and placing them across the area of concern. Leave the towels on the door for a few days or even longer until they 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. The process is challenging and time-consuming, particularly when your doors are distorted.

Doors can crack if they have been stored incorrectly. Avoid them from construction work that creates a lot of moisture, such as plastering and decorating. They should also be kept flat on a surface and not stacked, especially when they are not finished.

A loose strike plate can also cause warping. To correct the issue it is necessary to remove your doors and put them on a pair sawhorses. The excess wood can be removed from the edges at the top and bottom of each door using a hand plane. It is best to work in small increments to avoid taking too much wood from the doors. This could cause them to become thin and fragile.

After the doors have been rehung, you can screw the strike plate back in place. If the lock does not work after this the barrel catch could be caught on the other side of the frame. This is fixable by spraying silicone onto the latch. If this doesn't work, the latch might need to be replaced.

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