How to Repair French Doors

French doors can be a stylish method of connecting outdoor and indoor spaces. They can become problematic in time, and require immediate attention to security and efficiency.

Warping, sagging and misalignment of door frame and sash are all common issues. Many of these issues are easily solved with a little time and effort.

Locks that are not aligned

Sometimes doors get stuck or misaligned because of humidity, swelling of the wood or the house shifting. This can cause the bolt for the lock to be awry and make it difficult to open or close the door. This also puts extra strain on the lock, which could eventually lead to mangled inner-lock components or broken locks altogether. It's an issue that is quite common and is often solved by simple DIY techniques.

In some instances, all that is required is a bit of lubrication to help the door open and close smoothly. It is possible to use graphite as a lubricant, but be careful to select one that is safe for your door. Before applying the lubricant wipe the door's perimeter with a damp rag to remove any debris.

A door that hangs off-center can be easily fixed by adjusting and loosening the hinges until they are aligned with the frame. You should be cautious not to tighten the screws too much, as this could damage the hinges or damage the door.

If your exterior French door isn't closing properly, it could be a sign there is a blockage in the lock mechanism. Usually, this is caused by the short screws of the factory that come undone as time passes. To fix this, simply replace sliding patio door with french doors cost the screws with ones that grip more of the door frame wood.

You can also adjust the lock itself, however this will be more difficult and complicated. Begin by loosening the knob of the lock or handle using the flat-head screwdriver. You can then take the lock from its cubbyhole by unscrewing and taking it out. Check for any obstructions and then reassemble and tighten the screw connections.

If the latch doesn't touch the strike plate, you may have to move the strike plate or enlarge it. If the strike plate is higher or lower higher than the latch hole it could hinder the lock from closing and will require a locksmith. 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 will affect the insulation of your house and decrease the efficiency of its energy use. These gaps can also create drafts and block your view. Fortunately there are simple solutions to help solve these problems.

To begin with start by tightening your hinges to ensure that they are properly aligned. This should take 10 minutes or less and will not require any tools. If this does not solve the issue then you may have to are more prone to leaks, particularly if you live in a region that receives heavy rain. If not treated the leaks can lead to rotting of the door frame and the surrounding structure. It is fairly easy to fix these leaks and will only take you just 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 seals. This will ensure a perfect fit, preventing rainwater from getting inside your home.

Water is leaking from the sill

This problem can result from a variety of reasons, such as a absence of a sill pan or a sill made of steel that isn't watertight. If you notice that water is collecting around your French door, call the builder to install sill pans or replace the steel sill with an wooden sill that can keep out moisture.

Obstructions

A faulty seal may also cause fog to accumulate between the double panes on French doors. This can block the view and reduce energy efficiency. It can be corrected by replacing the seal with a new one that is able to keep out moisture and air.

Loose handles

Having a loose handle on your French doors could be dangerous, as it can fall off when you're opening or closing the door. By tightening the screws on the handle can fix this issue or replace the handle altogether in the event that it's damaged or worn out.

A track stop that is not properly installed may cause the doors to jam and scratch the frames. This problem can be solved by applying silicone caulk to tracks or track stops. 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

A french door double pane glass replacement door offers a lovely view and allows plenty of light. However, when you're not cautious, your doors can start warping as a result of exposure to humidity or heat. If this happens, you should consider hiring a handyman who specializes in the repair of french door locking mechanism replacement doors. They will be able to advise you on the best method to fix your doors and ensure that they are safe to open and close.

If your doors are severely bent, you may need to replace them. If they're slightly warped it might be possible to bring them straight by soaking the towels in water and laying them over the problem area. Leave the towels on the door for a few days or even longer until they're completely flattened.

This method is usually applied to uPVC doors, but it can also be applied cost to replace window with french doors wooden doors in the event that the wood is well-seasoned. The process is laborious and time-consuming, particularly in the case of doors that are warped.

If the doors have been stored incorrectly, this can cause stretching. They should be kept away from building works that generate a lot of humidity such as decorating or plastering work. They should be kept in a flat place on a hard surface.

A damaged strike plate could also cause warping. To correct the issue, you will need to take your doors off and place them on a pair sawhorses. The excess wood can be removed from the top and bottom edges of each door by using hand planes. It is essential to work in small steps so you don't end up cutting too much off the doors, which can cause them to become too thin and fragile.

After the doors have been rehung, you can screw the strike plate back into place. If the lock doesn't 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 that doesn't help the latch, it may need to be replaced.