How to Repair French Doors

French doors are a stylish addition to any home, connecting indoor and outdoor spaces. However, they may face issues over time that require immediate attention to both safety and practicality.

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

Misaligned Locks

Some doors may become stuck or misaligned due to humidity, wood swelling or house settle. This can cause the lock bolt to become loose and making it more difficult to open or close the door. This could put additional strain on the locks, which can eventually lead to broken locks or damaged inner components. Fortunately, this is a common problem that is often solved by simple DIY methods.

In certain situations all that is needed is a little lubrication to help the door open and close smoothly. It is possible to use graphite as a as a lubricant, but make sure to select one that is safe for your door. Be sure to clean the door with a damp cloth to eliminate any dirt from around the door before applying the grease.

Another method to fix a door that's hanging off the wall is by loosing the hinges and then adjusting them until they are level with the door's frame. However, you must be careful not to tighten too much the screws as this can damage the hinges or door.

If your exterior French doors aren't closing correctly, it could be a sign that there is an obstruction in the lock mechanism. Most often, this is caused by the short screws of the factory that come undone with time. To fix this issue, replace the screws with ones that will hold more of the door frames wood.

You can also adjust the lock, however it's more complex and difficult. Start by loosening the knob of the lock or handle using a flat-head screwdriver. Then, you can remove the lock by removing it from its cubbyhole, and pulling it out. Examine for obstructions, then reassemble the lock and make sure that all screw connections are tightened.

If the latch isn't touching the strike plate it may be necessary to alter or increase the size of the strike plate hole. If the strike plate is higher or lower than the hole for the latch, this can prevent the lock from closing and will require a professional locksmith. If the hole is small, you can make use of a metal file to increase the size of the hole.

Sagging

If your doors are sagging or have gaps, it will decrease the energy efficiency of your home. These gaps can also obstruct views and create drafts. Fortunately, there are a few simple solutions that can solve these issues.

To begin with start by tightening your hinges to ensure they're properly aligned. This will take about 10 minutes or less, and will not require any tools. If this doesn't fix the issue it is time to replace the hinges. They're likely to be to be nearing the end of their lifespan.

Over time, the weight of your French door may cause them to loosen. To prevent this from happening make sure that the hinges are tightened on your door and ensure they are secure. Sometimes, you must apply lubrication to the hinges using a spray of lubrication to prolong their life.

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

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

It is also necessary to inspect the weather stripping and door sweep frequently to ensure that they're working properly. If they're not working, you can remove them and replace them.

Additionally, Repair French Doors you should periodically look over the wood of your door frame for signs of warping or rotting. These issues can cause drafts, and they will not only decrease the effectiveness of your doors, but could also cause water leakage as well as other damage around your home.

Popular Mechanics advises that if your doors are sagging and you've tried the previous two alternatives, you might need to sand your door jambs using a handplane. To do this, take your doors from the hinges. Lay them flat on a sturdy surface like a sawhorse. Mark the areas that need smoothing out, then use a plane to smooth these areas.

Leaks

The large glass areas on french door glass repair doors make them a common source of water leaks, especially in a region that receives significant rainfall. Left untreated the leaks could lead to the frame of the door to rot and the structure around it. Fortunately, fixing these leaks is a relatively simple task that will only take some time to complete.

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

A broken seal

This issue can be solved by replacing the rubber seal on either side of the threshold with a the new seal. This will ensure a tight fit, which will prevent rainwater from getting into your home.

The sill is leaking with water.

This issue can be caused in many ways, including the lack of a sillpan, or using a sill made of metal that is not watertight. If you notice that water is collecting around your French door, call the builder to install sill pans or replace sliding patio door with french doors cost the steel sill with the wooden sill which will be able to resist water.

Obstructions

A faulty seal can also result in fog accumulating between the double panes of glass on french doors glass replacement doors, which obstructs the view and decreases their energy efficiency. It can be corrected by replacing the seal with a fresh one that is able to block out air and moisture.

Loose Handles

A handle that isn't tight could be dangerous since it could fall when you are opening or closing your French door. This problem can be fixed by tightening the screws or replacing the handle if it is damaged or worn.

A track stop that's not properly installed can also cause doors to become jammed and scratch the frames. This issue can be fixed by applying silicone caulk to track stops or tracks. It's also a good idea to check regularly for cracks and wear on exterior surfaces of the frames and doors to ensure they're in good shape.

Warping

A French door has a stunning view and allows plenty of natural light, but when you're not cautious, your doors may begin to warp as a result of exposure to heat or humidity. If this happens, it's worth hiring a handyman who specializes in repairing French doors. They can guide you on the best way to repair your doors and ensure that they're safe to close and open.

If your doors are seriously damaged, you may need to replace them entirely. If they're only slightly warped, it may be possible to get them back to their original position by soaking heavy towels and placing them across the area of concern. The towels should remain in place for a few days or until the doors are completely flattened.

This method can be used to restore uPVC or wood doors, provided that the wood is well-seasoned. It's important to note that this process can be lengthy and difficult to achieve particularly when the doors are severely warped.

If the doors were stored improperly, this could be a cause of the doors to warp. They should be kept away from construction projects that create a lot of humidity like decorating or plastering work. They should also be kept flat on a smooth surface and not stacked, particularly in their unfinished state.

A damaged strike plate may also cause warping. To fix this, you need to take the doors off and place them on a pair of sawhorses. The wood that is left over can be removed from the bottom and top edges of each door using hand planes. It is essential to work in small increments so you don't end up cutting too much off the doors, which could make them too thin and fragile.

After the doors have been rehung put the strike plate back in place. If the lock doesn't work the barrel catch could be catching against the side of the frame. This can usually be repaired by lubricating the latch with silicone spray. If that doesn't work the latch, it could require replacement.