How to Repair French Doors
French doors are a beautiful addition to any home, connecting indoor and outdoor spaces. However, they may face issues over time, which require immediate attention to both security and function.
Warping, sagging and misalignment of door frame and sash are all common problems. Many of these issues can be solved with just a bit of time and effort.
Misaligned locks
Sometimes doors get stuck or misaligned due to humidity, swelling of the wood or the house shifting. This could cause the bolt of 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 result in mangled lock components or broken locks altogether. This is a common issue that can be easily solved by DIY methods.
In certain situations all that is needed is a small amount of lubrication help the door open and close with ease. You can use graphite lubricant, but be careful to choose a product that is safe for your door. Make sure you clean the area with a moist cloth to eliminate any dirt around the door prior to applying the grease.
A door that is hanging off-center can be fixed by adjusting and loosening the hinges until they are in line with the frame. You must be careful not to tighten the screws too much because this could damage the hinges or the door.
If your exterior French door isn't closing properly, it could be a sign that there are obstructions in the lock mechanism. This usually happens due to short screws that came from the factory that have become loose over time. To fix this, simply replace the screws with longer ones that grip more of the door frames wood.
You can also try adjusting the lock, but this is more difficult and complicated. Begin by loosening the knob or handle using a flathead screw. You can then remove the lock from its cubbyhole by removing it and taking it out. Examine for obstructions, then reassemble it, and tighten all the screw connections.
If the latch isn't hitting the strike plate hole, you may need to relocate or expand the strike plate hole. If the strike plate is either higher or lower than the latch hole it can stop the lock from closing and will require a professional locksmith. If the hole is tiny you can make use of a file made of metal to make it larger.
Sagging
If your doors aren't straight or have gaps, this can decrease the energy efficiency of your home. These gaps can also cause drafts and block your view. There are simple solutions to address these issues.
To begin with, tighten your hinges to ensure that they are correctly aligned. This will take about 10 minutes or less, and will not require any tools. If this doesn't solve the issue then you may have to replace the hinges since they are likely to have reached the end of their lifespan.
Over time, the weight of your French door can cause them to become slack. To prevent this, tighten all of the hinges on your door and inspect them frequently to ensure they're still secure. It is also recommended to keep your hinges lubricated with a spray of lubricant to extend their lifespan.
Replace hinges that are damaged or worn out to prevent a door from sagging. A new doorknob, or doors freshly painted can affect the position of your French doors.
Other causes of sagging include foundation settlement, wear on the hinges or improper changes made to your doors. You can fix a door that is sagging by tightening or changing the hinges.
It is also important to check the weather stripping and door sweep frequently to ensure they are working correctly. If they are not, removing them and replacing them will fix the issue.
Additionally, you should periodically examine the wood on the door frame for indications of rotting or warping. These issues can lead to drafts, and they will not only reduce the efficiency of your doors, but can also cause water leakage and other damages around your home.
Popular Mechanics advises that if your doors are creaking and you've tried the first two options, you may require sanding your door jambs using a handplane. To do this, unhook your doors from the hinges. Place them flat on something sturdy like a sawhorse. Then, mark the areas that require smoothing out, then use a plane to smooth these areas.
Leaks
The large areas of glass on French doors makes them an ideal source for water leaks, especially if you live in a region that receives heavy rainfall. If not treated the leaks can lead to decay of the frame and the structure surrounding it. Fortunately, fixing leaks is a fairly simple task that will take only some time to complete.
Leaks can be caused by many causes, including
A broken seal
Replace the rubber seals on either side of your threshold with new ones. french door repairs will ensure that there is an exact fit and stop 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 by the use of a metal sill that isn't watertight. If you see water accumulating 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 keep out water.
Obstructions
A damaged seal can cause fog to build up between the double panes of glass on French doors, which block the view and lowers energy efficiency levels. The issue can be solved by replacing the seal with a newer one that can block out moisture and air.
Loose Handles
Having a loose handle on your French doors can be risky, since it could fall off when you're opening or closing the door. This problem can be fixed by tightening the screws or replacing the handle if it is damaged or worn.
A track stop that isn't correctly installed could cause the doors to jam and scratch the frames. This issue can be fixed by adding silicone caulk to tracks or track stops. It's also an excellent idea to check for cracks regularly and wear on exterior surfaces of the frames and doors to ensure that they are in top condition.
Warping
A French door offers a lovely view and allows plenty of light, however when you're not cautious, your doors can start warping because of exposure to heat or humidity. If this happens, you should consider hiring a handyman who specializes in the repair of French doors. They can advise you on the best method to repair your doors, and also ensure that they are safe to open and close.
If your doors are severely bent, you may need to replace them. If they're only slightly warped, you may be capable of straightening them by placing damp towels over the affected area. Leave the towels in place for a couple of days or until the doors are flattened completely.
This method can be used to fix uPVC or wood doors provided that the wood has been well-seasoned. It's important to note that the process is time-consuming and difficult to achieve particularly when the doors are severely damaged.
If the doors were stored improperly, it could cause the doors to warp. Keep them away from any construction work that generates lots of moisture, like decorating and plastering. They should be kept in a flat place, on a solid surface.
A damaged strike plate could also cause warping. To correct 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 with a hand plane. It is recommended to work in smaller increments to avoid taking too much wood from the doors. This could cause them to become too thin and brittle.
After the doors have been rehung, screw the strike plate in place. If the lock doesn't work after this the barrel catch could be catching on the side of the frame. This can be fixed by spraying silicone on the latch. If that doesn't help, the latch might require replacement.