How to Repair French Doors
French doors can be a stylish method of connecting indoor and outdoor areas. However, they may face issues over time, which require immediate attention for both safety and practicality.
Common issues include the misalignment, sagging and warping of the door frame and sash. Fortunately, most of these issues can be fixed with some time and effort.
Misaligned french door handle repairs get stuck or misaligned due humidity, wood swelling or the house sinking. This can cause the bolt for the lock to be awry and making it more difficult to open or close the door. This can also put extra strain on the locks, which may eventually lead to broken locks or damaged inner components. Fortunately, this is a common problem that can often be solved with simple DIY methods.
In certain situations all that is required is a bit of lubrication to aid the door in opening and close smoothly. You can use graphite oil, but you must be cautious to choose one that is safe for your door. Be sure to clean the area with a moist cloth to eliminate any dirt around the door prior to applying the grease.
Another method to fix a door hanging askew is by loosening the hinges and then adjusting them until they are level with the frame of the door. You must be careful not to tighten the screws too much as this could cause damage to the hinges or damage the door.
If your external French doors aren't closing properly, it could be an indication that there is a blockage in the lock mechanism. Usually, this is caused by short factory screws that become loose as time passes. To fix this issue, replace the screws with larger ones that grab more of the door frames wood.
You can also adjust the lock, however it will be more difficult and complicated. Begin by loosening either the knob or handle using flathead screw. You can then remove the lock assembly from its cubbyhole by removing it and taking it out. Check for obstructions, then reassemble it, and make sure that all screw connections are tightened.
If the latch isn't hitting 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 latch hole this can prevent the lock closing and require a locksmith. If the hole is too small, you can expand it with a metal file or drill.
Sagging
If your doors are sagging or have gaps between them, it will affect the insulating properties of your house and decrease the efficiency of its energy use. These gaps can also create drafts and block your view. Fortunately, there are a few simple fixes to help solve these problems.
To begin tighten the hinges to ensure that they are correctly aligned. This should take 10 minutes or less and not require any tools. If this does nothing to fix the problem it is time to replace the hinges. They are likely to be nearing the end of their lifecycle.
Over time the French doors can become loose because of the weight. To stop this from happening make sure that the hinges are tightened on your door and ensure they are secure. It is also recommended to keep your hinges lubricated with a lubricating spritz to extend their lifespan.
Replace old or damaged hinges to prevent a door from sliding. A new doorknob, or doors freshly painted could also alter the sloping of your French doors.
Other causes of sagging are foundation settlement, wear on the hinges or improper changes made to your doors. A door that is sagging could be corrected by adjusting the hinges and tightening the hinge screws, or replacing the hinges altogether.
It is also essential to check the weather stripping and door sweep frequently to make sure they're functioning properly. If they're not, removing them and replacing them will fix the issue.
Finally, you should regularly look over the wood of your door frame for signs of warping or rotting. These issues can lead to drafts and not only affect the performance of your doors, but they can also cause water leakage and other damage within your home.
Popular Mechanics advises that if your doors are creaking after you've tried all three options, you may have to sand your door jambs using a handplane. To do this, take the doors from their hinges, and lay them flat on a sawhorse, or something else sturdy. Then, mark the areas that require smoothing out, then use a plane to smooth these areas.
Leaks
French doors with large glass areas are susceptible to leaks, particularly if you live in an area that experiences heavy rainfall. Left untreated the leaks can lead to the frame of the door to rot and the surrounding structure. It is relatively easy to fix these leaks and will only take you just a few minutes.
Leaks can be caused by a variety of reasons, including:
A broken seal
Replace the rubber seals on either side of your threshold with new ones. This will ensure that there is an exact fit and stop rainwater from entering your home.
The sill is leaking water.
This problem can be caused by a number of issues, including a absence of a sill pan or a sill made of steel that isn't watertight. If you see water accumulating around your French doors, you need to get in touch with the builder and ask for the installation of sill pans or replace the sill made of steel by a wooden one that can be able to resist water.
Obstructions
A damaged seal can cause fog to build up between the two panes of glass on French doors, which block the view and reduces their energy efficiency levels. This can be corrected by replacing the existing seal with a new one that can keep out moisture and air.
Loose handles
A loose handle on your French doors could be dangerous, as it can be snagged while you're opening or closing the door. This issue can be solved by tightening the screws, or replacing the handle if it is damaged or worn.
A track stop that's not properly installed may cause the doors to jam and scratch the frames. Adding silicone caulk to the tracks or track stops may help with this issue. It's also recommended to regularly check for cracks and wear on the exterior surface of the frames and doors to ensure that they are in good condition.
Warping
If you are not careful If you're not careful, your French doors could start warping because of exposure to moisture or heat. It is recommended to call an experienced handyman with experience fixing a French door. They will be able to advise you on the best method to repair your doors and ensure that they are safe to open and close.
If your doors are seriously bent, it may be necessary to replace them. If they're only slightly warped, it could be possible to bring them back to their original position by soaking the towels in water and laying them over the area of concern. Place the towels on the floor for several days or more until the doors are completely flattened.
This technique is typically applied to uPVC doors, but it could also be applied to wooden doors in the event that the wood is well seasoned. It is important to keep in mind that the process can be time-consuming and is difficult to achieve, especially in the case of doors that are extremely warped.
If the doors have been stored improperly, it could be a cause of the doors to warp. Keep them away from any building work that produces lots of moisture such as plastering and decorating. They should be kept flat on a hard surface.
A loose strike plate can also cause warping. To correct this issue, you'll 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 removing too much wood from the doors. This could cause them to become too thin and brittle.
After the doors have been put back up, you can screw the strike plate back into place. If the lock isn't working after this the barrel catch may be catching on the side of the frame. This can be fixed by spraying silicone onto the latch. If this does not work, you might have to replace the latch.