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How to Repair French Doors

French doors are a beautiful way to connect outdoor and indoor spaces. However, they can experience problems over time that require immediate attention for both safety and practicality.

Misalignment, sagging and warping of the sash and frame of the door are common problems. Most of these problems can be easily resolved with a little time and effort.

Misaligned Locks

Sometimes doors are stuck or misaligned because of humidity, wood swelling or the house sinking. This can cause the bolt for the lock to become loose and making it more difficult to open or close the door. This can also put extra pressure on the locks which may eventually lead to broken locks or mangled components. This is fortunately an issue that is quite common and can often be solved with simple DIY methods.

In certain situations, all that is required is a little lubrication to help the door open and close easily. You can apply a graphite-based lubricant, but be sure it is safe for the door. Make sure you clean the area with a moist cloth to remove any debris from around the door before applying the lubricant.

Another simple way to fix a door hanging out of alignment is to loosen the hinges, and then adjusting them until they are aligned with the frame of the door. You should be cautious not to over-tighten the screws, as this could damage the hinges or the door.

If your external French doors aren't closing properly, this could be an indication that there is a problem in the lock mechanism. This is usually caused by factory screws that are short that loosen as time passes. To fix this, simply replace the screws with longer ones that will hold more of the door frame wood.

You can also adjust the lock, however it will be more complicated and difficult. Begin by loosening the lock knob or handle with a flathead screwdriver. You can then remove the lock assembly from its cubbyhole by unscrewing and taking it out. Examine for obstructions, then reassemble it and make sure that all screw connections are tightened.

If the latch does not hit the strike plate, you may have to move the strike plate or expand it. If the strike plate is higher or lower higher than the hole of the latch, this can prevent the lock closing and require the assistance of a locksmith. If the hole is too small, you can increase it by using a metal file or drill.

Sagging

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

Start by tightening your hinges and aligning them correctly. This should take about 10 minutes, and no tools are required. If this does nothing to fix the issue, you will need to replace the hinges. They are likely to be nearing the end of their lifespan.

Over time the french door repair doors may become loose because of the weight. To avoid this, tighten all of the hinges on your door and inspect them regularly to ensure they're still secure. It is also recommended to keep your hinges lubricated with a spray of lubricant to extend their lifespan.

A damaged or worn-out hinge can cause doors to bow and sag, so replacing hinges with new ones can help. A new doorknob or doors freshly painted can affect the alignment of your French doors.

Other causes of sagging are foundation settlement, wear on the hinges or the wrong modifications to your doors. A sagging door can be fixed by adjusting your hinges and tightening the hinge screws, or even replacing the hinges entirely.

It is also essential to check the weather stripping and door sweep often to ensure they're working properly. If they're not functioning, you can remove them and replace them.

Additionally, you should periodically check the wood on your door frame for signs of warping or rotting. These issues can lead to drafts that decrease the effectiveness of your door. They could also cause water leakage or other problems around your home.

If your doors are sagging and you have tried the first two solutions, it is likely that you'll have to remove the door jamb with a hand-planer, advises Popular Mechanics. To do this, you must remove the doors from their hinges, and place them flat on a sawhorse, or something else sturdy. Note the areas that require smoothing out, then use a plane to smooth these areas.

Leaks

French doors with large glass areas are more prone to leaks, especially in an area that experiences frequent rain. If left untreated, these leaks could cause the door frame to rot and the structure around it to deteriorate. It is fairly easy to fix these leaks, and it should only take you only a few minutes.

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

A broken seal

This issue can be solved by replacing the rubber seal on either side of the threshold with a a new one. This will ensure that there is a tight fit and prevent rainwater from entering your home.

Water is leaking from the sill

This problem can be caused by a variety of issues, including a absence of a sill pan or an unwatertight sill made of metal. watertight. If you notice that water is accumulating around your French doors, it is important to contact the builder and ask for the installation of a sill pan or to replace the steel sill with a wooden one that will be able to resist moisture.

Obstructions

A damaged seal can cause fog to build up between the double panes of glass on french door frame replacement doors, which blocks the view and lowers energy efficiency. This can be corrected by replacing the seal with one that can stop moisture and air from entering.

Loose Handles

A loose handle could be dangerous since it can fall while you are opening or closing your French door. This issue can be resolved by tightening screws or replacing the handle if it is damaged or worn.

A track stop that isn't properly installed may cause the doors to jam and scratch the frames. This issue can be fixed by adding silicone caulk to track stops or tracks. You should also regularly check the exterior surfaces of doors and frames for cracks or wear to make sure they are in good working order.

Warping

If you're not cautious, your french door repair glass doors could start warping due to exposure to heat or moisture. It's worth calling in a handyman with experience in fixing a french door repair service door. They'll be able to provide advice on the best method to repair your doors and make sure that they are safe to open and close.

If your doors are badly bent, you might need to replace them. If they're only slightly warped it might 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 the doors for a few days or even longer until they're completely flattened.

This technique is typically applied to upvc french door repairs doors, but can also be applied to wood doors in the event that the wood is well seasoned. The process is challenging and time-consuming, especially when your doors are distorted.

If the doors were stored improperly, this could be a cause of the doors to warp. They should be kept away from construction work that generates lots of humidity, such as plastering or decorating work. They should also be stored flat on a solid surface and not stacked, especially in their unfinished state.

A loose strike plate can also cause warping. To fix the problem it is necessary to take your doors off and put them on a pair sawhorses. The wood that is left over can be removed from the edges at the top and bottom of each door with hand planes. It's important to work in small steps to avoid taking too much off the doors, which can make them too thin and fragile.

Once the doors are put back up, you can screw the strike plate back into place. If the lock does not work the barrel catch could be getting caught on the side of the frame. This can be fixed by spraying silicone on the latch. If this doesn't work, you may have to replace the latch.