Repairing French Doors Tips From The Most Successful In The Business
Repairing French Doors
French doors are a popular option for period homes, but they are susceptible to problems in time. These problems can be minor or major and if not dealt with promptly, they can cause damage.
If you know what to check it's easy to fix many of these issues. Here are some tips on repairing French doors:
Locks that are not aligned
If a door lock is not aligned properly, it could be difficult to open and close the door. It could also leave the door and your property exposed. The disalignment of a door lock can be caused by hinges which need to be adjusted, structural settling, or an incorrect installation. There are a few basic fixes you can perform on your own.
The first step is to determine the reason why the latch isn't connecting to the hole in the strike plate or in the door frame. To do this, try closing the door and then search for a spot in the area where the latch touched the strike plate hole. This will help you identify the problem and fix it in the correct way.
If the latch contact is above or below the strike plate hole, it's an indication of hinges that are loose or a door frame that needs shims. The loose hinges can cause the door to slide which can cause the door not aligning properly. This can be corrected by tightening the screws on the hinges and adjusting the hinges. Shims can be used to support hinges and keep them in place.
Another common cause of misaligned doors is a stuck or stuck lock or cylinder. It could be due to dirt or other debris that have clogged the keyway, or it could be caused by a worn-out key. In either case, lubricating your lock cylinder is the best solution. You can use graphite or silicone-based lubricants. If the lock cylinder is stuck, it's a great idea to contact an expert to avoid any further injury or damage.
A latch that is seized could cause issues for French doors because it prevents the door from being opened and closed. This can be a result of a faulty alignment or warping of the door or frame as a result of climate changes. replace french door repairmywindowsanddoors could also be a sign of poor quality hardware. In most cases, a latch that has become stuck can be resolved by repositioning the latch and applying silicone spray to it. If the latch is damaged, it may need to be replaced completely. A skilled handyman knows how to identify this issue and will be able to repair the problem correctly.
Leaks
If your French doors are constructed according to modern standards, they should not leak. If they do leak, you must determine the cause of the issue so you can fix it.
There are a few possibilities for water to enter your door through the bottom. The most common reason is that the seal around the door's bottom isn't tight enough, causing moisture to get in and cause damage over time. Another possibility is a crack or hole in the frame or sill of the door. It's necessary to replace or repair the sill.
Leaks around the French doors can also happen when there is no barrier between the doors and the wind. Strong gusts of winds can weaken seams, leading to leaks that damage floors and interior walls. You can prevent this by installing a screen an awning or even an enclosure to create a windbreak.
Another reason for leaks is that the seals around your French doors aren't being maintained or installed properly. You'll require silicone caulking to seal the seals. This material is a great adhesive, flexibility, and water resistance, making it the ideal option for sealing your French doors.
In addition, it's important to make sure that the drainage holes along the bottom of your uPVC French doors aren't clogged or filled with debris. This will reduce the transfer of heat and air into your home, reducing energy bills.
In the end, it's recommended to check your French doors on a regular basis, and then clean them using a mild cleaning solution to keep them looking great and functioning smoothly. Regular maintenance can also extend their lifespan and enhance their performance. These steps can help you avoid costly repairs and enjoy your French doors for many years to come.
Warping
French doors are a great option to connect your outdoor and indoor spaces while letting in lots of sunlight. However, as with all doors, they can become damaged as time passes due to wear and tear or poor installation. It is crucial to have your French doors fixed as soon as you can if there's any issue.
If your French door locks aren't working, it's likely that the lock is damaged or stuck because of wear. You'll have to take the lock off and remove the door to take an inspection of the mechanism.
A common issue that occurs with French Doors is that the latch can become stuck or does not close properly. This is usually due to the doors aren't aligned correctly either because the hinges have loosened or they weren't set up correctly in the first place. The easiest way to correct this is to open and close the doors as carefully as you can to test if the latch works or not.
It's possible that your doors aren't closing properly because the wood has expanded from moisture. To correct this, you'll need to widen the door's frame to allow room for hinges. This is a challenging task that shouldn't be attempted without assistance from a professional.
Getting your French doors repaired immediately you spot any problems is essential to ensure they're looking their best and functioning effectively. If you take care of them and provide regular maintenance your French doors will last for many years.
Chameleon specialises in repairing and restoring windows, doors, and other wooden features of listed or period buildings. We can install new French doors to give your home an elegant and traditional look, or repair the existing ones. Contact us today if you're bored of your old French doors. We can arrange a free estimate for your repairs and provide the quality service you deserve.
Wooden Parts
French doors are gorgeous additions to any home especially those of a period. However, over time they are prone to weathering and damage. While this can cause a few minor problems but it's also relatively simple to repair.
If your exterior French door isn't locking, it is possible that something is blocking the frame or there is an issue with the alignment between the latch and the door. In the first scenario it is recommended to get rid of any dirt, debris, or household items that have gotten caught between the frame and door.
In the latter case you may have to tighten the hinges or adjust them. This can be accomplished by locating the lateral adjustment lever on the hinge of a door (usually hidden behind a plastic cover or small plug) and using it to move the hinge away from or toward the door frame. You can also lubricate the latch using silicone spray or oil. However, this could not last for long and you may have to replace it.
Sometimes the wood in the French door frame can swell due to changes in humidity which makes the door difficult to open and close. To fix this you can sand the edges of the frame to adjust them. Make sure to apply paint or sealant afterwards.
Another common problem with external French doors is fog accumulation between the two panes of glass. This can cause a lack of natural light and reduce the efficiency of energy used by the doors. The glass panes can be replaced to remove fog, but it is not a job that should be undertaken without assistance from a professional.
A cracked or broken glass pane should be replaced as soon as possible for safety reasons and to keep out elements from the house. The replacement of glass on a French doors is the same as sliding glass doors, but it requires more skill and precision to complete properly. Wear gloves that protect you when removing the old pane of glass from the window. Take measurements of the opening to ensure that the new pane will fit correctly. Cut and place the pane with care. Reinstall the doors hardware and glazing components.