How to Repair French Doors

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

Common problems include the misalignment, sagging and warping of the door frame and sash. Fortunately, the majority of these issues can be fixed with some time and effort.

Misaligned locks

Certain doors may become misaligned or stuck due to humidity or wood swelling, or house settlement. This can make the strike bolt or lock plate move out of alignment and require more force to open and close the door. This can also put extra stress on the locks, which may eventually lead to broken locks or mangled inner components. It's an issue that is quite common and can be resolved with simple DIY methods.

In some instances it is possible that a small amount of lubricant is all you need to make the door easier to open and close. You can apply a graphite-based lubricant, but be sure that it is safe for the door. Make sure to wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove any debris from the door prior to you apply the oil.

A door that is hanging off-center can be fixed by adjusting and loosening the hinges until they are aligned with the frame. Be careful not to tighten the screws too much because this could damage the hinges or the door.

If your exterior french door repairs near me door isn't closing properly it could be an indication that there is a blockage in the lock mechanism. This is usually caused by short screws that came from the factory that have become loose over time. To fix this issue, replace the screws with longer ones that grab more of the door frames wood.

You can also try adjusting the lock itself, however it will be more complicated and difficult. Start by loosening the knob or handle using the flat-head screwdriver. After that, you can remove the lock by removing it from its cubbyhole and pulling it out. Examine for obstructions, then reassemble the lock and tighten all screw connections.

If the latch isn't touching the strike plate, you may need to relocate or expand the strike plate hole. If the strike plate is lower or higher than the hole for the latch, this could prevent the lock from closing and require locksmith assistance. If the hole is tiny you can make use of a file made of metal to enlarge it.

Sagging

If your doors sag or have gaps, it will reduce the energy efficiency of your home. These gaps can also cause drafts and block your view. Fortunately, there are a few easy fixes that can solve these problems.

To begin, tighten your hinges to ensure that they are correctly aligned. This should take 10 minutes or less, and will not require any tools. If this does nothing to fix the issue, you will need to replace your hinges. They are likely to be at the end of their lifespan.

Over time, the weight of your French door could cause them to loosen. To stop this from happening ensure that the hinges are secured your door and make sure they are secure. You can also lubricate your hinges periodically with a lubricating spritz to extend their lifespan.

Replace old or damaged hinges to prevent a door from sliding. A new doorknob or freshly painted door can affect the alignment of your French door.

Other causes of sagging are foundation settlement, wear on the hinges or the wrong changes made to your doors. A door that is sagging can be fixed by adjusting the hinges or tightening the hinge screws, or even replacing the hinges completely.

It is also necessary to inspect the weather stripping and door Repair french doors sweep often to ensure that they are working correctly. If they're not working you can take them off and replace them.

You should also examine your frames for signs of warping or rot. These problems can lead to drafts, which can decrease the effectiveness of your door. They could also cause water leakage or damage around your home.

If your doors are creaking and you've tried the two options above 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 lay them flat on a sawhorse, or something else sturdy. Mark the places that need planning, and then use a hand plane to smooth these areas of the doorjamb.

Leaks

The vast areas of glass on French doors can be an ideal source for water leaks, especially if you live in an area with frequent rainfall. Left untreated the leaks could lead to decay of the frame and the structure around it. Fortunately, fixing leaks is a relatively simple task that will only take just a few hours to finish.

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

A broken seal

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

Water is leaking through the sill

This issue can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as a lack of a sill pan or the use of a metal sill that isn't watertight. If you find that water is gathering around your French door, contact the builder to ask them to install sill pans or replace glass pane in french door the steel sill with an wooden sill that can keep out water.

Obstructions

A faulty seal can also cause fog to build up between the double panes of glass on French doors, which blocks the view and reduces their energy efficiency levels. This can be corrected by replacing the existing seal with one that can block out air and moisture.

Loose handles

A handle that is loose could be dangerous since it could fall while you're opening or closing your French door. This problem can be fixed by tightening the screws, or replacing the handle if it's damaged or worn.

Similar to a track stop that isn't properly set can stop doors from sliding properly, resulting in scratches and jams on frames. This issue can be resolved by adding silicone caulk to track stops or tracks. 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 good shape.

Warping

A French door offers a lovely view and lets in plenty of light. However, if you're not careful your doors may begin to warp as a result of exposure to heat or humidity. It's worth calling in an experienced handyman who has experience repairing french door window frame replacement doors. They can guide you on the best way to fix your doors and ensure that they are safe to open and close.

If your doors are badly damaged, you may need to replace them completely. If they're only slightly warped, it could be possible to bring them back to straight by soaking heavy towels and placing them across the problem area. The towels should remain in place for several days or more until the doors have been flattened completely.

This method can be used to repair uPVC or wood doors, provided that the wood is well-seasoned. It is important to keep in mind that this process can be lengthy and is difficult to achieve, especially in the case of doors that are extremely warped.

The doors could warp if they have been stored incorrectly. Avoid them from construction work that creates lots of moisture such as plastering and decorating. They should also be kept flat on a solid surface and not stacked, particularly in their unfinished state.

A loose strike plate can also cause warping. To remedy this, you need to take the doors off and set them up on the sawhorses. The excess wood can be removed from the edges at the top and bottom of each door by using hand planes. It's important to work in small pieces so that you don't end up cutting too much off the doors, which can make them too thin and brittle.

Once the doors are put back up, you can screw the strike plate back into place. If the lock still doesn't work the barrel catch could be catching against the side of the frame. This can be fixed by spraying silicone on the latch. If this doesn't work the latch, it could require replacement.