How to Repair French Doors

French doors can be an elegant way to connect indoor and outdoor spaces. However, they could face issues over time that require prompt attention for both safety and practicality.

Warping, sagging and misalignment of the door's frame and sash are common problems. Fortunately, most of these issues can be easily fixed with some time and effort.

Misaligned Locks

Sometimes doors become stuck or misaligned due to humidity, wood swelling or the house shifting. 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 stress on the locks, which can eventually lead to broken locks or damaged inner components. This is fortunately an issue that is common and is often solved by simple DIY techniques.

In some instances there are times when a tiny amount of lubricant may be enough to make the door easier to open and close. You can use graphite lubricant, but be careful to choose one that is safe for your door. Before applying the lubricant clean the area around the door with a damp rag to remove any obstructions.

Another simple way to fix a door Repair French Doors that's hanging out of alignment is to loosen the hinges, and then adjusting them until they're aligned with the frame of the door. However, be cautious not to over tighten the screws since this can cause damage to the door or hinges.

If your external french door repair doors aren't closing properly, it could be an indication that there is a blockage in the lock mechanism. This is typically caused by small screws from the factory that have come loose over time. Replace the screws with larger ones to remove more wood from the door frames.

You can also try adjusting the lock itself, but this is more difficult and complicated. Begin by loosening the knob of the lock or handle with a flathead screwdriver. You can then take the lock assembly from its cubbyhole, by unscrewing and taking it out. Examine it for any obstructions and then reassemble and tighten the screw connections.

If the latch doesn't hit the strike plate, you may have to move the strike plate or expand it. If the strike plate is either higher or lower than the latch hole it can stop the lock from closing and will require a locksmith professional. If the hole is small it is possible to make use of a metal file to enlarge it.

Sagging

If your doors are sagging or Repair French Doors have gaps between them, it will affect the insulating properties of your home and reduce its energy efficiency. These gaps can also block views and cause drafts. There are a few simple solutions to address these issues.

Start by tightening your hinges and aligning them properly. This will take about 10 minutes or less and not require any tools. If this doesn't fix the issue then you'll need to replace your hinges. They're likely to be to be nearing the end of their lifecycle.

Over time over time, your French doors can loosen because of the weight. To stop this from happening, tighten the hinges of your door and make sure they are secure. Occasionally, you should also apply lubrication to the hinges using a spray of lubrication to prolong their lifespan.

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

Other causes of sagging include foundation settlement, wear and tear on the hinges or inadequate modifications to your doors. You can repair a door that is sagging by tightening or altering the hinges.

It is also important to check the weather stripping on your doors and to make sure that they're working properly. If they are not, then removing them and replacing them will fix the issue.

Lastly, you should occasionally check the wood of your door frame for signs of warping or rotting. These problems can lead to a draft, which will reduce the efficiency of your door. They could also cause water leakage or other problems around your home.

If your doors are sagging and you've tried the first two solutions It is likely that you'll need to smooth down the jamb of your door with a hand plane, advises Popular Mechanics. To do this, remove the doors from their hinges, and lay them flat on a sawhorse or something else sturdy. Note the areas that require planing, then use a hand plane to smooth these areas of the doorjamb.

Leaks

French doors with large replacement glass panels for french doors areas are prone to leaks, particularly if you live in an area that experiences frequent rainfall. If not treated the leaks can lead to rotting of the door frame and the surrounding structure. Fortunately, fixing these leaks is a relatively easy task that will only take just a few hours to finish.

Leaks can be caused by a number of causes which include:

A broken seal

Replace the rubber seals on either side of your threshold with new ones. This will ensure a tight fit and prevent rainwater from getting into your home.

The sill is leaking water.

This issue can be caused in a number of ways that include the absence of a sillpan or using a metal sill which isn't watertight. If you find that water is gathering around your French door, call the builder and ask them to install sill pans or replace the steel sill by an wooden sill that can keep out water.

Obstructions

A leaky seal can cause fog to build up between the double panes of French doors. This can block the view and decrease their energy efficiency. The problem can be resolved by replacing the old seal with a newer one that blocks both moisture and air.

Loose Handles

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

A track stop that isn't properly set can stop the doors from sliding correctly which can cause jams and scratches on the frames. This issue can be fixed by applying silicone caulk to track stops or tracks. It is also recommended to regularly inspect the exterior surfaces of frames and doors for wear or cracks, and ensure they are in good working order.

Warping

If you're not cautious, your French doors may begin to warp due to exposure to heat or moisture. It's a good idea to contact an experienced handyman who has experience fixing a french door glass repair doors. They can guide you on the best method of repairing your doors and ensure that they are safe to open and close.

If your doors are severely bent, you may have to replace them entirely. If they're only slightly warped, it may be possible to get them back to straight by wetting heavy towels and laying them on the affected area. The towels should remain in place for a couple of days or until the doors have been flattened completely.

This method can be used to fix uPVC or wood doors provided that the wood is well-seasoned. The process is challenging and time-consuming, particularly if your doors are warped.

If the doors have been stored improperly, it could cause the doors to warp. Keep them away from any building work that produces lots of moisture, like decorating and plastering. They should also be stored flat on a smooth surface and not stacked especially in their unfinished state.

A damaged strike plate may also cause warping. To correct the issue it is necessary to remove your doors and put them on a pair of sawhorses. The wood that is left over can be removed from the top and bottom edges of each door with a hand plane. It is essential to work in small pieces so that you don't end up taking too much wood off the doors, which could cause them to become too thin and brittle.

After the doors have been fixed, you can put the strike plate back in place. If the lock does not work after this the barrel catch could be caught on the other side of the frame. This is fixable by spraying silicone onto the latch. If this isn't working, you might need to replace the latch.