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How to Repair French Doors

French doors are a beautiful addition to a home that connects outdoor and indoor spaces. However, they may face issues over time, which require immediate attention for both safety and functionality.

Common issues are misalignment, sagging, and warping of the door's frame and sash. Fortunately, many of these issues can be solved with a little time and effort.

Locks that are not aligned

Some doors can become stuck or misaligned due to humidity and wood swelling or settling. This can cause the lock bolt to be awry, making it harder to open or close the door. This could put additional strain on the locks, which can eventually lead to broken locks or mangled components. It's an issue that is quite common and can often be solved with simple DIY methods.

In certain situations it is possible that a small amount of lubricant may be all that's needed to make the door more easy to open and close. You can apply graphite lubricant, but be careful to choose a product that is safe for your door. Make sure you clean the door with a damp cloth to eliminate any dirt around the door prior to applying the lubricant.

Another method to fix a door that's hanging off the wall is by loosing the hinges, and then adjusting them until they're aligned with the frame of the door. But, you should be careful to avoid over-tightening the screws, as this could damage the hinges or door.

If your external french door locking mechanism replacement door isn't closing correctly, it could be a sign there is a blockage in the lock mechanism. This usually happens due to short screws that came from the factory that have become loose over time. Replace the screws with larger ones to pull more wood from the door frames.

You can also alter the lock, but it's more difficult and complicated. Start by loosening either the lock knob or handle with flathead screws. You can then remove the lock from its cubbyhole by unscrewing and taking it out. Check for obstructions, then reassemble the lock and tighten all screw connections.

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

Sagging

If your doors sag or have gaps, it will decrease the energy efficiency of your home. These gaps can also cause drafts and block your view. There are a few simple solutions to address these issues.

Begin by tightening the hinges and aligning them correctly. This should only take 10 minutes, and no tools are required. If this doesn't solve your issue then you may have to replace the hinges, as they are likely to have reached the end of their lifespan.

Over time the weight of your French door could cause them to become loose. To prevent this from happening ensure that the hinges are secured your door and make sure they are secure. You can also regularly lubricate your hinges with a lubricating spritz to prolong their life.

Replace damaged or old hinges to stop a door from sagging. A new doorknob, or doors freshly painted could also alter the alignment of your French doors.

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

It is also important to check the weather stripping and door sweep often to make sure they're functioning properly. If they're not functioning you can take them off and replace them.

You should also look over your doors' frames for indications of warping or rot. These issues can lead to drafts that reduce the efficiency of your door. They could also cause water leakage or damage around your home.

Popular Mechanics advises that if your doors are sagging, and you've tried the first two options, you may need to sand your door jambs using a handplane. To do this, take the doors from their hinges, and put them flat on a sawhorse or something else that is sturdy. Mark the places that need planed, and then use a hand plane to smooth out these areas of the doorjamb.

Leaks

The large areas of glass on French doors makes them a common source of water leaks, especially when you live in a region that receives frequent rainfall. Untreated, these leaks may cause the frame of the door to rot and the surrounding structure. Fortunately, fixing leaks is a relatively easy task that should only take a few hours to complete.

Leaks can be caused by a variety 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 a tight fit, preventing rainwater from entering your home.

Water is leaking from the sill

This issue can be caused in through a variety of causes that include the absence of a sillpan or by using a sill made from metal that is not watertight. If you see water accumulating around your French doors, you need to contact the builder and request them to install a sill pan or to replace the sill made of steel with a wooden one that will be able to resist water.

Obstructions

A faulty seal may also cause fog to accumulate between the double panes of French doors. This could block the view and reduce energy efficiency. This can be fixed by replacing the seal with one that is able to stop moisture and air from entering.

Loose Handles

A handle that is loose could be dangerous since it could fall when you are opening or closing your french doors glass replacement door. This issue can be resolved by tightening the screws, or replacing the handle if it's damaged or worn.

A track stop that is not correctly installed could cause doors to jam and scratch the frames. Adding some silicone caulk to the tracks or track stops may help solve this problem. It's also an excellent idea to check regularly for cracks and wear on the exterior surface of doors and frames to ensure that they are in good condition.

Warping

If you're not careful If you're not careful, your french door replacement near me doors could begin warping because of exposure to heat or moisture. If this happens, consider hiring a handyman who specializes in repairing French doors. They can guide you on the best method to fix your doors and make sure that they're safe to open and close.

If your doors are seriously bent, you may need to replace them. If they are just slightly warped, you might be capable of straightening them by placing damp towels over the affected area. Leave the towels in the doors for a few days or even longer until they are completely flattened.

This technique is typically employed on uPVC doors, but it could also be applied to wooden doors if the wood is properly seasoned. The process is laborious and time-consuming, especially when your doors are distorted.

If the doors have been stored incorrectly, this can be a cause of warping. They should be kept away from building works that generate a lot of humidity such as decorating or plastering work. They should be kept flat on a firm surface.

A damaged strike plate could also cause warping. To fix the problem it is necessary to take the doors off and put them on a pair of sawhorses. Then, employ a hand plane to remove any wood from the top and bottom of each door. It is important to work in small pieces so you don't end up cutting too much off the doors, which can cause them to become too thin and fragile.

Once the doors are fixed, you can put the strike plate back into place. If the lock does not work after this, the barrel catch might be catching on the side of the frame. This is typically fixed by applying silicone spray. If that doesn't work the latch, it may need to be replaced.