Repair French Doors: 10 Things I'd Loved To Know In The Past

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, which require prompt attention for both safety and functionality.

Sagging, misalignment and warping of door frame and sash are all common issues. Many of these issues can be easily resolved with just a bit of time and effort.

Locks that are not aligned

Some doors may become misaligned or stuck due to humidity and wood swelling or settlement. This can cause the lock bolt to be awry, making it harder to open or close the door. This puts additional strain on the lock, which can eventually lead to mangled inner-lock components or even broken locks completely. It's an issue that is quite common and can be resolved with simple DIY methods.

In some instances all that is required is a bit of lubrication to help the door open and close with ease.  replace window with french doors cost uk  can use graphite lubricant, but make sure that it is safe for the door. Before applying the lubricant wipe the area around the door with an abrasive rag that is damp to remove any obstructions.

A door that hangs off-center can be fixed by loosening and adjusting the hinges until they are aligned with the frame. However, you must be careful not to tighten too much the screws as this can damage the hinges or door.

If your external French door isn't closing properly it could be an indication that there are obstructions in the lock mechanism. This is usually caused by factory screws that are short that become loose as time passes. Replace the screws with larger ones to pull more wood from the door frames.

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

If the latch isn't hitting the strike plate hole You may have to move or enlarge the strike plate hole. If the strike plate is smaller or higher than the hole of the latch, this can prevent the lock closing and require the assistance of a locksmith. If the hole is small it is possible to use a metal file to make it larger.

Sagging

If your doors are sagging or have gaps, it will reduce the energy efficiency of your home. These gaps can also create drafts and block your view. Fortunately there are easy fixes that can help resolve these issues.

To begin tighten the hinges to ensure they're properly aligned. This should take only 10 minutes, and no tools are required. If this does nothing to fix the issue then you'll need to replace the hinges. They are likely at the end of their lifespan.

Over time the weight of your French door may cause them to become slack. To prevent this, tighten all of the hinges on your door and inspect them frequently to ensure that they're still secure. It is also recommended to regularly lubricate your hinges by spraying them with lubricant to extend their lifespan.

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

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

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

Also, you should check your door frames for signs of warping or rot. These issues can create drafts, and they will not only decrease the effectiveness of your doors, but could also cause water leakage and other damages around your house.

Popular Mechanics advises that if your doors are creaking after you've tried the first two alternatives, you might have to sand your door jambs with a handplane. To do this, remove the doors from their hinges and put them flat on a sawhorse, or something else that is sturdy. Then, mark the areas that require smoothing, then use a plane to smooth these areas.

Leaks

The large glass areas on French doors can be a frequent source of water leaks, particularly if you live in an area with significant rainfall. If left untreated, these leaks can cause the frame of the door to rot and the structure surrounding it. It is fairly easy to fix these leaks and will only take you a few minutes.

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

A broken seal

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

The sill is leaking water.

The problem could be caused by a variety of reasons, such as a lack of a sill pan or by the use of a sill made of steel that isn't watertight. If you notice water collecting around your French doors, it's important 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 keep out water.

Obstructions

A leaky seal could cause fog to accumulate between the double panes glass on French doors, which blocks the view and reduces their energy efficiency levels. This can be fixed by replacing the seal with a new one that can stop moisture and air from entering.

Loose Handles

A handle that isn't tight can be dangerous as it can fall while you're opening or closing your French door. By tightening the screws on the handle can solve this problem, or you could simply replace the handle entirely when it's worn or damaged out.

Similarly, a track stop that's not properly set can prevent doors from sliding in the right way, resulting in jams and scratches on the frames. This issue can be fixed by adding silicone caulk to track stops or tracks. It's also an excellent idea to check regularly for cracks and wear on the exterior surface of the frames and doors to ensure that they are in good shape.

Warping

If you're not careful If you're not careful, your French doors could start warping due to exposure to heat or moisture. It's a good idea to contact an experienced handyman who has experience fixing a French door. They can guide you on the best way to repair your doors and ensure that they are safe to open and close.

If your doors are badly bent, it may be necessary to replace them. If they're only slightly warped, it could be possible to bring them straight by soaking heavy towels and laying them on the problem area. The towels should remain in place for several days or more until the doors are completely flattened.

This method is often used on uPVC doors, but it can also be applied to wood doors in the event that the wood is well-seasoned. The process is challenging and time-consuming, particularly when your doors are distorted.

If the doors have been stored improperly, it could be a cause of warping. Be sure to keep them away from any building work that produces a lot of moisture, like decorating and plastering. They should be kept in a flat place on a hard surface.

A damaged strike plate could also cause warping. To correct this issue, you'll need to remove the doors and place them on two sawhorses. The excess wood can be removed from the edges at the top and bottom of each door using hand planes. It is recommended to work in smaller increments to avoid taking too much wood from the doors. This could cause them to become thin and brittle.

After the doors have been rehung, put the strike plate back in the appropriate position. If the lock doesn't work the barrel catch might be catching against the side of the frame. This is usually solved by lubricating and applying silicone spray. If that doesn't work the latch, it may need to be replaced.