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How to Repair French Doors

French doors are a beautiful addition to a home, connecting indoor and outdoor spaces. They are susceptible to problems in time, and require immediate attention to ensure security and function.

Common issues include the misalignment, sagging and warping of the door frame and sash. The majority of these issues can be solved with a little time and effort.

Locks that are misaligned

Sometimes doors become stuck or misaligned because of humidity, swelling of the wood or the house sinking. This can cause the lock bolt to become faulty and making it more difficult to open or close the door. This can also put extra pressure on the locks which could eventually result in broken locks or damaged inner components. This is a common problem that can be resolved by DIY methods.

In some instances all that is needed is a little lubrication to help the door open and close with ease. It is possible to use graphite as a as a lubricant, but make sure to choose a product that is safe for your door. Make sure you clean the area with a damp cloth to clean any debris from the door prior to you apply the grease.

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

If your external French doors aren't closing correctly, it could be an indication that there is an obstruction in the lock mechanism. This is usually caused by short factory screws that loosen with time. To fix this issue, replace the screws with larger ones that grab more of the door frame wood.

You can also alter the lock, but it will be more difficult and complicated. Start by loosening the knob or handle with a flathead screwdriver. You can then take the lock from its cubbyhole by removing it and pulling it out. Look for obstructions, and then reassemble it and make sure that all screw connections are tightened.

If the latch doesn't touch the strike plate, you may have to move the strike plate or enlarge it. If the strike plate is either higher or lower than the hole for the latch it could prevent the lock from closing, and require a professional locksmith. If the hole is too small, you can expand it with a metal file or drill.

Sagging

If your doors are sliding or have gaps between them, it can affect the insulating properties of your house and decrease its energy efficiency. These gaps can also create drafts and obstruct your view. There are some simple fixes to address these issues.

To begin tighten the hinges to ensure they're correctly aligned. This should take 10 minutes or less and not require any tools. If this isn't enough to fix your problem then you may have to replace sliding glass door with french door the hinges, as they have likely reached the end of their usefulness.

Over time, the weight of your French door can cause them to become slack. To stop this from happening ensure that the hinges are secured your door and make sure they are secure. You can also keep your hinges lubricated by spraying them with lubricant to prolong their life.

Replace hinges that are damaged or worn out to stop your door from sagging. A new doorknob, or doors that have been freshly painted, can affect the position of your French doors.

Other causes of sagging are foundation settlement as well as wear and tear on the hinges, or improper modifications to your doors. You can fix a door that is sagging by tightening or altering the hinges.

It is also important to examine the weather stripping on your doors and to ensure that they're functioning properly. If they're not working, you can remove them and replace them.

It is also important to examine your door frames for signs of warping or rot. These issues can cause drafts, which can decrease the effectiveness of your door. They can also lead to water leakage or damages to your home.

If your doors are sliding and you have tried the two methods above It is likely that you will need to sand down your door jamb with a hand plane, advises Popular Mechanics. To do this, take your doors from the hinges. Set them flat on a solid surface like a sawhorse. Note the areas that require smoothing, and then use a plane to smooth these areas.

Leaks

french door glass repair near me doors with large glass areas are prone to leaks, particularly when you live in an area that experiences heavy rainfall. If not treated the leaks can lead to decay of the frame and the structure surrounding it. It is relatively simple to repair these leaks and should only take a few minutes.

Leaks are caused by many factors, including

A broken seal

Replace the rubber seals on both sides of your threshold with new seals. This will ensure a perfect fit, which will prevent rainwater from getting into your home.

Water leaking from the sill

The problem could be caused by a number of ways, including the lack of a sillpan, or using a metal sill which is not watertight. If you see water accumulating around your French doors, you need to contact the builder and request them to install sill pans or replace the sill made of steel with a wooden one that will resist water.

Obstructions

A damaged seal can cause fog to build up between the two panes of glass on French doors, which block the view and reduces their energy efficiency levels. This can be fixed by replacing the seal with a fresh one that can block out air and moisture.

Loose Handles

A handle that isn't tight could be dangerous since it can fall while you are closing or opening your French door. By tightening the screws on the handle can fix this issue or replace the handle altogether in the event that it's damaged or worn out.

A track stop that isn't properly installed may cause doors to become jammed and scratch the frames. Adding some silicone caulk to the tracks or track stops could aid in solving this issue. It's also an excellent idea to regularly check for cracks and wear on the exterior surfaces of doors and frames to ensure that they are in good shape.

Warping

A French door has a stunning view and allows plenty of natural light, but when you're not cautious, your doors could begin to warp as a result of exposure to heat or humidity. It's worth calling in an experienced handyman with experience repairing french door glass replacement near me doors. They will be able to guide you on the best way to repair your doors and make sure 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 get them back to straight by wetting heavy towels and laying them on the problem area. The towels should remain in place for a few days or until the doors are completely flattened.

This method is usually used on uPVC doors, but can also be applied to wood doors - provided the wood is well-seasoned. It's important to note that the process is time-consuming and difficult to achieve particularly in the case of doors that are extremely warped.

If the doors were stored incorrectly, this can cause the doors to warp. Keep them away from any construction work that generates a lot 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 damaged strike plate could also cause warping. To correct the issue, you will need to remove your doors and put them on a pair of sawhorses. You can then employ a hand plane to remove any excess wood from the top and bottom of each door. It is best to work in small increments to avoid taking too much wood from the doors. This could cause them to become too thin and brittle.

After the doors have been put back up, you can screw the strike plate back in place. If the lock does not work the barrel catch could be catching against the side of the frame. This can usually be solved by lubricating and lubricating the latch with silicone spray. If that doesn't work the latch, it may need to be replaced.