Ask Me Anything: 10 Answers To Your Questions About Repair French Doors

· 6 min read
Ask Me Anything: 10 Answers To Your Questions About Repair French Doors

How to Repair French Doors

French doors are an elegant feature of a home that connects outdoor and indoor spaces. However, they could face problems over time that require prompt attention for both safety and practicality.

Sagging, misalignment and warping of the door's frame and sash are all common issues. Fortunately, the majority of these issues can be easily fixed with some time and effort.

Locks that are not aligned

Sometimes doors are stuck or misaligned due humidity, wood swelling or the house sinking. This can make the strike or lock bolt plate move out of alignment, requiring more force to open and close the door. This could also put extra stress on the locks, which may eventually lead to broken locks or mangled inner components. This is a common issue that can be easily solved by DIY methods.

In certain situations, a small amount of lubricant is all you need to make the door easier to open and close. You can use graphite oil, but you must be cautious to choose one that is safe for your door. Before applying the lubricant wipe the door's perimeter with an abrasive rag that is damp to remove any debris.

Another method to fix a door that's hanging out of alignment is to loosen the hinges, and then adjusting them until they are aligned with the door's frame. You should be cautious not to tighten the screws too much, as this could damage the hinges or door.

If your external French doors are not closing properly, it could be an indication that there is an obstruction in the lock mechanism. This is usually caused by short factory screws that loosen over time. To fix this issue, replace the screws with longer ones that will hold more of the door frames wood.

You can also try adjusting the lock itself, however this will be more difficult and complicated. Begin by loosening either the lock knob or handle using a flathead screws. Then, you can take off the lock assembly by uncrewing it from its cubbyhole, and taking it out. Check for any obstructions and then put it back together and tighten the screw connections.

If the latch does not hit the strike plate, you may need to move the strike plate or enlarge it. If the strike plate is lower or higher than the hole for the latch, it could hinder the lock from closing and will require the assistance of a locksmith. If the hole is too small, you can expand it using a file or drill.

Sagging

If your doors sag or have gaps, this will decrease the energy efficiency of your home. These gaps can also create drafts and obstruct your view. Fortunately, there are a few easy fixes that can help resolve these problems.

Begin by tightening the hinges and aligning them properly. This should only take 10 minutes and no tools are required. If this doesn't fix the issue it is time to replace your hinges. They are likely to be nearing the end of their lifecycle.

Over time the weight of your French door could cause them to loosen. To prevent this from happening ensure that the hinges are secured your door and ensure they are secure. Occasionally, you should also apply lubrication to the hinges using a lubricating spray to extend their lifespan.

A damaged or worn-out hinge can cause doors to sag, so replacing them with new ones can aid. A new doorknob or freshly painted doors can also impact the alignment of your French door.

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

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

Finally, you should regularly check the wood on your door frame for indications of rotting or warping. These issues can create a draft and will not only affect the performance of your doors, but could also lead to water leakage and other damage around your house.

If your doors are sliding and you've tried the two options above It is likely that you will need to remove the door jamb with a hand plane as recommended by Popular Mechanics. To do this, take your doors from the hinges. Set them flat on something sturdy like a sawhorse. Mark the places that need planning, and then use a hand plane to smooth out these areas of the doorjamb.

Leaks

French doors with large glass areas are susceptible to leaks, especially when you live in a region that receives frequent rainfall. If left untreated, these leaks can cause the frame of the door to rot and the surrounding structure. It is comparatively simple to repair these leaks and should only take you a few minutes.

Leaks are caused by many factors, including

A broken seal


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

Water is leaking through the sill

The problem could be caused by a number of ways, including the lack of a sillpan or by using a metal sill which is not watertight. If you find that water is gathering around your French door, call the builder to install sill pans or replace the steel sill by the wooden sill which will resist water.

Obstructions

A faulty seal may also cause fog to accumulate between the double panes on French doors. This could block the view and decrease their energy efficiency. This can be corrected by replacing the seal with one that can stop moisture and air from entering.

Loose handles

A loose handle could be dangerous because it can fall while you're opening or closing your French door. By tightening the handles' screws can resolve this issue, or you could simply replace the handle completely in the event that it's damaged or worn out.

A track stop that's not correctly installed could cause doors to become jammed and scratch the frames.  replacement french doors  can be solved by putting silicone caulk on tracks or track stops. Also, you should regularly check the exterior surfaces of doors and frames for wear or cracks, and ensure they are in good condition.

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 due to exposure to humidity or heat. If this happens, it's worth hiring a handyman who specializes in the repair of French doors. They can advise on the best way to repair your doors and ensure that they are safe to open and close.

If your doors are seriously warped, you might need to replace them entirely. If they are only slightly bent, you may be capable of straightening them by placing damp towels over the problem area. Place the towels on the doors for several days, or even longer, until they are completely flattened.

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

If the doors have been stored improperly, this could cause the doors to warp. They should be kept away from building works that generate a lot of humidity such as plastering or decorating work. They should be kept flat on a hard surface.

A damaged strike plate could also cause warping. To fix the problem it is necessary to take your doors off and put them on a pair of sawhorses. Then, you can employ a hand plane to remove any excess wood from the top and bottom of each door. You should work in small increments to avoid removing too much wood from the doors. This could cause them to become thin and brittle.

After the doors have been put back up, you can screw the strike plate back in place. If the lock doesn't work after this, the barrel catch might be caught on the other side of the frame. This is typically fixed by applying silicone spray. If that doesn't work, the latch might need to be replaced.