How to Repair French Doors

French doors are an elegant addition to any home they connect outdoor and indoor spaces. They are susceptible to problems over time, which require immediate attention to ensure safety and functionality.

Common problems include problems with alignment, sagging, and warping of the door frame and sash. Many of these issues can be easily resolved with some time and effort.

Misaligned locks

Some doors may become stuck or misaligned due to humidity or wood swelling, or house settling. This can cause the strike or lock bolt plate sway, requiring more force to open and close the door. This can also put extra strain on the locks, which may eventually lead to broken locks or damaged inner components. It's a common problem that can be resolved with simple DIY solutions.

In certain situations there are times when a tiny amount of lubricant might be all you need to make the door easier to open and close. You can apply a graphite-based lubricant, but be sure it's safe for the door. Make sure to wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove any debris from around the door before you apply the lubricant.

Another way to fix a door that's hanging askew is by loosening the hinges, and then adjusting them until they're aligned with the frame of the door. You must be careful not to tighten the screws too much, as this could damage the hinges or damage the door.

If your exterior French door isn't closing correctly it could be an indication that there is a blockage in the lock mechanism. This usually happens due to small screws from the factory that have become loose over time. To fix this, replace the screws with longer ones that grip more of the door frame wood.

You can also try adjusting the lock itself, however it will be more complicated and difficult. Begin by loosening the lock knob or handle with a flathead screwdriver. You can then take the lock from its cubbyhole, by unscrewing and pulling it out. Check for any obstructions before you put it back together and tighten the screw connections.

If the latch isn't touching the strike plate, you may need to relocate or expand the strike plate hole. If the strike plate is lower or higher than the latch hole it could hinder the lock from closing and require locksmith assistance. If the hole is tiny it is possible to make use of a file made of metal to enlarge it.

Sagging

If your doors are creaking or have gaps between them, it can affect the insulating properties of your home and lower the efficiency of its energy use. These gaps can also block views and cause drafts. There are some simple fixes to this issue.

In the beginning start by tightening your hinges to ensure they're properly aligned. This should only take 10 minutes and no tools are required. If this doesn't fix the issue then you'll need to replace the hinges. They are likely to be nearing the end of their lifecycle.

Over time the French doors can loosen due to the weight. To prevent this from happening, tighten the hinges of your door and ensure they are secure. At times, you should grease the hinges with an oil-based spray to prolong their life.

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

Other causes of sagging can be foundation settlement, wear and tear on the hinges or incorrect 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 are functioning correctly. If they're not working, you can remove them and replace them.

You should also examine your doors' frames for indications of warping or rot. These issues can create a draft and will not only decrease the effectiveness of your doors, but can also cause water leakage and other damages within your home.

If your doors are creaking and you have tried the two options above It is likely that you'll need to sand down your door jamb with a hand-planer, advises Popular Mechanics. To do this, remove your doors from their hinges. Place them flat on something sturdy like a sawhorse. Mark the areas that need smoothing out, then use a plane to smooth these areas.

Leaks

The vast areas of glass on french door frame repair doors can be an ideal source for water leaks, especially if you live in a region that receives significant rainfall. If not treated the leaks could lead to rotting of the door frame and the structure around it. Fortunately, fixing leaks is a fairly simple task that will only take a few hours to complete.

Leaks can be caused by a variety of causes, including:

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 inside your home.

Water leaking from the sill

The problem could be caused by many ways such as the absence of a sillpan or by using a sill made of metal that is not watertight. If you notice water collecting around your french door repair near me doors, you need to get in touch with the builder and ask them to install a sill pan or Repair French Doors to replace the steel sill with a wooden one that will keep out water.

Obstructions

A faulty seal may also cause fog to accumulate between the double panes of French doors. This can block the view and reduce their energy efficiency. It can be corrected by replacing the existing seal with a fresh one that is able to block out air and moisture.

Loose Handles

A loose handle can be dangerous as it could fall while you are closing or opening your French door. This problem can be fixed by tightening the screws, or replacing the handle if damaged or worn.

A track stop that's not correctly installed could cause doors to jam and scratch the frames. This issue can be resolved by adding silicone caulk to track stops or tracks. It's also recommended to check for cracks regularly and wear on the exterior surfaces of the frames and doors to ensure they're in good condition.

Warping

A French door offers a lovely view and allows plenty of natural light, but If you're not careful, your doors could begin to warp as a result of exposure to humidity or heat. It's worth calling in an experienced handyman with experience fixing your French doors. They will be able to provide advice on the best method to repair your doors and ensure that they are safe to open and close.

If your doors are seriously bent, you might need to replace them. If they are just slightly warped, you might be in a position to straighten them by placing damp towels over the problem area. The towels should remain in place for a couple of days or until the doors have been flattened completely.

This method is often applied to upvc french door lock replacement doors, but it can also be applied to wooden doors in the event that the wood is properly seasoned. The process is challenging and time-consuming, particularly if your doors are warped.

Doors can crack when they are stored improperly. Avoid them from construction work that creates a lot of moisture, such as plastering and decorating. They should be kept flat on a firm surface.

Another cause of warping is the strike plate being loose. To correct this, you need to remove the doors and place 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. It is important to work in small pieces to avoid taking too much wood off the doors, which can cause them to become too thin and fragile.

After the doors have been rehung, fix the strike plate into the appropriate position. If the lock doesn't work after this the barrel catch may be caught on the other side of the frame. This is usually fixed by applying silicone spray. If that doesn't work the latch, it may need to be replaced.