Repairing French Doors

French doors are a popular option for homes built in the past, but they are susceptible to problems as time passes. These problems can be anything from minor to serious and could cause damage if not dealt with promptly.

Resolving some of these issues could be easy if you know what to look for. Here are some suggestions for repairing French Doors:

Locks that are not aligned

When a door lock is not aligned properly, it could be difficult to open and close the door. This could also result in the risk of exposing your home and door. Door lock misalignment may be caused by hinges that need adjustment, structural settling or improper installation. There are a few basic fixes you can perform at home.

The first step is to determine what's causing the latch not be able to engage with the strike plate hole or door frame. You can do this by closing the door and repairing French doors then looking for an indication on the strike plate. This will enable you to pinpoint the problem so that it can be fixed.

If the latch contact is either above the strike plate hole or is below it the strike plate hole, it could be a sign that the hinges are loose or the door frame needs shims. The door may be sagging due to loose hinges, which could cause it to be misaligned. This can be corrected by tightening hinge screws and readjusting the hinges. Shims can be used to support hinges and hold them in the right position.

A locked or stuck lock-cylinder that is seized is another common cause of door that is not aligned properly. This may be due to dirt or debris that has clogged the keyway, or it could be due to a worn-out key. In any case, the best solution is to lubricate the lock cylinder with graphite powder or a silicone based lubricant. If the lock cylinder is still stuck, it's a great idea to call a professional to avoid further damage or injury.

A latch that is seized can cause issues for French doors, since it stops the door from being opened and closed. This could be because of a faulty alignment or warping of the door and frame due to climate changes. It could also be an indication of poor hardware. In most cases, a latch that has become stuck can be resolved by repositioning the latch and applying silicone spray to it to lubricate it. If the latch is damaged, it might be necessary to replace it. A professional handyman can spot the problem and perform the repair.

Leaks

If your french door repairs doors are installed in accordance with modern standards, they should not leak. If they leak, you'll need to know the source of the issue so that you can correct it.

There are several possibilities for water to enter your door through the bottom. The most common is that the seal around the door's bottom isn't secure enough, allowing water to enter and cause damage over time. Another possibility is that there's an opening or crack in the door frame or sill. It's necessary to replace or repair the sill.

If there's no barrier between your french door repair glass doors and the wind, you could also be experiencing leaks. Strong gusts of winds can weaken seams, causing leaks which can cause damage to floors and walls. To stop this from happening it is possible to put up barriers such as a screen door or an awning, or even put up fencing to create a windbreak.

The seals around the French doors can be damaged if they are not maintained or installed correctly. You'll need silicone caulking to reseal the seals. This material offers superior adhesion, flexibility and water resistance, making it the perfect option for sealing your French doors.

Additionally, it's essential to ensure that the drainage holes at the bottom of your uPVC French doors aren't clogged or filled with debris. This will minimize the transfer of heat and air into your home, reducing the cost of energy.

It's also a good idea, to keep their appearance and functionality, to regularly inspect your French doors and clean them using an easy-to-clean agent. Regular maintenance can extend their lifespan and enhance their performance. Taking these steps can help you avoid costly repairs and let you enjoy your French doors for many years to be!

Warping

French doors are a great option to connect your outdoor and indoor spaces while letting in plenty of sunlight. However, like any door they may be damaged as time passes due to wear and tear or poor installation. This is why it's important to have your French doors repaired when you spot an issue.

If you're French door locks aren't working, it's likely the lock has been damaged or stowed due to wear. It is necessary to remove the lock and remove the door to conduct an examination of the mechanism.

Another common problem with French doors is that the latch becomes stuck or doesn't close properly. This is usually because the doors are misaligned either because the hinges have loosened or because they weren't installed correctly in the first place. The most effective way to correct this is to open and close the doors as best you can to test whether the latch is working or not.

The doors might not close properly because of swollen wood caused by moisture. You'll need to increase the width of the door frame to accommodate hinges. This is a difficult job that shouldn't be attempted without assistance from a professional.

It is essential to get your French doors fixed as soon as possible if you notice any problems. This will ensure that they appear their best and function properly. With proper care and maintenance, your French doors will last for years.

Chameleon specialises in repairing and restoring windows, doors, and all other wooden features of listed or period buildings. We can install new French doors to give your home a stylish and traditional look or repair french doors the existing ones. Contact us today if bored of your old French doors. We'll provide you with an estimate free of charge for repairs, as well as the high-quality service that you are entitled to.

Wooden Parts

French doors are gorgeous additions to any house particularly those with period homes. In time, they could get damaged and weathered. While this can cause a few minor issues but it's also relatively easy to fix.

If your exterior French doors aren't locking then it's likely that there is something blocking the frame, or there is an alignment issue with the door and latch. In the first scenario it is recommended to get rid of any dirt, debris, or household items that are caught between the frame and the door.

In this case, you may need to tighten the hinges or adjust them. This can be accomplished by placing the lateral adjuster on a door hinge (usually hidden behind an opaque plastic cover or small plug) and using it to move the hinge away from or towards the door frame. You can also try lubricating the latch with silicone spray or oil, but this might not be effective in the long term and may require replacement.

Sometimes, the wood of a French door frame can swell due to humidity changes, which could make the door difficult to open and close. This can be fixed by sanding the edges of the frame to adjust them. Reapply sealant or paint afterward.

Fog accumulation between glass panes is another common problem that is common to French doors. This can lower the energy efficiency and cause an absence of light. The most common solution to fog is by replacing the glass panes, but this isn't an activity that should be attempted without expert help.

Broken or cracked glass pane should be replaced as soon as possible for safety reasons and to keep outside elements out of the home. The procedure of replacing glass on a French doors is similar to sliding glass doors but requires more precision and skill to do it properly. Make sure you wear gloves that are protective and remove the old glass from the window. take measurements of the opening to ensure the proper fit for the new pane cut and then install the new pane with care and then install any glass components and hardware for the door.