Repairing French Doors
French doors are a common choice for homes built in the past, but they may experience issues over time. These problems can be minor or major and if not dealt with promptly, they could cause damage.
Resolving the majority of these issues can be easy once you know what to look for. Here are some tips on repairing French doors:
Locks that are misaligned
If a lock on a door is not aligned properly, it could be difficult to open and close the door. This can also expose your property and the door to. The issue of the door lock not aligning properly could be due to hinges that require to be adjusted, structural settling, or the wrong installation. There are a few simple fixes that you can do at home.
First, identify the reason why the latch isn't engaging with the hole in the strike plate or in the door frame. To do this, try closing the door, and then look for a mark where the latch contacted the strike plate hole. This will help you identify the problem and fix it accordingly.
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 requires shims. The door could sag due to loose hinges, which could cause it to be displaced. This can be corrected by tightening hinge screws and readjusting the hinges. Shims can be used to support hinges and keep them in the right position.
Another common cause of misaligned doors is a jammed or stuck lock or cylinder. It could be due to debris, dirt or a worn key. In either case, lubricating the lock cylinder is the best solution. You can apply silicone or graphite lubricants. If the lock cylinder is sticking, it's a good idea to consult an expert to avoid further damage or injury.
A latch that is seized can cause problems for French doors, as it blocks the door from opening and closed. This can be the result of poor alignment or warping of the door and frame as a result of climate changes. It can also be an indication of poor quality hardware. In the majority of cases, a latch that has become stuck can be solved by changing the position of the latch and applying silicone spray to it. However, if the latch has worn out it might need to be replaced completely. A skilled handyman knows how to identify this issue and repair it properly.
Leaks
If your French doors have been installed properly to modern standards, they shouldn't leak. But if they leak, it's essential to understand where the leak is coming from so you can address it.
If water is entering through the bottom of your door, it could be due to several problems. The most frequent issue is that the seal at the bottom of the doors is not tight enough. This allows moisture to seep into the door and cause damage. Another possibility is that there's a hole or crack in the door sill or frame. You'll need to repair or replace the sill.
Leaks around your French doors may also occur when there is no barrier between the doors and the wind. Strong gusts of wind can easily weaken the seam, leading to leaks that can cause damage to flooring and walls. To stop this from happening you can build an obstruction like a screen door, or an awning, or perhaps add an adjacent fence to create an windbreak.
The seals around the French doors could also be faulty when they're not maintained or installed properly. In this instance, you'll need to reseal the doors using silicone caulking. This material is a great adhesive, flexibility, and water resistance - making it the perfect option for sealing your French doors.
In addition, it's important to make sure that the drainage holes at the bottom of your uPVC French doors aren't blocked or filled with debris. This will help minimize heat transfer and air infiltration into your home, thus reducing the cost of energy.
In the end, it's an excellent idea to examine your French doors regularly and wipe them down using a mild cleaning solution to keep them looking great and functioning smoothly. Regular maintenance will extend their life and improve their performance. These steps will help you avoid costly repairs and ensure that you enjoy your French Doors for years to come.
Warping
French doors are a great way to connect your indoor and outdoor areas while letting in lots of sunshine. Like all doors, French doors can be damaged with time due to wear and tear or faulty installations. This is why it's crucial to have your French doors repaired as soon as you notice problems.
If you're French door locks have stopped working, it's likely that the lock is damaged or stuck because of wear. If this is the situation, you'll need to take the lock off the door and dismantle it in order to examine the mechanism and repair any obstructions.
Another common problem with French doors is that the latch can get stuck or won't close properly. This is usually due to the doors are not aligned properly. The hinges may be loose or they were not installed properly. The most effective way to correct this is to open and close the doors as well as you can to see if the latch works or not.
It's also possible that your doors aren't closing correctly because the wood has expanded due to moisture. To correct this, you'll need to widen the frame of your door to make room for the hinges. This is a complicated job, and it's not something you should try on your own without some professional assistance.
It is essential to get your French doors repaired as quickly as you can if you spot any issues. This will ensure they look the best and function as they should. With the proper care and maintenance your French doors will last for many years.
Chameleon is a specialist in fixing and restoring doors, windows and other wooden elements of listed or period buildings. We can install new French doors to give your home a stylish and traditional look or repair the existing ones. Contact repairing french doors if bored of your old French doors. We'll give you a no-cost estimate for repairs and provide the quality service you deserve.
Wooden Parts
French doors can be a beautiful addition to any home. As time passes, they may get damaged and weathered. While this can cause a few minor issues, it is also fairly 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 between the door and latch. In the first scenario you must remove any debris, dirt or household items that have gotten caught between the frame and the door.
In this case, you may have to tighten the hinges or adjust them. This can be done by placing the lateral adjuster on the hinge of a door (usually hidden behind an opaque plastic cover or small plug) and using it to move the hinge away from or toward the frame of the door. It is also possible to lubricate the latch with silicone spray or oil, however this may not work over the long haul and could require replacement.
The wood in the frame of the frame of a French door can sometimes swell due to humidity changes. This makes it difficult to open or close the door. This can be fixed by sanding the edges of the frame to make them more pliable. Make sure you apply sealant or paint afterwards.
Another common issue with external French doors is the accumulation of fog between the two panes glass. This can result in a lack of light and decrease the efficiency of energy used by the doors. Fog can be removed by replacing the glass panes, but this isn't an activity that should be attempted without expert help.
Broken or cracked glass pane needs to 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 door is similar to sliding glass doors, but requires more precision and expertise to do it correctly. Make sure you wear gloves with protection and carefully remove the old glass from the window, determine the opening size to ensure the proper fitting of the new glass cut and then install the new pane with care, and then put back in the glazing components and door hardware.