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How to Repair French Doors

French doors can be an elegant method of connecting outdoor and indoor spaces. They can become problematic over time, which require immediate attention to security and function.

Common issues include problems with alignment, 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 aren't aligned

Some doors can become misaligned or stuck due to humidity and wood swelling or settlement. This can make the strike or lock bolt plate sit askew, requiring more force to open and close the door. This also puts extra strain on the lock, which could result in mangled lock components or broken locks altogether. It's a common problem that can be resolved with simple DIY techniques.

In certain situations, all that is required is a small amount of lubrication aid the door in opening and close with ease. You can use a graphite-based lubricant, but be sure it's safe for the door. Before applying the lubricant wipe the door's perimeter with a damp rag to get rid of any obstructions.

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

If your external French doors are not closing correctly, it could be a sign that there is an obstruction in the lock mechanism. This is typically caused by short screws from the factory that have become loose over time. To fix this, simply replace the screws with longer ones that grip more of the door frames wood.

You can also try adjusting the lock itself, however it will be more difficult and complicated. Begin by loosening either the knob or handle using flathead screws. After that, you can remove the lock assembly by unscrewing it from the cubbyhole and taking it out. Check for any obstructions and then rebuild and tighten the screw connections.

If the latch isn't hitting the strike plate hole, you may need to move or enlarge the strike plate hole. If the strike plate is either higher or higher than the latch hole, this can prevent the lock from closing and will require a locksmith professional. If the hole is tiny it is possible to make use of a file made of metal to enlarge it.

Sagging

If your doors aren't straight or have gaps, it will decrease the energy efficiency of your home. These gaps can also obstruct views and cause drafts. There are a few simple solutions to these problems.

Begin by tightening the hinges and aligning them properly. This should only take 10 minutes and no tools are required. If this does not solve the issue then you may have to replace the hinges since they are likely to have reached the end of their usefulness.

Over time the weight of your French door can cause them to loosen. To avoid this make sure you tighten all the hinges on your door and inspect them frequently to ensure that they're still secure. Sometimes, you must apply lubrication to the hinges using an oil-based spray to prolong their life.

Replace old or damaged hinges to prevent a door from sagging. A new doorknob, or freshly painted doors, could also alter the alignment of your French doors.

Other causes of sagging include foundation settlement, wear on hinges or improper changes made to your doors. A door that is sagging could be fixed by adjusting your hinges, tightening the hinge screws, or replacing the hinges altogether.

It is also essential to examine the weather stripping on your doors to ensure that they're working properly. If they're not, then removing them and replacing them could fix the issue.

Finally, you should regularly examine the wood on your door frame for signs of warping or rotting. These issues can lead to drafts that decrease the effectiveness of your door. They can also lead to water leakage or problems around your home.

Popular Mechanics advises that if your doors are sliding and you've tried the first two alternatives, you might have to sand your door jambs with a handplane. To do this, take the doors from their hinges, and lay them flat on a sawhorse, or other sturdy object. Mark the areas that need smoothing, and then use a plane to smooth these areas.

Leaks

The large glass areas on French doors make them an ideal source for water leaks, especially in an area that experiences heavy rainfall. Untreated, these leaks may cause the door frame to become rotted and also the surrounding structure. It is relatively simple to repair these leaks and will only take just a few minutes.

Leaks are caused by many factors, including

A broken seal

This issue can be easily resolved by replacing the rubber seal on either side of the threshold with a a new one. This will ensure that there is a tight fit and prevent rainwater from entering your home.

Water leaking from the sill

The problem could be caused by through a variety of causes, including the lack of a sillpan, or using a metal sill which isn't watertight. If you notice that water is accumulating around your French door, call the builder and ask them to install sill pans or replace the steel sill by a wooden sill that will keep out water.

Obstructions

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

Loose Handles

A loose handle could be dangerous since it could fall when you are opening or closing your French door. This issue can be solved by tightening the screws, or replacing the handle if damaged or worn.

A track stop that's not correctly set can block doors from sliding properly, leading to scratches and jams on the frames. Applying silicone caulk to the tracks or track stops may help with this issue. It's also recommended to check for cracks regularly and wear on the exterior surfaces of doors and frames to ensure they're in good shape.

Warping

If you're not cautious If you're not careful, your French doors could start warping due to exposure to heat or moisture. If this happens, consider calling a handyman who specialises in the repair of French doors. They can advise you on the best method of repairing your doors, and also ensure that they're safe to close and open.

If your doors are badly bent, you may have to replace them completely. However, if they're just slightly warped it might be possible to bring them straight by soaking heavy towels and laying them on the area of concern. The towels should remain in the doors for a few days, or even longer, until they are completely flattened.

This method can be used to restore uPVC or wood doors, provided that the wood has been well-seasoned. It is important to remember that the process can be time-consuming and is difficult to achieve especially when the doors are severely warped.

If the doors were stored improperly, it could be a cause of warping. They should be kept away from construction work that generates lots of humidity, like decorating or plastering work. They should be kept flat, on a solid surface.

A loose strike plate can also cause warping. To fix  replacing french door glass , you will need to take your doors off and put them on a pair sawhorses. Then, employ a hand-planer to remove any excess wood from the top and bottom of each door. It is recommended to work in smaller increments to avoid taking too much wood from the doors. This could result in them becoming too thin and fragile.

After the doors have been rehung, fix the strike plate into the appropriate position. If the lock isn't working after this the barrel catch may be caught on the other side of the frame. This can usually be solved by lubricating and lubricating the latch with silicone spray. If that doesn't help the latch, it could need to be replaced.