Repairing French Doors
French doors are a popular choice for period homes, but they may experience issues in time. These problems can be anything from minor to serious and can cause damage if not dealt with promptly.
The solution to many of these issues can be easy once you know what to look for. Here are some suggestions to fix French doors:
Locks that aren't aligned
It can be difficult to open or close a door when the lock is misaligned. It can also leave the door and property exposed. Door lock misalignment may be caused by hinges that require adjustment, structural settling or an incorrect installation. There are a few easy solutions you can make at home.
The first step is to determine the reason for why the latch isn't engaging with the hole in the strike plate or door frame. To do this, try closing the door and then look for a mark where the latch came into contact with the strike plate hole. This will enable you to determine the cause to be fixed.
If the latch contact is located above the strike plate hole or below it that could be a sign that hinges aren't tight enough or the door frame requires shims. Loose hinges can cause the door to move, resulting in an uneven alignment. This can be corrected by tightening the hinge screws and re-adjusting the hinges. Shims can be used to support hinges and hold them in place.
A stuck or seized lock-cylinder is another common cause of misaligned doors. It could be caused by dirt or debris that has blocked the keyway or it could be caused by an old key. In any event, the best solution is to lubricate your lock cylinder using graphite powder or a silicone-based lubricant. Call a professional if the lock cylinder is still stuck. This will help prevent any further injury or damage.
A latch that is stuck can cause problems for French doors, since it blocks the door from being opened and closed. This could be because of a poor alignment or warping of the door and door frame due to climate changes. It could also be an indication of poor quality hardware. In the majority of cases, a seized latch is resolved by repositioning the latch and lubricating with a silicone spray. If the latch is damaged, it may be required to replace it. A professional handyman will know how to identify this issue and can perform the repair in a timely manner.
Leaks
If your French doors are constructed in accordance with modern standards, they shouldn't leak. But if they leak, it's essential to know where the problem originates so you can correct it.
If water is entering through the bottom of your door, it could be due to several issues. The most frequent cause is that the seal at the bottom of the doors is not tight enough. This allows moisture to enter the door and cause damage. A hole or crack could be present in the frame or sill of the door. You'll need to repair or replace the sill.
Leaks around the French doors can also happen when there is no barrier between the wind and the doors. Strong gusts of winds can easily weaken seams causing leaks which can damage floors and interior walls. To stop this, you can put up barriers such as a screen door or an awning, or perhaps add a fence nearby to create a windbreak.
The seals around the French doors may be damaged if they are not maintained or installed correctly. In this scenario you'll have to reseal the doors using silicone caulking. This material is ideal for sealing around French doors since it provides superior adhesion and flexibility, as well as being waterproof.
It's also important to ensure that the drainage wells along the bottom of your uPVC French doors aren't clogged or filled with debris. This will reduce energy bills by minimizing heat transfer and air leakage into your home.
Finally, it's a good idea to inspect your French doors on a regular basis and wipe them clean with a mild cleaner to keep them looking great and operating smoothly. Regular maintenance can extend the life of your doors and increase their performance. These steps will help you avoid costly repairs and allow you to enjoy your French doors for many years to come.
Warping
French doors are a fantastic way to link your indoor and outdoor areas while letting in lots of sunshine. Like all doors french doors, they can become damaged with time due to wear and tear or poor installation. It is crucial to have your French doors repaired as soon as possible if there is any issue.
If you're French door locks aren't working, it's likely the lock has been damaged or stuck because of wear. You'll have to take the lock off and remove the door for an inspection of the mechanism.
Another issue that is common to 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 are loosening or because they weren't put in place correctly in the first place. To correct this you must open and close the doors as much as you can to determine if the latch is working.
Your doors may not shut properly due to the swelling of wood due to moisture. You'll need to increase the width of the door frame to accommodate hinges. This is a challenging task, and it's not something you should attempt on your own, without professional help.
It is crucial to get your French doors fixed as soon as possible if you notice any problems. This will ensure that they appear the best and function as they should. With the right care and maintenance they'll last for a long time to come.
Chameleon is a specialist in the repair and restoring doors, windows and 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 the ones that are already in place. Contact us today if you're bored of your old French doors. We will provide you with a a free estimate for your repairs, and the top-quality service you are entitled to.
Wooden Parts
French doors can be a beautiful addition to any home. However, over time, they may become damaged and weathered. The good thing is that although this can cause few minor problems, it can also be repaired relatively easily.
If your external French doors aren't locking, it's likely that something is blocking the frame, or there is an alignment issue between the latch and door. In the former case you should look for debris, dirt or household objects that are caught between the door and frame and clean them out as needed.
In the second scenario, you may have to adjust or tighten the hinges. This can be accomplished by locating the lateral adjustment lever on the hinge of a door (usually hidden behind a plastic cover or small plug) and using it to move the hinge away from or towards the door frame. You can also lubricate the latch using silicone spray or oil. However, this will not last for long and you may need to replace it.
Sometimes the wood in a French door frame may expand due to changes in humidity which can make the door difficult to open and close. To remedy french door lock repairs , sand the edges of the door frame to adjust the frame. Reapply sealant or paint afterward.
Another common problem with external French doors is the accumulation of fog between the two panes glass. This can result in a loss of light and can reduce the efficiency of the doors. The glass panes could be replaced to eliminate fog, but this is not something that should be undertaken without the assistance of a professional.
Broken or cracked glass pane must be replaced immediately for safety reasons and to keep outside elements out of the house. The replacement of glass on a French doors is similar to sliding glass doors, but it requires more precision and skill to be done correctly. Be sure to wear gloves that are protective and carefully remove the old glass from the window. determine the opening size to ensure that it is a perfect fitting of the new glass, cut and install the new glass with care and then put back in the glass components and door hardware.