Repairing French Doors
French doors are very popular in period homes. However, they could develop problems with time. The issues could be anything from minor to serious and may cause damage if not repaired in a timely manner.
If you know what to look for, it's easy to fix many of these issues. Here are some helpful tips for repairing French doors:
Locks that are misaligned
It can be difficult to open or close a door if the lock is not aligned. This can also expose your property and the door to. The misalignment of a door lock could be due to hinges which need to be adjusted, structural settling or an incorrect installation. There are a variety of easy fixes you can try on your own to resolve this issue.
The first step is to identify what's causing the latch not connect to the strike plate hole or door frame. You can do this by closing the door and looking for an inscription on the strike plate. This will help you determine the cause to be addressed.
If the latch contact is situated above or below the strike plate hole, it's likely an indication of hinges that are loose or the frame of the door that requires shims. In the event of loose hinges, it can cause the door to move which can cause an uneven alignment. You can fix this by tightening hinge screws and adjusting the hinges. Utilizing shims to support the hinges will help keep them in place and stop sagging.
Another common cause of misaligned doors is a seized or stuck lock or cylinder. It could be due to debris, dirt or a worn out key. In any case, the best solution is to lubricate the lock cylinder using graphite powder or a silicone based lubricant. If the lock cylinder remains stuck, it's a good idea to consult an expert to avoid further injury or damage.
A latch that is seized could cause issues for French doors, as it prevents the door from opening and closed. This can be the result of a faulty alignment or warping of the door or frame due to climate changes. It could also be a sign of faulty hardware. In most cases a seized latch can be fixed by repositioning it and lubricating using a silicone spray. If the latch is damaged, it could be required to replace it. A professional handyman can spot the problem and carry out the repair.
Leaks
If your French doors are built in accordance with modern standards, they should not leak. But if great site do leak, it's important to determine where the issue originates so you can fix it.
If water is leaking through the bottom of your door, it could be due to various issues. The most common reason is that the seal around the door's bottom isn't tight enough, causing water to enter and cause damage over time. Another possibility is a crack or hole in the frame or sill of the door. It's necessary to repair or replace the sill.
If there isn't a barrier between your French doors and the wind, you may also experience leaks. Strong gusts of winds can easily weaken seams, leading to leaks that cause damage to floors and walls. You can prevent this by installing a screen an awning or even fencing to create a windbreak.
Another reason for leaks is that the seals around your French doors aren't maintained or installed correctly. In this case you'll need to replace them with silicone caulking. This material is ideal for sealing around French doors due to its the highest adhesion and flexibility and is also waterproof.
It's also important to make sure that the drainage holes at the bottom of the uPVC French door are not blocked or blocked by debris. This will minimize the transfer of heat and air into your home, thus reducing energy bills.
It's also a good idea to inspect your French doors regularly and wipe them clean with a mild cleaner to ensure they look great and running smoothly. Regular maintenance can increase the life of your doors and increase their performance. By following these tips, you avoid expensive repairs and let you enjoy your French doors for years to come!
Warping
French doors are a great way to connect your indoor and outdoor spaces while letting in plenty of sunshine. Like any door french doors, they can become damaged over time by wear and tear or improper installation. It's important that you get your French doors repaired as quickly as you can in the event of an issue.
If you're French doors have stopped locking, there's a high chance that the lock become stuck or damaged due to wear and wear and tear. If this is the situation, you'll have to remove the lock from the door and dismantle it so that you can inspect the mechanism and remove any obstructions.
Another common problem with French doors is that the latch gets stuck or doesn't close properly. This is usually due to the doors are not aligned properly. The hinges may be loose or they were not installed correctly. To correct this issue, you should try to open and shut the doors as many times as you can to determine if the latch is working.
Your doors may not close properly due to the swelling of wood caused by moisture. To fix this, you'll need to widen the frame of your door to allow for hinges. This is a challenging task and isn't something that you should try by yourself without professional help.
It is crucial to get your French doors fixed as soon as you can if you spot any problems. This will ensure that they appear at their best and perform properly. With proper care and maintenance your French doors will last for years.
Chameleon specializes in repairing and restoring wooden doors, windows, and other wooden features on listed or period buildings. We can fix your old French doors or install new ones to give your home a beautiful and traditional look. Contact us today if you're bored of your old French doors. We can provide you with no-cost estimates for repairs, as well as the professional service you are entitled to.
Wooden Parts
French doors are gorgeous additions to any house particularly those with period homes. As time passes, they may be damaged and weathered. The good news is that while this can cause few minor problems however, it is also repaired fairly easily.
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 instance, you should remove any debris, dirt or household items that are stuck between the frame and door.
In this case, you might need to tighten the hinges or adjust them. This can be done by finding the lateral adjustment on a hinge (usually hidden behind plastic covers or small plugs) and then moving the hinge away from or towards the frame. You can also try lubricating the latch using silicone spray or oil, though this may not work over the long haul and could require replacement.
The wood in the frame of a French door may expand due to changes in humidity. This could make it difficult to open and close the door. It is possible to fix this by sanding the edges of the frame to adjust them. Make sure you apply sealant or paint afterward.
Fog accumulation in between glass panes is another common problem with French doors. This can reduce the energy efficiency and cause the loss of natural light. Fog can be removed by replacing the glass panes but this isn't a task that should be undertaken without assistance from a professional.
A cracked or broken glass pane should be replaced promptly for safety reasons and to keep out elements from the house. The procedure of replacing glass on a French doors is the same as sliding glass doors, but it requires more skill and precision to be done properly. Wear gloves that protect you when removing the glass pane from the window. Measure the opening to ensure that the new glass will fit properly. Cut and then install the pane using attention. Install any doors hardware and glazing components.