How to Repair French Doors

French doors are a beautiful addition to any home they connect outdoor and indoor spaces. However, they could face problems over time that require immediate attention for both safety and practicality.

Sagging, misalignment and warping of the door's frame and sash are all common issues. Fortunately, the majority of these issues can be repaired with a bit of time and effort.

Locks that are not aligned

Some doors can become stuck or misaligned due to humidity or wood swelling, or house settlement. This can cause the lock bolt to become faulty and making it more difficult to open or close the door. This can put extra stress on the lock, which can result in mangled lock components or broken locks altogether. This is fortunately an issue that is common and can often be solved with simple DIY methods.

In some cases it is possible that a small amount of lubricant is all that's needed to make the door easier to open and close. You can apply graphite lubricant, but make sure it is safe for the door. Be sure to clean the area with a moist cloth to clean any debris from the door prior to you apply the grease.

A door that is hanging off-center can be easily fixed by loosening and adjusting the hinges until they are aligned with the frame. However, you must be cautious not to over tighten the screws as this can damage the hinges or door.

If your exterior French door isn't closing properly it could be an indication that there is a blockage in the lock mechanism. This is usually caused by factory screws that are short that come undone with time. To fix this issue, replace the screws with longer ones that will hold more of the door frame wood.

You can also adjust the lock, but it's more difficult and complicated. Start by loosening the knob of the lock or repairing French doors handle with the flat-head screwdriver. You can then take the lock from its cubbyhole by removing it and pulling it out. Examine it for any obstructions, and then reassemble and tighten the screw connections.

If the latch doesn't touch the strike plate, you might have to move the strike plate or increase it. If the strike plate is smaller or higher than the latch hole it could hinder the lock from closing and require locksmith assistance. If the hole is too small, you can increase it using a file or drill.

Sagging

If your doors are sagging or have gaps between them, it can affect the insulation of your house and decrease its energy efficiency. These gaps can also obstruct views and create drafts. There are a few simple solutions to these problems.

Start by tightening your hinges and aligning them correctly. This should take only 10 minutes and no tools are required. If this doesn't solve your issue then you may have to replace the hinges since they've likely reached the end of their life.

Over time the weight of your french door double pane glass replacement door can cause them to loosen. To prevent this ensure that you tighten all hinges on your door and inspect them frequently to ensure they are still secure. Sometimes, you must grease the hinges with a spray of lubrication to prolong their life.

Replace old or damaged hinges to stop a door from sliding. A new doorknob or doors that have been freshly painted, could also alter the position of your French doors.

Other causes of sagging include foundation settlement, wear and tear on the hinges, or incorrect modifications to your doors. You can fix a sagging door by tightening or changing the hinges.

It is also necessary to inspect the weather stripping and door sweep regularly to ensure they are working correctly. If they're not working you can take them off and replace them.

You should also look over your doors' frames for signs of rot or warping. These issues can create drafts and not only affect the performance of your doors, but they could also cause water leakage and other damages around your house.

If your doors are creaking and you have tried the first two solutions It is likely that you'll have to smooth down the jamb of your door using a hand plane as recommended by Popular Mechanics. To do this, unhook your doors from the hinges. Set them flat on something sturdy like a sawhorse. Note the areas that require smoothing out, then use a plane to smooth these areas.

Leaks

The large glass areas on french door glass replacement inserts doors can be a common source of water leaks, especially in an area that experiences heavy rainfall. If left untreated the leaks could lead to decay of the frame and the structure around it. Fortunately, fixing leaks is a fairly simple task that should only take some time to complete.

Leaks can be caused by many factors, including

A broken seal

This problem can be resolved by replacing french door glass the rubber seal on either side of the threshold an entirely new seal. This will ensure that there is a tight fit, and will also stop rainwater from getting into your home.

The sill is leaking with water.

This problem can be caused by a number of issues, including a lack of a sillpan or by the use of a metal sill that isn't watertight. If you notice that water is accumulating around your french door glass replacement near me door, contact the builder to install sill pans or replace the steel sill with the wooden sill which will resist moisture.

Obstructions

A damaged seal could cause fog to accumulate between the double panes of French doors. This could block the view and reduce their energy efficiency. This can be corrected by replacing the existing seal with one that is able to keep out moisture and air.

Loose handles

A handle that isn't tight can be dangerous as it could fall when you are opening or closing your French door. By tightening the screws on the handle can fix this issue, or you could simply replace the handle entirely when it's worn or damaged out.

Similar to a track stop that's not properly set can stop the doors from sliding correctly, resulting in jams and scratches on the frames. Adding some silicone caulk to the tracks or track stops could help solve this problem. You should also regularly check the exterior surfaces of doors and frames for wear or cracks, and ensure they are in good shape.

Warping

A French door has a stunning view and allows plenty of light. However, if you're not careful your doors could begin to warp because of exposure to heat or humidity. It's worth calling in a handyman with experience in fixing your French doors. They can guide you on the most effective method to repair your doors, and also ensure that they're safe to open and close.

If your doors are severely damaged, you may need to replace them entirely. If they're slightly warped, it may be possible to get them back to their original position by soaking the towels in water and placing them across the affected area. Leave the towels in place for a few days or until the doors are flattened completely.

This method can be used to fix uPVC or wood doors, provided that the wood is well-seasoned. The process is laborious and time-consuming, especially if your doors are warped.

Doors can crack if they have been stored incorrectly. They should be kept clear from construction work that generates lots of humidity, like decorating or plastering work. They should also be stored flat on a solid surface and not stacked especially when they are not finished.

A damaged strike plate may also cause warping. To fix this, you need to remove the doors and place them on two 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 cause them to become too thin and fragile.

Once the doors are rehung, you can screw the strike plate back into place. If the lock does not work after this the barrel catch may be catching on the side of the frame. This can usually be repaired by applying silicone spray. If this doesn't work the latch, it could need to be replaced.