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How to Repair French Doors

French doors are a beautiful method of connecting indoor and outdoor spaces. However, they could face problems over time that require immediate attention to both safety and practicality.

Common issues are misalignment, sagging, and warping of the door frame and sash. Most of these problems are easily solved with some time and effort.

Misaligned locks

Certain doors may be slack or awry due to humidity, wood swelling or house settlement. This could cause the bolt of the lock to be awry and make it difficult to open or close the door. This puts additional strain on the lock, which can eventually lead to mangled inner-lock components or even broken locks completely. This is fortunately a common problem that is often solved by simple DIY solutions.

In some instances all that is needed is a bit of lubrication to help the door open and close easily. You can apply graphite as a lubricant, but make sure to choose one that is safe for your door. Be sure to clean the area with a moist cloth to remove any debris from around the door before applying the oil.

french door lock replacement  that hangs off-center can be easily repaired 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 can damage the hinges or door.

If your external French door isn't closing correctly, it could be an indication that there is a blockage in the lock mechanism. Most often, this is caused by factory screws that are short that loosen as time passes. To fix this, simply replace the screws with larger ones that grip more of the door frames wood.

You can also adjust the lock, but it will be more complicated and difficult. Begin by loosening the knob of the lock or handle using the flat-head screwdriver. Then, you can remove the lock assembly from its cubbyhole, by unscrewing and pulling it out. Check for any obstructions before you reassemble and tighten the screw connections.

If the latch isn't touching the strike plate hole You may have to alter or increase the size of the strike plate hole. If the strike plate is higher or lower than the hole for the latch it can stop the lock from closing, and require a professional locksmith. If the hole is tiny you can make use of a file made of metal to increase the size of the hole.

Sagging

If your doors sag or have gaps, this will decrease the energy efficiency of your home. These gaps can also create drafts and block your view. There are simple solutions to this issue.

Start by tightening your hinges and aligning them properly. This should only take 10 minutes and no tools are required. If this isn't enough to solve the issue, you may need to replace the hinges, as they've likely reached the end of their lifespan.

Over time, the weight of your French door can cause them to loosen. To prevent this from happening, tighten the hinges of your door and make sure they are secure. At times, you should grease the hinges with an oil-based spray to prolong their lifespan.

Replace hinges that are damaged or worn out to stop a door from sliding. A new doorknob or freshly painted doors, can also affect the position of your French doors.

Other causes of sagging include foundation settlement, wear on the hinges or improper modifications to your doors. A door that is sagging can be fixed by adjusting your hinges and tightening the hinge screws or even replacing the hinges completely.

It is also necessary to check the weather stripping and door sweep regularly to make sure they're functioning properly. If they're not, then removing them and replacing them should solve the issue.

Also, you should check your doors' frames for signs of rot or warping. These issues can cause drafts, and they will not only decrease the effectiveness of your doors, but they could also lead to water leakage and other damage around your house.

If your doors are sagging and you have tried the two methods above It is likely that you will need to sand down your door jamb with a hand plane according to Popular Mechanics. To do this, take your doors from the hinges. Place them flat on a sturdy surface like a sawhorse. Mark the areas that need smoothing, and then use a plane to smooth these areas.

Leaks

The vast areas of glass on French doors makes them a frequent source of water leaks, particularly in a region that receives significant rainfall. If not treated, these leaks can cause the door frame to decay and damage the structure around it to deteriorate. It is comparatively simple to repair these leaks and should only take you a few minutes.

Leaks can be caused by a variety of causes, including:

A broken seal

This issue can be easily resolved by replacing the rubber seal on either side of the threshold with an entirely new seal. This will ensure a perfect fit, which will prevent rainwater from entering your home.

Water leaking from the sill

This issue can result from a variety of reasons, such as a lack of a sill pan or by the use of a sill made of steel that isn't watertight. If you notice water collecting around your French doors, it is important to contact the builder and request them to install a sill pan or to replace the sill made of steel with an alternative made of wood that will keep out water.

Obstructions

A faulty seal can also result in fog accumulating between the two panes of glass on French doors, which block the view and reduces their energy efficiency levels. The issue can be solved by replacing the seal with a more modern one that can block out both air and moisture.

Loose handles

A handle that is loose on your French doors can be dangerous, as it can be snagged while you're opening or closing the door. This issue can be resolved by tightening screws or replacing the handle if it's damaged or worn.

A track stop that's not correctly set can stop the doors from sliding correctly, resulting in scratches and jams on the frames. This problem can be solved by applying silicone caulk to track stops or tracks. It's also recommended to regularly check for cracks and wear on exterior surfaces of the frames and doors to ensure they're in good shape.

Warping

If you're not cautious If you're not careful, your French doors may begin to warp due to exposure to heat or moisture. If this happens, it's worth calling a handyman who specialises in the repair of French doors. They can guide you on the best method to repair your doors, and also ensure that they're safe to close and open.

If your doors are severely bent, you might need to replace them. However, if they're just slightly warped, it could be possible to bring them back to their original position by soaking heavy towels and placing them across the area of concern. The towels should remain in place for several days or more until the doors are flattened completely.

This technique is typically used on uPVC doors, but can also be applied to wood doors if the wood is properly seasoned. The process is difficult and time-consuming, particularly when your doors are distorted.

If the doors were stored incorrectly, this can be a cause of warping. Avoid them from construction work that generates a lot of moisture, like decorating and plastering. They should also be stored flat on a solid surface and not stacked, especially when they are not finished.

A loose strike plate can also cause warping. To remedy this issue, you'll need to take the doors off and set them up on two sawhorses. The excess wood can be removed from the top and bottom edges of each door using a hand plane. It is important to work in small steps to avoid cutting too much off the doors, which could cause them to become too thin and brittle.

After the doors have been rehung put the strike plate back in place. If the lock does not work after this the barrel catch may be catching on the side of the frame. This is usually repaired by lubricating the latch with silicone spray. If this doesn't work, you may require replacing the latch.