How to Repair French Doors
French doors are a beautiful addition to any home, connecting indoor and outdoor spaces. However, they could face problems over time that require immediate attention to both security and function.
Common issues are problems with alignment, sagging, and warping of the door's frame and sash. Fortunately, most of these issues can be easily repaired with a bit of time and effort.
Locks that aren't aligned
Some doors may become misaligned or stuck due to humidity, wood swelling or house settlement. This can cause the lock bolt to be awry and make it difficult to open or close the door. This could also put extra pressure on the locks which can eventually lead to broken locks or mangled components. Fortunately, this is an issue that is quite common and can be resolved with simple DIY solutions.
In certain situations all that is needed is a bit of lubrication to aid the door in opening and close with ease. You can apply a graphite lubricant but make sure that it is safe for the door. Make sure to wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove any debris around the door prior to applying the grease.
Another method to fix a door hanging off the wall is by loosing the hinges, and then adjusting them until they are aligned with the frame of the door. However, you must be careful to avoid over-tightening the screws, as this could cause damage to the door or hinges.
If your external French doors are not closing properly, it could indicate that there is an obstruction in the lock mechanism. This is typically caused by small screws from the factory that have come loose over time. To fix this issue, replace the screws with longer ones that grip more of the door frames wood.
You can also alter the lock, however it's more difficult and complicated. Start by loosening the lock knob or handle using a flathead screwdriver. You can then remove the lock assembly from its cubbyhole by unscrewing and taking it out. Check for obstructions, then reassemble it and tighten all the screw connections.
If the latch isn't touching the strike plate it may be necessary to alter or increase the size of the strike plate hole. If the strike plate is higher or lower than the latch hole it can stop the lock from closing and require a locksmith professional. If the hole is too small, you can increase it by using a metal file or drill.
Sagging
If your doors sag or have gaps, it will reduce the energy efficiency of your home. These gaps can also create drafts that block your view. There are simple solutions to address these issues.
Begin by tightening the hinges and aligning them properly. This should take only 10 minutes and no tools are required. If this does not solve the issue, you may need to replace the hinges since they have likely reached the end of their lifespan.
Over time, your French doors may become loose due to the weight. To avoid this, tighten all of the hinges on your door and inspect them regularly to ensure they're still secure. Sometimes, you must lubricate the hinges with an oil-based spray to prolong their lifespan.
Replace old or damaged hinges to stop a door from sagging. A new doorknob, or freshly painted doors, can affect the sloping of your French doors.
Other causes of sagging can be foundation settlement as well as wear and tear on the hinges or improper modifications to your doors. A door that is sagging can be fixed by adjusting your hinges, tightening the hinge screws or even replacing the hinges completely.
Also, repairing french doors is important to inspect the weather stripping on your doors to make sure that they're functioning properly. If they're not working, taking them off and replacing them should solve the issue.
Also, you should look over your door frames for signs of rot or warping. These issues can cause a draft and will not only reduce the efficiency of your doors, but could also lead to water leakage as well as other damage around your home.
If your doors are creaking and you have tried the two options above, it is likely that you'll need to remove the door jamb with a hand-planer according to Popular Mechanics. To do this, you must remove the doors from their hinges, and put them flat on a sawhorse, or something else sturdy. Then, mark the areas that require smoothing, 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, especially in an area that experiences frequent rainfall. If left untreated, these leaks could cause the frame of the door to become rotted and also the surrounding structure. It is fairly easy to fix these leaks and will only take you a few minutes.
Leaks can be caused by many factors, such as
A broken seal
Replace the rubber seals that are on either side of your threshold with new seals. This will ensure a perfect fit, and prevent rainwater from entering your home.
Water leaking through the sill
This problem can be caused through a variety of causes such as the absence of a sillpan or by using a sill made of metal that isn't watertight. If you notice water collecting around your French doors, it's important to contact the builder and ask them to install sill pans or replace the steel sill with a wooden one that will resist water.
Obstructions
A leaky seal could result in fog accumulating between the two panes of glass on French doors, which blocks the view and decreases their energy efficiency levels. The problem can be resolved by replacing the seal with a newer one that can block out moisture and air.
Loose Handles
A handle that is loose on your French doors can be quite dangerous, since it can fall off when you're opening or closing the door. This issue can be resolved by tightening the screws, or replacing the handle if it is damaged or worn.
Similar to a track stop that's not correctly set can stop doors from sliding properly which can cause scratches and jams on the frames. This issue can be resolved by putting silicone caulk on track stops or tracks. It's also a good idea to check for cracks regularly and wear on the exterior surfaces of doors and frames to ensure they're in top condition.
Warping
A French door has a stunning view and lets in lots of light. However, If you're not careful, your doors can start warping due to exposure to heat or humidity. It's a good idea to contact an experienced handyman who has experience fixing your French doors. They can advise you on the best method to fix your doors and make sure that they're safe to close and open.
If your doors are severely warped, you might need to replace them entirely. If they're only slightly bent, you may be capable of straightening them by putting wet towels over the affected area. The towels should remain on the door 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 difficult to achieve especially in the case of doors that are extremely warped.
If the doors have been stored improperly, this could cause stretching. Avoid them from construction work that creates lots of moisture, like decorating and plastering. They should be kept in a flat place on a hard surface.
A damaged strike plate could also cause warping. To correct the issue it is necessary to take the doors off and place them on a pair sawhorses. Then, employ a hand-planer to remove any wood from the top and bottom of each door. It is essential to work in small pieces so that you don't end up taking too much wood off the doors, which can cause them to become too thin and brittle.
After the doors have been rehung, screw the strike plate in place. If the lock doesn't work after this the barrel catch may be catching on the side of the frame. This is typically repaired by applying silicone spray. If this isn't working, you might need to replace the latch.