How to Fix Common French Door Repair Problems
French doors can bring a touch of class to your home. They're also a great choice for period homes.
Also, they're easy to maintain. It is recommended to clean them frequently, using mild soap solutions.
Nevertheless, they can be damaged over time, just like other doors. There are many ways to fix these doors.
Broken or cracked windows
A cracked or broken window does more than just look ugly, it compromises the security and insulation of your home. Although it's impossible to stop the spreading of cracks for a long time however, you can slow it down with a few easy and quick solutions.
Wear safety glasses and gloves when working with glass. It is easy to break glass shards when you're not cautious. Next, thoroughly clean the area around the crack with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris. This will ensure the adhesive you use to fix the crack is bonded properly and does not leak or cause additional damage.
Then, consider whether you'd prefer to go with the temporary route and utilize plastic film or tape, or if you'd like to try a more permanent solution that lasts longer. If you decide to go with the latter, be sure to purchase a special glass glue made for glass and windows, like Loctite's Super Glue Glass. It is durable and can be used on the outside or inside of your windows and glasses. It's ideal for quick fixes.
A clear nail polish may also be used to temporarily fill in cracks. This is particularly beneficial for stress cracks which develop when temperatures change dramatically from cold to hot. Be aware, however, that nail polish was not designed to withstand water so it won't last for long. Lastly, you can also protect your windows by putting up a plastic barrier, which will shield your glass and help to keep out wind, rain, bugs and other pests.
Sagging Hinges
A sagging door can be an eyesore and can also impact the overall stability of your house. Fortunately, the majority of the time, it's simple to correct. If your door is beginning to move, it's crucial that you address the issue as soon as you notice it. If not, small problems could become more serious, such as squeaks or other major misalignments.
Begin by looking over the hinges. Loose screws are often the reason. If tightening screws doesn't fix the issue of sagging, replacing them with screws that are more long could help. Longer screws can assist in supporting the weight of your door and stop it from sagging.
It is also possible to add shims in order to adjust the hinge's location. These thin strips can be put between the frame and hinge or jamb to distribute the door's weight equally. This will prevent future sagging. Use a doorstop or have someone else hold the door while you remove the screws from the damaged hinge, and then carefully lift the door off of the hinges.
It is important to recognize that a door that is sagging could be due to uneven floor level. Knowing this may prompt you to look at the floor and fix any issues that may aid in resolving the issue without focusing on the door itself. The sagging of the door may be caused by the condition of hinge components like the knuckle or pin. If this is the situation, you'll need to replace the hinges, a job which can be a challenge for homeowners without significant carpentry expertise. In some cases, sagging hinges can also suggest that the door's frame is too heavy for the frame or jamb.
Doors that aren't aligned
If your doors are sliding and scratching against the frame, or difficult to latch, they could be not aligned correctly. A door that is not aligned properly can be a nuisance, but it also can cause energy inefficiency and squeaky, scratchy noises throughout your home. There are a few simple solutions to the issue without calling a professional.
If the door's gap is uneven, the hinges may need to be tightened. If the gap isn't excessive, it could be due to the frame of your door has moved or settled over time. In this instance you can use shims to reset the frame.
Another reason for misalignment is a lot of moisture in the air. This can cause wood to expand and cause your doors to stick. But, this isn't an issue that lasts long and typically clears up as the humidity decreases.
Many people notice that their doors aren't aligned following a storm The solution is simple: simply tighten the hinge screws to fix the alignment. If repair french doors repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk doesn't work, you can make use of longer screws to fix your hinges. This will give the hinges more strength and stop them from falling off again.
Another potential issue is a misaligned strike plate. The strike plate is usually moved lower to make room for the latch. This is also an easy fix, but you will have to remove the current strike plate and drill new holes for it. You can then use a wooden dowel of exactly the same size as the screw hole to fill in the holes, and then fix the strike plate in its new location.
Broken Latch
If the latch fails to retract when you use the handle or manually push it, it's a sign that something within the internal mechanism is broken. Examining the location where the latch contacts can help you determine what is causing it to fail. A lipstick test can help you identify if the problem is caused by sagging hinges, an improperly aligned latch bolt, a narrow strike plate hole or a combination of problems. To test the lipstick, place a strip of lipstick (or similar marking material) on the latch. Close and then open the latch. If the latch is in contact with the lipstick below or above the strike plate hole it indicates that there is no contact between the latch and the strike plate.
The best option is to lubricate the latch. Lubricating can be done with graphite pens that is more effective than WD-40 or other dry fluids. You can also make use of a cotton swab in order to remove any dirt from the keyhole.
If lubricating your latch doesn't solve the issue, you may need to reposition the strike plate. If you've shimmied, expanded, or sanded your strike plate's hinges or hole and hinges, you'll need to move the strikeplate to the correct position relative to the lock. After you've moved the strike plate and adjusted the latch to a proper position, check the latch to make sure it's functioning correctly. If your latch remains stuck, you can employ a wood filler repair any holes or gaps that were created by moving the strike plate or sanding the hinges. Then, you can stain or paint your frame to finish the repair.
Leaks
A serious problem can arise from French doors that leak. They could allow water to be able to seep into your home and cause wood damage as well as the growth of mold. This could result in costly repair bills down the road. The good news is that most French door leaks can be fixed with a little effort and a few basic tools.
Poor weatherproofing is one of the main causes of leakage from French doors. This is due to the unique design of French doors, which comprise of large glass areas and a frame. It is essential to check your French doors on a regular basis for signs of wear, which could lead to leaks. It's also crucial to ensure that the seals are in good condition and have not changed over time.
If you notice that your French doors leak when it rains, it's a good idea conduct a thorough examination to determine the cause of the leak. Find visible evidence of water intrusion such as damaged seals on the frames of windows or around windows. Also rusty threshold sealants may be an indication. Verify that the threshold is properly sealed and insulated.
A French door can leak during rain if there is an obstruction within the lock mechanism. If this is the case, you'll have to wash the lock with the use of a silicone spray. This will make the lock more lubricated and will help prevent it from becoming stuck. If you're having trouble opening the lock, it might be that the key is worn or damaged and must be replaced. You can purchase a replacement key at most hardware stores. If your key is too short or worn out, it could be the right time to replace it with a new lock.