"Ask Me Anything:10 Responses To Your Questions About Repair French Doors

How to Repair French Doors

French doors can be a stylish way to connect outdoor and indoor spaces. However, they may face issues over time that require immediate attention for both safety and practicality.

Common issues include misalignment, sagging, and warping of the door frame and sash. Fortunately, most of these issues can be fixed with some time and effort.

Locks that are not aligned

Some doors may become misaligned or stuck due to humidity or 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 could result in mangled lock components or broken locks altogether. This is a common issue that can be resolved through DIY solutions.

In some cases, all that is required is a bit of lubrication to help the door open and close smoothly. You can use graphite lubricant, but be careful to choose one that is safe for your door. Make sure you clean the door with a damp cloth to clean any debris around the door prior to you apply the oil.

Another simple way to fix a door that's hanging off the wall is by loosing the hinges and then adjusting them until they're aligned with the door's frame. You should be cautious not to over-tighten the screws, as this could damage the hinges or damage the door.

If your exterior French door isn't closing properly, it could be a sign there is a blockage in the lock mechanism. This is typically caused by small screws from the factory that have become loose over time. To fix  replacement french door , replace the screws with ones that grab more of the door frame wood.

You can also try adjusting the lock itself, however this is more complicated and difficult. Start by loosening the knob or handle using the flat-head screwdriver. You can then remove the lock assembly from its cubbyhole by removing it and taking it out. Inspect it for any obstructions before you put it back together and tighten the screw connections.

If the latch isn't hitting the strike plate hole it may be necessary to move or enlarge the strike plate hole. If the strike plate is higher or lower than the latch hole it could prevent the lock from closing and require a professional locksmith. If the hole is too small, you can expand it using a file or drill.

Sagging

If your doors aren't straight or have gaps, this can reduce the energy efficiency of your home. These gaps can also obstruct views and create drafts. There are simple solutions to these problems.

Begin by tightening the hinges and aligning them properly. This should take 10 minutes or less and not require any tools. If this isn't enough to fix your problem, you may need to replace the hinges as they are likely to have reached the end of their life.

Over time the weight of your French door can cause them to become loose. To prevent this ensure that you tighten all hinges on your door and check them frequently to ensure they are still secure. You can also regularly lubricate your hinges by spraying them with lubricant to extend their lifespan.

Replace damaged or old hinges to stop your door from sagging. A new doorknob or freshly painted door can affect the alignment of your French door.

Other causes of sagging include foundation settlement, wear on hinges or the wrong changes made to your doors. A door that is sagging could be fixed by adjusting the hinges or tightening the hinge screws, or replacing the hinges altogether.

It is also essential to check the weather stripping and door sweep regularly to ensure that they're working properly. If they're not functioning you can take them off and replace them.

You should also examine your doors' frames for indications of warping or rot. These issues can cause a draft and will not only affect the performance of your doors, but could also cause water leakage as well as other damage around your house.

Popular Mechanics advises that if your doors are creaking and you've tried all three alternatives, you might have to sand your door jambs using a handplane. To do this, remove the doors from their hinges, and put them flat on a sawhorse or something else that is sturdy. Make a note of the areas that require planed, and then use a hand plane to smooth these areas of the doorjamb.

Leaks

French doors with large glass areas are susceptible to leaks, particularly when you live in a region that receives heavy rain. Left untreated, these leaks can cause decay of the frame and the structure around it. Fortunately, fixing leaks is a fairly simple task that will only take a few hours to complete.

Leaks can be caused by a number of reasons, including:

A broken seal

Replace the rubber seals on both sides of your threshold with new seals. This will ensure a secure fit, which will prevent rainwater from getting into your home.

The sill is leaking water.

The problem could be caused by a variety of issues, including a lack of a sill pan or by the use of a sill made of steel that isn't watertight. If you notice that water is accumulating around your French door, call the builder and ask them to install sill pans or replace the steel sill by a wooden sill that will keep out water.

Obstructions

A leaky seal can cause fog to build up between the double panes of French doors. This can block the view and decrease their energy efficiency. It can be corrected by replacing the seal with a fresh one that is able to block out air and moisture.

Loose handles

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

A track stop that is not properly installed can also cause the doors to jam and scratch the frames. Adding silicone caulk to the tracks or track stops could help solve this problem. It is also recommended to regularly inspect the exterior surfaces of doors and frames for wear or cracks to ensure they are in good shape.

Warping

A French door is a beautiful view and lets in plenty of light. However, when you're not cautious, your doors can start warping as a result of exposure to heat or humidity. It's a good idea to contact an experienced handyman with experience fixing your French door. They can advise on the best way to repair your doors and ensure that they are safe to open and close.

If your doors are seriously bent, you may need to replace them. If they're slightly warped it might be possible to get them back to their original position by wetting heavy towels and laying them on the problem area. The towels should remain on the doors for several days, or even longer, until they're completely flattened.

This method is often applied to uPVC doors, but can also be applied to wood doors in the event that the wood is well seasoned. The process is laborious and time-consuming, particularly if your doors are warped.

If the doors were stored improperly, it could be a cause of warping. They should be kept clear from construction work that generates a lot of humidity such as decorating or plastering work. They should also be kept flat on a solid surface and not stacked especially in their unfinished state.

A damaged strike plate could also cause warping. To correct this, you need to take the doors off and place them on the sawhorses. The wood that is left over can be removed from the top and bottom edges of each door with hand planes. It is best to work in small increments to avoid taking too much wood from the doors. This could result in them becoming too thin and brittle.

After the doors have been put back up, you can screw the strike plate back into place. If the lock does not work after this, the barrel catch might be stuck on the frame's side. the frame. This is fixable by spraying silicone onto the latch. If this doesn't work, you may need to replace the latch.