How to Repair French Doors
French doors are a beautiful addition to any home, connecting indoor and outdoor spaces. However, they can experience issues over time, which require immediate attention to both security and function.
Common problems include problems with alignment, sagging, and warping of the door frame and sash. Many of these issues can be easily resolved with just a bit of time and effort.
Locks that are not aligned
Some doors may become stuck or misaligned due to humidity or wood swelling, or house settling. This can cause the lock bolt or strike plate move out of alignment and require more force to open and close the door. This could also put extra pressure on the locks which may eventually lead to broken locks or mangled components. This is a common issue that can be resolved through DIY solutions.
In some cases it is possible that a small amount of lubricant is enough to make the door easier to open and close. You can use a graphite lubricant but make sure it is safe for the door. Make sure you clean the area with a damp cloth to eliminate any dirt around the door prior to you apply the oil.
Another method to fix a door hanging askew is by loosening the hinges and then moving them until they are aligned with the frame of the door. You should be cautious not to tighten the screws too much because this could damage the hinges or door.
If your exterior French doors are not closing properly, this could be an indication that there is a blockage in the lock mechanism. This is usually caused by short screws that came from the factory that have come loose over time. To fix this, simply replace the screws with longer ones that grip more of the door frames wood.
You can also adjust the lock itself, but this is more difficult and complex. Begin by loosening the knob or handle using a flathead screw. Then, you can remove the lock assembly by unscrewing it from its cubbyhole and taking it out. Check for obstructions, then reassemble it and tighten all the screw connections.
If the latch isn't hitting the strike plate hole You may have to move or enlarge the strike plate hole. If the strike plate is smaller or higher than the latch hole this could prevent the lock from closing and require locksmith assistance. If the hole is too small, you can enlarge it by using a metal file or drill.
Sagging
If your doors are sagging or have gaps, it will decrease the energy efficiency of your home. These gaps can also obstruct views and cause drafts. There are some simple fixes to this issue.
To begin with, tighten Repair My Windows And Doors to ensure they are correctly aligned. This should take 10 minutes or less and will not require any tools. If this does not solve your issue it is possible to replace the hinges as they have likely reached the end of their lifespan.
Over time the French doors may become loose because of the weight. To avoid this make sure you tighten all the hinges on your door and test them regularly to ensure they're secure. You can also lubricate your hinges periodically with a spray of lubricant to extend their lifespan.
Old or damaged hinges can cause doors to sag, so replacing them with new ones can aid. A new doorknob or freshly painted doors could affect the alignment of your French door.
Other causes of sagging include foundation settlement, wear on hinges or the wrong modifications made to your doors. A door that is sagging can be fixed by adjusting your hinges or tightening the hinge screws, or even replacing the hinges completely.
It is also important to check the weather stripping on your doors and to make sure that they're functioning properly. If they're not, removing them and replacing them will fix the issue.
Additionally, you should periodically examine the wood on the door frame for signs of warping or rotting. These issues can create a draft and will not only affect the performance of your doors, but could also cause water leakage and other damages around your home.
If your doors are creaking and you have tried the first two solutions most likely you will need to smooth down the jamb of your door using a hand plane, advises Popular Mechanics. To do this, take the doors from the hinges and lay them flat on a sawhorse or other sturdy object. Note the areas that require planning, and then use a hand plane to smooth out these areas of the doorjamb.
Leaks
French doors with large glass areas are more prone to leaks, particularly if you live in a region that receives heavy rain. Untreated, these leaks may cause the frame of the door to rot and the structure around it to deteriorate. It is comparatively easy to fix these leaks and will only take just a few minutes.
Leaks can be caused by a number of factors which include:
A broken seal
This issue can be easily resolved by replacing the rubber seal on either side of the threshold with a an entirely new seal. This will ensure a tight fit, and prevent rainwater from entering your home.
The sill is leaking water.
This problem can be caused through a variety of causes that include the absence of a sillpan or by using a metal sill which isn't watertight. If you notice that water is accumulating around your French door, call the builder to ask them to install sill pans or replace the steel sill by the wooden sill which will resist water.
Obstructions
A damaged seal can cause fog to build up between the double panes of glass on French doors, which block the view and reduces their energy efficiency levels. The problem can be resolved by replacing the old seal with a fresher one that blocks both moisture and air.
Loose Handles
A handle that is loose can be dangerous as it could fall when you're opening or closing your French door. Tightening the screws on the handle could solve this problem or replace the handle altogether in the event that it's damaged or worn out.
A track stop that isn't properly installed may cause doors to jam and scratch the frames. Adding silicone caulk to the tracks or track stops can help solve this problem. Also, you should regularly check the exterior surfaces of frames and doors for wear or cracks, and ensure they are in good condition.
Warping
A French door offers a lovely view and allows plenty of light. However, if you're not careful your doors could begin to warp because of exposure to humidity or heat. If this happens, you should consider calling a handyman that specializes in the repair of French doors. They'll be able to provide advice on the best method to repair your doors and ensure that they are safe to open and close.
If your doors are severely warped, you might need to replace them entirely. If they're slightly warped, it may be possible to get them straight by soaking heavy towels and laying them on the area of concern. Leave the towels in place for several days or more until the doors are flattened completely.
This method can be used to repair uPVC or wood doors, provided that the wood has been well-seasoned. The process is laborious and time-consuming, especially if your doors are warped.
The doors could warp when they are stored incorrectly. Keep them away from any construction work that generates a lot of moisture, like decorating and plastering. They should be stored flat, on a solid surface.
A damaged strike plate could also cause warping. To correct the issue you'll need to take your doors off and place them on a pair of sawhorses. The excess wood can be removed from the bottom and top edges of each door using hand planes. It is recommended to work in smaller increments to avoid taking too much wood from the doors. This could result in them becoming too thin and fragile.
Once the doors are fixed, you can put the strike plate back in place. If the lock does not work after this the barrel catch could be caught on the other side of the frame. This can usually be repaired by lubricating the latch with silicone spray. If that doesn't help the latch, it may require replacement.