Repairing French Doors
French doors are a popular option for homes with a period feel, however they may experience issues over time. These issues can be minor or major, and if they are not addressed promptly, they could cause damage.
If you know what to check it's simple to fix these issues. Here are some tips for repairing French Doors:
Locks that are not aligned
When a door lock is not aligned properly, it could be difficult to open and close the door. It can also leave the door and your property exposed. Door lock misalignment could be caused by hinges that require adjustment, structural settling or the wrong installation. There are a variety of simple solutions you can attempt at home to fix this problem.
The first step is to identify what's causing the latch not be able to engage with the strike plate hole or door frame. To do this, simply try closing the door and then look for a mark in the area where the latch touched the strike plate hole. This will enable you to identify the issue so that it can be addressed.
If the latch contact is situated above or below the strike plate hole it's most likely a sign of hinges that are loose or an unfinished door frame that requires shims. The door may sag because of loose hinges, which will cause it to be displaced. This can be corrected by tightening the hinge screws and re-adjusting the hinges. Utilizing shims to support the hinges can also help keep them in place and stop sliding.
A seized or stuck lock-cylinder is another common cause of misaligned doors. It could be due to debris, dirt or a worn out key. In any case, the best solution is to lubricate your lock the cylinder with graphite powder, or a silicone-based lubricant. Call a professional if the lock cylinder still sticks. This will help prevent further injury or damage.
A seized latch can cause problems for French doors as it makes it difficult to open and close the door. This can be the result of a faulty alignment or warping of the door or frame due to climate changes. It could be a sign of faulty hardware. In most cases a seized latch can be resolved by repositioning it and then lubricating using a silicone spray. If the latch is worn, it may be necessary to replace it. A skilled handyman knows how to identify this issue and can perform the repair correctly.
Leaks
If your French doors have been installed in a way that meets modern standards, they shouldn't leak. If they leak, you'll must determine the cause of the issue so you can address it.
If water is getting in through the bottom of your door it could be due to a number of issues. The most frequent cause is that the seal around the door's bottom isn't tight enough, causing moisture to seep in and cause damage over time. Another possibility is a hole or crack in the door frame or sill. It's necessary to repair or replace the sill.
Leaks around the French doors can also happen in the absence of a barrier between the doors and the wind. Strong winds can easily weaken seams leading to leaks that damage floors and interior walls. You can avoid this by installing a screen an awning or even an enclosure to create an windbreak.
Another reason for leaks is that the seals around your French doors aren't being maintained or installed correctly. In this scenario, you'll need to reseal them using silicone caulking. This material is ideal for sealing around French doors due to its superior adhesion and flexibility, and is also waterproof.
Additionally, it's essential to check that the drainage wells along the bottom of your uPVC French doors aren't blocked or stuffed with debris. This will reduce the transfer of heat and air into your home, thus reducing the cost of energy.
It's also a good idea, to keep their appearance and functionality, to regularly inspect your French doors and clean them with an easy-to-clean agent. Regular maintenance can increase their lifespan and improve their performance. Taking these steps can help you avoid expensive repairs and allow you to enjoy your French doors for many years to be!
Warping
French doors are a great option to connect your outdoor and indoor areas while letting in lots of sunshine. However, like any door they may be damaged over time due to wear and tear or poor installation. This is the reason it's so important to have your French doors repaired immediately you spot a problem.
If your French doors have stopped locking, there's a good chance that the lock become stuck or damaged due to wear and tear. You'll have to take the lock off and remove the door to take an examination of the mechanism.
A common issue common to French Doors is that the latch can become stuck or will not close properly. This is usually because the doors aren't aligned correctly, either because the hinges have loosened or because they weren't installed correctly in the first place. To fix this it is recommended to close and open the doors as much as you can to verify if the latch is working.
Your doors may not close properly due to the swelling of wood caused by moisture. You'll have to increase the size of the door frame to accommodate the hinges. This is a challenging task, and it's not something you should try on your own, without professional assistance.
Get your French doors fixed when you notice any issues is essential in order to keep them looking their best and functioning properly. With the proper care and maintenance your French doors will last for many years.
Chameleon is a specialist in fixing and restoring doors, windows and all other wooden features of period or listed buildings. We can fix your old French doors or install new ones to give your home a beautiful and traditional appearance. Contact us today if you're bored of your old French doors. repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk 'll provide you with a free estimate for your repairs, and the professional service you are entitled to.
Wooden Parts
French doors are gorgeous accessories to any home, especially period homes. In time, they could be damaged and weathered. While this can cause a few minor issues, it is also fairly easy to fix.
If your exterior French doors aren't locking then it's likely that there is something blocking the frame, or there is an alignment issue between the door and latch. In the first case, you need to examine the door for debris, dirt or household objects that are caught between the frame and the door and clean them out as needed.
In the latter case you might need to tighten the hinges or adjust them. You can do this by finding the side adjustment on a hinge (usually hidden behind plastic covers or small plugs) and then adjusting the hinge away or towards the frame. You can also lubricate the latch with silicone spray or oil. However, this may not last for long and you may need to replace it.
The wood in the frame of the frame of a French door can sometimes swell due to changes in humidity. This can make it difficult to open and close the door. You can fix this by sanding the edges of the frame to make them more pliable. Reapply sealant or paint afterward.
Another issue that is common to external French doors is the accumulation of fog between the two panes of glass. This can result in a lack of light and can reduce the efficiency of energy used by the doors. Glass panes can be replaced to remove fog, but it's not a job that should be performed without professional help.
If the glass pane is broken or cracked it must be replaced immediately for safety reasons, and to avoid elements from outside getting into the house. The process of replacing glass on French doors is the same as sliding glass doors, but it requires more skill and precision to do it correctly. Be sure to wear protective gloves and carefully remove the old glass from the window, take measurements of the opening to ensure the proper fit of the new pane, cut and install the new pane with care, and then reinstall any glass components and hardware for the door.