Repairing French Doors

French doors are a popular feature in period homes. However, they could become problematic over time. The issues could range from minor to major and can cause damage if not repaired in a timely manner.

If you know what to check, it's easy to fix these issues. Here are some suggestions for repairing French doors:

Misaligned locks

It can be difficult to open or close a door if the lock isn't aligned. It could also leave the door and property vulnerable. The misalignment of a door lock could be due to hinges which need to be adjusted, structural settling or an incorrect installation. Fortunately, there are several simple solutions you can attempt at home to fix this issue.

First, identify why the latch is not engaging with the hole in the strike plate or in the door frame. To do this, attempt to close the door and then search for a spot where the latch came into contact with the strike plate hole. This will help you identify the issue and correct it accordingly.

If the latch contact is located above the strike plate hole or is below it that could indicate that the hinges are loose or the door frame requires shims. In the event of loose hinges, it can cause the door to move, resulting in an uneven alignment. This can be fixed by tightening the hinge screws and re-adjusting the hinges. Shims can be used to support hinges and hold them in the right position.

A locked or stuck lock-cylinder that is seized is another common cause of misaligned doors. It could be due to debris, dirt or a worn-out key. In either case, lubricating your lock cylinder is the most effective solution. You can make use of silicone or graphite greases. Contact a professional if the lock cylinder still sticks. This will help prevent further damage or injury.

A latch that is stuck can cause problems for French doors, since it prevents the door from opening and closed. This could be because of poor alignment or warping of the door and door frame due to climate changes. It can also be an indication of poor quality hardware. In most cases a seized latch is resolved by repositioning the latch and lubricating with silicone spray. However, if the latch has worn out it might have to be replaced completely. A professional handyman will identify the problem and carry out the repair.

Leaks

If your French doors are constructed in accordance with modern standards, then they should not leak. If they do leak, you must identify the cause of the problem so that you can fix it.

There are a variety of possibilities for water to enter your door through the bottom. The most frequent cause is that the seal at the bottom of the door isn't as tight. This allows moisture to enter the door and cause damage. A hole or crack may be present in the frame or sill of the door. It's necessary to repair or replace the sill.

Leaks around your French doors may also occur in the absence of a barrier between the wind and the doors. Strong gusts of wind can easily weaken the seam, causing leaks that could damage flooring and interior walls. You can stop this from happening by installing a screen awning or adding an enclosure to create an windbreak.

The seals around the French doors may also be defective when they're not maintained or installed correctly. In this instance you'll need to replace them using silicone caulking. This material offers superior adhesion, flexibility and water resistance - making it the ideal choice for Repairing French Doors sealing around your French doors.

It is also essential to make sure that the drainage holes at the bottom of the upvc french door handle replacement French door aren't blocked or clogged with debris. This will reduce energy bills by reducing the transfer of heat and air leakage into your home.

It's also a good idea, to maintain their appearance and functionality, to regularly inspect your French doors and clean them using an agent for cleaning that is mild. Regular maintenance can prolong their lifespan and enhance their performance. These steps can help you avoid expensive repairs and enjoy your French doors for many years to be!

Warping

French doors are a great way to connect your outdoor and indoor spaces while letting in lots of sunlight. However, as with all doors they are susceptible to damage in time due wear and tear or poor installation. This is why it's important to get your French doors repaired immediately you spot an issue.

If your French door locks aren't working, it's likely that the lock is damaged or stuck due to wear. You'll have to take the lock off and remove the door for an inspection of the mechanism.

A common issue that occurs with French Doors is that the latch gets stuck or does not close properly. This usually happens because the doors aren't aligned correctly or the hinges have loosened or they weren't set up correctly in the first place. The easiest way to fix this is to open and close the doors as well as you can to determine whether the latch is working or not.

It's possible that your doors aren't closing properly because the wood has expanded from moisture. You'll need to increase the width of the door frame to accommodate hinges. This is a difficult job which should not be attempted without assistance from a professional.

It is important to have your French doors repaired as quickly as you notice any problems. This will ensure they look their best and function properly. With the proper care and maintenance, your French doors will last for many years.

Chameleon specializes in repairing and restoring wooden doors, windows and other wooden features on listed or period homes. We can install new French doors to give your home a stylish and traditional appearance or fix the ones that are already in place. Contact us today if bored of your old French doors. We'll give you a no-cost estimate for your repairs and provide the quality service you deserve.

Wooden Parts

French doors are gorgeous additions to any home, especially period homes. In time, they could become damaged and weathered. The good news is that even though this could cause a few minor issues, it can also be repaired fairly easily.

If your external french door repair door does not lock, it is possible that something is blocking the frame or there is a problem with the alignment between the latch and the door. In the first case it is recommended to take away any dirt, debris, or household items that are caught between the frame and door.

In the second case you may need to adjust or tighten the hinges. You can do this by locating the side adjustment on a hinge (usually hidden behind plastic covers or small plugs) and then moving the hinge away from or toward the frame. You could also try lubricating the latch using silicone spray or oil, however this might not be effective in the long run and could require replacement.

Sometimes the wood in the French door frame may expand due to changes in humidity, which makes the door difficult to open and close. To remedy this, sand the edges of the door frame to re-adjust them. Apply sealant or paint later on.

Another common issue with external French doors is fog accumulation between the two panes of glass. This can decrease the efficiency of the heating system and result in the loss of natural light. Fog can often be remedied by replacing glass in french door the glass panes, but this isn't an activity that should be undertaken without assistance from a professional.

A broken or cracked glass pane needs to be replaced immediately to ensure safety and to keep outside elements out of the house. The process of replacing french doors with windows glass on French doors is the same as sliding glass doors but requires more precision and expertise to do it properly. Wear protective gloves when removing the old pane of glass from the window. Measure the opening to ensure that the new glass will fit correctly. Cut and then install the pane using care. Install any doors hardware and glazing components.