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How to Repair French Doors

French doors can be an elegant method of connecting indoor and outdoor areas. However, they can experience problems over time that require immediate attention for both safety and practicality.

Misalignment, sagging and warping of the door's frame and sash are all common issues. Many of these issues are easily solved with some time and effort.

Locks that are not aligned

Sometimes doors get stuck or misaligned due to humidity, wood swelling or the house shifting. This could cause the bolt of the lock to become faulty, making it harder to open or close the door. This could put additional strain on the locks, which can eventually lead to broken locks or damaged inner components. This is a common issue which can be solved through DIY solutions.

In certain situations, a small amount of lubricant might be all that's needed to make the door easier to open and close. It is possible to use graphite as a lubricant, but be careful to choose a product 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.

A door that is hanging off-center can be fixed by adjusting and loosening the hinges until they are in line with the frame. However, you must be cautious not to over tighten the screws since this can damage the hinges or door.

If your external french door lock replacement doors are not closing properly, this could be a sign that there is a problem in the lock mechanism. Most often, this is caused by factory screws that are short that loosen over time. Replace the screws with larger ones to grab more wood from the door frames.

You can also alter the lock, but it's more difficult and complicated. Start by loosening the knob or handle using the flat-head screwdriver. Then, you can remove the lock assembly from its cubbyhole by removing it and pulling it out. Check for any obstructions, and then reassemble and tighten the screw connections.

If the latch does not hit the strike plate, you may need to move the strike plate or expand it. If the strike plate is lower or higher than the latch hole this can prevent the lock closing and may 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 sliding or have gaps between them, it can affect the insulating properties of your home and reduce its energy efficiency. These gaps can also create drafts that block your view. There are some simple fixes to address these issues.

To begin with, tighten your hinges to ensure that they are correctly aligned. This should take only 10 minutes, and no tools are required. If this does nothing to fix the problem it is time to replace french doors with bifold the hinges. They are likely to be at the end of their lifespan.

Over time, the weight of your French door can cause them to loosen. To prevent this from happening ensure that the hinges are secured your door and ensure they are secure. You can also lubricate your hinges periodically with a spray of lubricant to extend their lifespan.

The hinges that are old or damaged can cause a door to slide replacing hinges with new ones could aid. A new doorknob, or doors that have been freshly painted, could also alter the position of your French doors.

Other causes of sagging are foundation settlement or wear and tear on the hinges, or improper modifications to your doors. A sagging door can be fixed by adjusting the hinges or tightening the hinge screws or even replacing the hinges completely.

It is also necessary to inspect the weather stripping and door sweep often to ensure that they are working correctly. If they're not functioning you can take them off and replace them.

You should also check your doors' frames for indications of warping or rot. These issues can lead to drafts, and they will not only affect the performance of your doors, but they can also cause water leakage as well as other damage within your home.

If your doors are sagging and you've tried the first two solutions, it is likely that you will need to remove the door jamb with a hand plane, advises Popular Mechanics. To do this, you must remove the doors from the hinges and place them flat on a sawhorse or other sturdy object. Make a note of the areas that require planing, then use a hand plane to smooth out these areas of the doorjamb.

Leaks

The large glass areas on French doors make them a common source of water leaks, especially when you live in an area that experiences heavy rainfall. If not treated the leaks could lead to rotting of the door frame and the structure around it. Fortunately, fixing these leaks is a fairly simple task that will only take just a few hours to finish.

Leaks can be caused by many factors, such as

A broken seal

This issue can be solved by replacing the rubber seal on either side of the threshold an entirely new seal. This will ensure a secure fit, which will prevent rainwater from getting into your home.

The sill is leaking with water.

This issue can be caused in many ways such as the absence of a sillpan, or using a sill made from metal that is not watertight. If you notice that water is accumulating around your French door, contact the builder and ask them to install sill pans or replace the steel sill by the wooden sill which will keep out moisture.

Obstructions

A damaged seal could cause fog to accumulate between the double panes on French doors. This can obstruct the view and reduce their energy efficiency. It can be corrected by replacing the existing seal with a fresh one that is able to block out air and moisture.

Loose handles

A handle that is loose on your french door replacement doors can be quite risky, since it could fall off while you're opening or closing the door. The tightening of the screws on the handle could fix this issue 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 some silicone caulk to the tracks or track stops can aid in solving this issue. It's also an excellent idea to check regularly for cracks and wear on exterior surfaces of doors and frames to ensure they remain in good shape.

Warping

If you're not careful If you're not careful, your French doors could begin warping due to exposure to moisture or heat. It's worth calling in an experienced handyman with experience fixing a French door. They can provide advice on the best method to repair your doors and make sure that they are safe to open and close.

If your doors are badly bent, you may need to replace them. If they're only slightly warped, it may be possible to get them back to their original position by soaking the towels in water and laying them on the affected area. Leave the towels in the doors for a few days, or even longer, until they are completely flattened.

This method can be used to fix uPVC or wood doors provided that the wood is well-seasoned. The process is difficult and time-consuming, especially in the case of doors that are warped.

If the doors have been stored incorrectly, this can cause warping. They should be kept clear from construction projects that create lots of humidity, such as plastering or decorating work. They should be kept in a flat place, on a solid surface.

Another reason for warping is a loose strike plate. To fix the issue you'll need to remove your doors and put them on a pair of sawhorses. Then, you can employ a hand plane to remove any wood from the top and bottom of each door. It is recommended to work in smaller increments to avoid removing too much wood from the doors. This could cause them to become thin and fragile.

After the doors have been rehung fix the strike plate into place. If the lock doesn't work after this the barrel catch could be catching on the side of the frame. This is usually repaired by lubricating the latch with silicone spray. If that doesn't work, the latch might need to be replaced.