7 Things You've Never Learned About Repairing French Doors
Repairing French Doors
French doors are a popular choice for homes built in the past, but they can develop problems as time passes. The issues could be anything from minor to serious and could cause damage if not dealt with in a timely manner.
Resolving some of these issues could be easy if you know what to look for. Here are some helpful tips for repairing French doors:
Misaligned locks
It can be difficult to open or close a door if the lock is not aligned. This can also expose your home and door. The disalignment of a door lock can be caused by hinges that require to be adjusted, structural settlement or an incorrect installation. Fortunately, there are many simple solutions you can attempt on your own to resolve this problem.
The first step is to determine why the latch is not connecting to the hole in the strike plate or the door frame. To do this, simply attempt to close the door, and then look for a mark where the latch contacted the strike plate hole. This will allow you to pinpoint the problem so that it can be fixed.
If the latch contact is situated above or below the strike plate hole it's likely to be a sign of loose hinges or a door frame that needs shims. The door could sag due to loose hinges which will cause it to be out of alignment. This can be fixed by tightening the screws on the hinges and re-adjusting the hinges. Shims can be used to help support hinges and keep them in place.
Another common cause of misaligned doors is a jammed or stuck lock cylinder. It could be caused by dirt or debris that have clogged the keyway, or it could be due to an old key. In any case, lubricating the lock cylinder is the best solution. You can make use of silicone or graphite oils. If the lock cylinder remains stuck, it's a good idea to call an expert to avoid any further injury or damage.
A seized latch can be a problem for French doors as it makes it impossible to open or close the door. This can be the result of poor alignment or warping of the door or frame due to climate changes. It can also be an indication of poor quality hardware. In the majority of cases, a seized latch is resolved by repositioning the latch and lubricating with silicone spray. If the latch has worn out, it may need to be replaced altogether. A professional handyman can spot the issue and make the repair.
Leaks
If your French doors are installed according to modern standards, they shouldn't leak. If they do leak, you need to know the source of the issue so you can correct it.
If water is getting in through the bottom of your door it could be due to several problems. The most common is that the seal around the door's bottom isn't secure enough, allowing moisture to get in and cause damage over time. Another possibility is a hole or crack in the frame or sill of the door. You'll need to replace or repair the sill.
If there is no barrier between your French doors and the wind, you may also experience leaks. Strong winds can weaken seams, creating leaks that can damage floors and interior walls. To stop this it is possible to put up an obstruction like a screen door, or an awning, or perhaps add an adjacent fence to create an air-tight.
Another reason that leaks could be a problem is that the seals around your French doors aren't being maintained or installed properly. You'll require silicone caulking to reseal the seals. This material provides superior adhesion, flexibility and water resistance - making it the perfect option for sealing your French doors.
It's also crucial to make sure that the drainage holes on the bottom of the uPVC French door aren't blocked or blocked by debris. This will minimize heat transfer and air infiltration into your home, reducing the energy costs.
It's also a good idea, to keep their appearance and function by regularly checking your French doors and clean them with a mild cleaning agent. Regular maintenance can extend their life and improve their performance. These steps will allow you to avoid costly repairs and ensure that you enjoy your French doors for many years to come.
Warping
French doors are a great method of connecting your indoor and outdoor spaces while letting plenty of light. However, as with all doors 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 an issue.
If you're French doors aren't locking, there's a good chance that the lock become stuck or damaged due to wear and tear. You'll need remove the lock and remove the door to conduct a closer inspection of the mechanism.
A common problem common to French Doors is that the latch can become stuck or will not close properly. This is usually due to the doors are not aligned properly. It could be that the hinges are too loose or were not installed properly. To correct this you must open and close the doors as often as possible to check if the latch is working.
It's possible that your doors aren't closing properly because the wood has swelled due to moisture. You'll need to raise the width of the door frame to accommodate the hinges. This is a difficult job that shouldn't be attempted without the help of a professional.
It is important to have your French doors repaired as quickly as you can if you spot any problems. This will ensure they look their best and function properly. If you take care of them and provide maintenance they'll last for a long time to be.
Chameleon is a specialist in fixing and restoring doors, windows and all other wooden features of listed or period buildings. We can install new French doors to give your home a stylish and traditional appearance or fix the existing ones. If your French doors are starting to appear old and worn-out, contact us today to see how we can help. We can arrange a free quote for your repairs and provide the high-quality service you deserve.
Wooden Parts
French doors are beautiful additions to any house especially those of a period. However, over time they may become damaged and weathered. The good news is that even though this could cause a couple of minor issues, it can also be repaired fairly easily.
If your external French door isn't locking, it is possible that something is blocking the frame or there is an issue with the alignment between the latch and the door. In the first case, you should take away any debris, dirt or household items that are stuck between the frame and the door.
In the event of a problem, you may need to tighten the hinges or adjust them. This can be done by locating the lateral adjustment lever on a door hinge (usually hidden behind a plastic cover or small plug) and using it to move the hinge away from or towards the door frame. You can also grease the latch with silicone spray or oil. However, this could not last very long and you may have to replace it.
Sometimes, the wood in the French door frame can swell due to humidity changes, which makes the door difficult to open and close. To fix this you can sand the edges of the door frame to re-adjust the frame. Make sure replacement french door repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk apply paint or sealant afterwards.
Another common issue with external French doors is the accumulation of fog between the two panes of glass. This can decrease the efficiency of energy and lead to the loss of natural light. Fog can often be remedied by replacing the glass panes but this isn't an activity that should be done without expert help.
Broken or cracked glass pane must be replaced immediately for safety reasons and to keep out elements from the house. The procedure of replacing glass on a French doors is similar to sliding glass doors, but requires more precision and expertise to be done correctly. Be sure to wear gloves that are protective and remove the old glass from the window. measure the opening to ensure that it is a perfect fit of the new pane, cut and install the new pane with care and then put back in the glass components and door hardware.