How to Fix Common French Door Repair Problems
French doors can bring an air of sophistication to any home. They are also great for period homes.
They're also simple to keep. It's best to clean them regularly using mild soap solutions.
However, they are susceptible to being damaged over time like any other door. However, there are a number of ways to repair them.
Broken or cracked window
A cracked or broken window does more than just look ugly but it also affects the security and insulation of your home. It is impossible to stop the crack from growing for ever but you can slow the process with some quick and easy solutions.
Wear safety glasses and gloves when working with glass. It is easy to break glass shards when you're not careful. To remove dirt and debris, use a moist cloth to clean the area surrounding the crack. This will ensure that the glue that you're using to fix the crack is held well and doesn't leak or cause further damage.
Then, consider whether you want to go the temporary route and utilize plastic film or tape, or if you'd like to go with a permanent solution that lasts longer. If you opt for the latter option, be sure to purchase a special glass glue designed for glass and windows, like Loctite's Super Glue Glass. This glue has a strong hold and can be used on the exterior or interior of your windows and glass making it ideal for quick repairs.
A clear nail polish can also be used to temporarily fill in cracks. This is especially useful for stress cracks which develop when the temperature fluctuates from hot to cold. But, remember that nail polish wasn't created to withstand moisture, so it won't last for an indefinite period of time. You can also protect the windows with a plastic film which will protect them and keep out bugs, rain and winds.
Sagging Hinges
A door that is sagging is a snare and could also impact the stability of your house. Luckily, the problem is usually easy to fix. If your door is beginning to slide, it's imperative that you address the issue right away. Minor issues can escalate into serious, like squeaks and other misalignments.
Begin by looking at the hinges to determine what's causing the problem. Screws that are loose are usually the cause. If tightening screws doesn't solve the problem, replacing the screws with longer ones could help. Longer screws will be able to support the weight of the door and prevent it from sagging over time.
You may also have to add shims to adjust the hinge's position. These thin strips of metal can be placed between the hinge and frame or jamb, distributing the weight of the door evenly and preventing future sagging. Use a door stop or have someone hold it in place while you remove screws from the hinge. Then, you can carefully lift the doors off the hinges.
It's important to remember that a floor that is uneven can cause a door to sag. Knowing this may prompt you to examine the floor and address any issues that could help you solve the problem of sagging without focusing on the door itself. The door's sagging may be caused by the condition of hinge components such as the knuckle or the pin. In this scenario you'll have to replace your hinges. This can be a difficult task for those with no the skills of a carpenter. In some instances the sagging hinges on doors could also indicate that the structure of the door is too heavy for its frame or jamb.
Doors that are not aligned
Misaligned doors can cause them to sag, scrape against the frame, or be difficult to latch. A door that isn't aligned correctly can be a nuisance, but it also can contribute to energy inefficiency and loud, scratchy sounds throughout your home. There are a few simple ways to fix the issue without contacting a professional.
If the gap between your doors is uneven, it could indicate that your hinges need to be tightened. If the gap isn't excessive, it might be due to your door frame shifting or settling with time. In this instance you can employ shims to reset the frame.
A high humidity in the air is another common cause of misalignment. This can make wood swell, causing your doors to stick. french door hinge repairs bishops-stortford is not a permanent issue, and usually goes away as soon as the humidity decreases.
In the aftermath of a storm Many people notice that their doors aren't aligned properly. The solution is simple: tighten the hinge screws. If this does not work, you could make use of longer screws to fix your hinges. This will give the hinges a greater amount of support and stop them from falling off again.
A misaligned strikeplate can be another possibility. The strike plate will need to be relocated lower to make room for the latch. This is a simple fix, but it requires you to take off the old strike plate and then drill holes for it. Make use of a wooden dowel that has the same diameter as the screwhole to fill in the old hole and then secure it in its new location.
Broken Latch
If the latch does not retract when you push it manually or turn the handle, then it is likely that the internal mechanism is broken. Examining the location where the latch contacts will help you identify the reason for it to fail. A lipstick test can help determine if the issue caused by sagging hinges or a misaligned latch bolt, narrow strike plate holes or a combination of these issues. To test the lipstick put the strip of lipstick (or similar marking material) on the latch. Close and open the latch. If the latch is in contact with the lipstick below or above the strike plate hole it means that there is no contact between the latch and strike plate.
The best option is to lubricate the latch. Lubricating can be done using graphite pen, which works better than WD-40 or other dry lubricants. You can also use a cotton swab to clean any dirt that has accumulated in the keyhole.
If lubricating the latch does not solve the problem you may have to relocate the strike plate. If you've shimmied, sanded, or enlarged the strike plate's hole or hinges to the point that you need to move the strike plate to the correct position in relation to the lock. Once you have moved the strike plate and adjusted the latch to a suitable location, test the latch to make sure it's functioning correctly. If the latch is not working, you can use wood filler to fill in any screwholes or gaps created by moving the strike plate or sanding hinges. Then, you can paint or stain the frame to finish the repair.
Leaks
A serious issue can arise from French doors that leak. They can allow water to be able to seep into your home which can cause wood damage and mold growth. This could result in costly repair bills in the future. The good news is, the majority of French door leaks are easily fixed with a little work and a few basic tools.
One of the main reasons for leaks from French doors is the poor weatherproofing. This is due to the unique design of French doors, which consist of large areas of glass and a frame. It is essential to regularly check every part of your French doors for signs of wear and tear that could result in leaks. It's important to check that all seals have not deteriorated and are in good working order.
If you find that your French doors leak during rain, it's a good idea for you to conduct a thorough inspection in order to pinpoint the source of the leak. Look for any visible signs of water ingress like damaged seals around frames and window panes, or the rusty sealants for thresholds. Make sure the threshold is properly sealed and insulated.
A French door can leak when it rains in the event of an obstruction within the lock mechanism. You will need to clean the lock with the spray of silicone if this is the situation. This will lubricate the lock and prevent it from becoming stuck. If you're having trouble opening the lock, it could be because the key is damaged or worn out. It's time to get it replaced. You can purchase a replacement key at most hardware stores. If your key is short or has become worn out, it might be time to upgrade your lock.