French Door Handle Replacement - Upgrade the Look of Your French Doors Door handles are essential to protect your home from external elements. They also provide a striking design feature that can set the tone for your interior aesthetic. Most French doors are equipped with two handles, one that's functional, and the other that's decorative. This non-functional hand is often known as a dummy. Replacement A new handle is an affordable way to update the look of French doors. If your doors are older and need to be replaced or you're planning to remodel your home, it's essential to select high quality handles that will stand up to repeated use and weather the elements. The most durable handles are made of stainless steel which is antibacterial and is easy to clean. They also have a brushed finish that resists fingerprints and is less likely to show scratches or rust over time. You can find handle sets in various styles and finishes, so you're bound to find something that matches your style and decor. Some handle styles are more appealing than others, while others include a lock to provide added security. You can even get key-operated handles, which are ideal for homes with children. Certain handles are more expensive than others, however it's important to consider your budget when choosing a set. Before you buy a handle, consider what configuration will work best for your French doors. If you have an inside doors that open on their own it is possible to have two handles. One handle can be locked while the other one won't. This will determine whether you require a turning handle or a fixed one. You'll need to decide if you want to be able secure the door from both the inside as well as the outside. The majority of exterior doors require a key to unlock them, so you'll need an entry point that allows you to do this. You can get a basic Yale-style lock or a more sophisticated multipoint locking system that will keep your French doors safe. Some systems allow you to lock the top and bottom of the door simultaneously while some require you unlock both the top and the bottom. When you're ready for installing your new handle, first locate the slot for actuator. This is a circular insert that connects the latch. You'll usually find holes in the door frame for this, however it's essential to measure with care and use a spirit level to ensure the holes are level and straight. With your handle, you'll need to receive a hole-boring tool to aid you in taking the proper measurements. Installation While door handles might seem like a minor accessory however they play an important role in your french doors' function and security, as well as aesthetics. That's why it's important to choose handles of high-quality that will stand up to regular use and won't need frequent replacement or repair. Depending on the configurations you'd like and the purpose of your door, you might require different handles. The installation process is nearly identical, regardless of the style or function you prefer. The first step is to take off the handles that are currently in place and clean up the area where the new ones will be installed. Make holes in the door where you plan to place the handle set. Follow the directions included with your hardware so that you can drill the holes properly to allow the lock mechanism to fit. Then, insert the lock bolt into the hole that is on the edge of the doors and connect it with the actuator. The actuator is a cylindrical piece that has a slot that the bolt can pass through. Some handle designs may require you to insert the bolt prior to the actuator, so make sure to consult your instructions if you're not sure about the correct order to put it together. After that, screw the plate into place to cover the latching and locking mechanisms on the active side of the door. Check the latch and lock. After you're satisfied with the results, repeat the same process on the dummy side of the door to install the handle that is not functional. During the process, you need to take your time and be careful. If you rush through the process you could end with a set handles that don't work properly or look attractive. That's why it is important to seek out a skilled professional who can give you the best outcomes. You'll be in a position to enjoy your gorgeous french doors for many years to be! Compatibility The kind of handle you pick for your french doors will be contingent on how you intend to make use of them. If you're using them as closets, you may prefer decorative handles instead of locking hardware. If you're planning to put them in a bedroom or dining room, you'll require locking hardware that is simple to use and secure against forced entry. The handle that you choose for your french door should also be compatible with locks already installed. Consult a professional to make sure the lock is simple to operate. A knowledgeable expert like the ones at CD Windows will be able to assist you in finding the correct handle for your doors. When it is French Door Handles, there are a myriad of options. Certain French door handles come with built-in locking systems that eliminate the requirement for an additional locking system. Others come with deadbolts and latches that can be controlled by a handle to provide additional security. You'll need to ensure that the handles you select are compatible with your existing hardware, and also will work with the style and design of the door. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/derby-french-door-repairs-near-me/ should also consider whether you would like your handle sets to lock on one or both sides. This is due to the fact that French doors are comprised of two doors that are linked to one another, which means they require a totally different method of locking than single-doors do. If you're looking for a solution that locks on both sides, you'll need handles with a lock specifically designed to work with double doors. In the majority of cases, you will find that the handles you attach onto the active French Door have an opening in the plates that can accept the latch and the bolt to lock. The fake handle, on the contrary, will be an unfunctioning handle that is purely decorative. These handles are usually used in places that aren't opened frequently, such as bathrooms and bedrooms. Maintenance Door handles are one of the most used parts of your doors, therefore it is important to take care of them. They can over time get discolored, tarnished, or lose their shine completely. The right cleaning solution can restore them to their former splendor. In general, mild soap is the best and most secure cleaner. However, you must always dry your clothes and rinse off any remaining moisture to prevent corrosion. Brass handles are particularly prone to tarnishing, but you can reduce the risk by keeping them clean. To remove dust and dirt first, wash the brass surface with warm tap water. Then use a soft cloth. Make a mixture of baking soda and lemon juice to get rid of any tarnish. After you have removed the tarnish, you can finish off by polishing the handle with a stainless steel-specific cleaner. Making sure you use the right cleaner for your particular material will give you a smooth, shiny finish that will last for many years. It can be frustrating to have a noisy or stiff door handle, but this is something that's typically fixable. Check to see whether there are any small objects or debris stuck inside the locking mechanism. This could be the reason for your issue. If this is not the case, you might have to grease your door handle's inner workings to fix the problem. WD-40 is a multi-purpose item with a specific formula that lets you easily lubricate your hardware. Applying liberal amounts of the liquid will let your door handle move smoothly, and stop it from making noises. Use a flexible swivel or a brush to get in all the crevices and nooks of your French door handle. While replacing a French door handle is relatively simple however, you must be cautious when drilling holes for new handles. This is because different door styles have different holes in the frame and door. This is why it's crucial to ensure that the holes match when installing the new handles. It's also important to check that the cylinder pin is fitted properly as it is the piece of metal that connects the entire lock mechanism of your door.