How to Fix Common French Door Repair Problems French doors can add a touch of elegance to your home. They're also an excellent choice for period homes. They're also simple to keep. You should clean them regularly with mild soap. Like any door, they can get damaged over time. There are many ways to fix these doors. Broken or cracked window A window that is damaged or cracked isn't just ugly it also compromises the security and insulation of your home. It's impossible to stop the crack from growing for ever, but you can slow it down with a few simple and quick fixes. The first step is to wear safety glasses and gloves when working with glass, since it is easy to break shards of glass in the event of negligence. To get rid of dirt and other debris, use a moist cloth to clean the area surrounding the crack. This will ensure that the glue that you use to fix the crack is bonded well and doesn't leak or cause additional damage. Choose if you'd prefer to employ a temporary solution, such as tape or plastic film to cover the hole or if a more permanent solution is what you'd prefer. If you decide to opt for the latter option, make sure to use a glass glue specifically designed for glass and windows, like Loctite's Super Glue Glass. This glue has a strong hold and can be used on the inside or outside of your windows and glass which makes it ideal for quick fixes. A clear nail polish may also be used to temporarily fill in cracks. This is especially useful for stress cracks which develop when temperatures change dramatically from cold to hot. Be aware that nail polish isn't designed to withstand moisture, so it will not last for a long period of time. Lastly, you can also protect your windows by putting up a plastic barrier, which will shield the glass and keep out rain, wind bugs and other pests. Sagging Hinges A door that is sagging can be a source of irritation and can affect the stability of your home. Fortunately, the issue is usually fixable. It's important to address the issue immediately if your door starts to sag. Minor issues can escalate into serious, such as the sound of squeaks or other misalignments. Begin by looking at the hinges to determine what's causing the problem. Most often loose screws are to blame. If tightening screws does not solve the problem of sagging, replacing them with screws that are more long might aid. Longer screws will assist in supporting the weight of your door and keep it from sagging. You may also have to add shims in order to adjust the position of the hinge. These thin strips of material can fit between the hinge and frame or jamb, distributing the weight evenly and preventing future sagging. Use a door stop or ask someone to hold it in place while you remove screws from the hinge. Then, gently lift https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/rochdale-french-door-repairs-near-me/ off the hinges. It is important to recognize that a door that is sagging can sometimes be caused by uneven floor levels. Knowing this may prompt you to examine the floor and fix any issues, which could help solve the sagging issue without focusing solely on the door itself. The door's sagging could be due to the condition of hinge components like the knuckle or the pin. If this is the scenario, you'll have to replace the hinges, which is a task that can be difficult for those who don't have a lot of carpentry expertise. In certain cases, sagging door hinges may also mean that the construction of the door is too heavy for its frame or jamb. Doors that aren't aligned If your doors are sliding or scratching against the frame, or are difficult to latch, they could be misaligned. A misaligned or sagging door can be a nuisance however it could also contribute to energy loss and scratchy, squeaky noises in your home. Luckily, there are several simple solutions to this issue without the need to call a professional. If the gap that surrounds your doors is uneven, it could be a sign that your hinges need to be tightened. If the gap is not excessive it could be due to your door's frame shifting or settling with time. In this case you can use shims to adjust the frame. Another reason that causes misalignment is a high level of humidity in the air. This can make wood swell and cause your doors to become stuck. But, this isn't an issue for long and usually disappears when humidity decreases. In the aftermath of a storm there are many who discover that their doors are not properly aligned. The solution is easy: tighten the hinge screws. If this isn't working, you can use longer screws to fix your hinges. This will give the hinges more strength and prevent them from losing again. A misaligned strikeplate is another potential problem. The strike plate is typically moved lower to make room for the latch. This is also an easy fix, but you will have to take off the existing strike plate and drill new holes for it. Use a dowel made of wood with the same diameter as the screwhole to fill the hole that was previously drilled, and then secure it in its new position. Broken Latch If the latch does not retract when you push it manually or operate the handle, then it is likely that the internal mechanism has failed. You can determine the cause of the problem by examining the location where the latch contacts are located. A lipstick test can help determine if the issue is caused by sagging hinges an improperly aligned latch bolt, a narrow strike plate hole or a combination of these issues. To test the lipstick apply the strip of lipstick (or similar marking material) on the latch. Close and then open the door. If the latch is in contact with either the lipstick below or above the strike plate this means that the latch and the strike plate are not in contact. The best way to fix this is to grease the latch. Lubricating can be done with graphite pens that is more effective than WD-40 or other dry oil lubricants. You can also employ a cotton swab to clean any dirt that has accumulated in the keyhole. If lubricating the latch doesn't solve the issue, you may need to relocate the strike plate. If you have shimmied, expanded, or sanded your strike plate hinges or holes 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 stuck it is possible to employ a wood filler repair any holes or gaps caused by moving the strike plate or sanding the hinges. Then, you can paint or stain the frame to finish the repair. Leaks Leaky French doors can be a serious issue. They could allow water to get into your home which can cause wood damage and mold growth. This could result in costly repair bills down the road. The good news is that most French door leaks can be easily repaired with a bit of effort and a few tools. Poor weatherproofing is one of the most common causes of leaks from French doors. This is due to the unique design of French doors, which are made up of large glass areas and frames. It is important to check all components of your French doors for signs of wear and tear that could lead to leaks. It is crucial to make sure that all seals have not changed and are in good condition. If you find that your French doors leak when it rains, it's recommended to conduct a thorough inspection in order to pinpoint the source of the leak. Examine for any visible indications of water intrusion, such as damaged seals around frames and window panes, or the rusty sealants for thresholds. Check that the threshold is properly sealed and insulated. In some instances the French door might leak when it rains, because there is an obstruction in the mechanism of the lock. It is essential to clean the lock using an oil containing silicone if this is the situation. This will help lubricate the lock and stop the lock from becoming stuck. If you have trouble opening the lock, it could be due to the fact that the key is worn or damaged and must be replaced. Most hardware stores sell keys to replace. If your key is too short or worn out, it could be time to upgrade your lock.