How to Repair French Doors French doors are a beautiful feature of a home that connects outdoor and indoor spaces. They can become problematic over time, which require immediate attention for safety and functionality. Misalignment, sagging and warping of door frame and sash are common problems. Fortunately, the majority of these issues can be repaired with a bit of time and effort. Locks that are not aligned Sometimes doors become stuck or misaligned due humidity, swelling of the wood, or the house settling. This could cause the lock bolt or strike plate sit askew, requiring more force to open and close the door. This could also put extra pressure on the locks which could eventually result in broken locks or mangled components. Fortunately, this is an issue that is common and can often be solved with simple DIY techniques. In some cases, all that is required is a bit of lubrication to help the door open and close smoothly. You can apply graphite lubricant, but be careful to choose one that is safe for your door. Before applying the lubricant, clean the door's perimeter with a damp rag to remove any obstructions. Another method to fix a door that's hanging askew is by loosening the hinges and then moving them until they're in line with the door's frame. You should be cautious not to over-tighten the screws as this could cause damage to the hinges or damage the door. If your exterior French doors aren't closing properly, it could be an indication that there is an obstruction in the lock mechanism. Usually, this is caused by short factory screws that loosen as time passes. Replace the screws with larger ones to grab more wood from the door frames. You can also alter the lock, but it's more complex and difficult. Begin by loosening the knob of the lock or handle with a flat-head screwdriver. You can then take the lock from its cubbyhole by removing it and taking it out. Check for obstructions, then reassemble the lock and tighten all the screw connections. If the latch doesn't touch the strike plate, you may need to move the strike plate or enlarge it. If the strike plate is higher or lower higher than the latch hole it could hinder the lock from closing and will require locksmith assistance. If the hole is small it is possible to use a metal file to make it larger. Sagging If your doors aren't straight or have gaps, it will reduce the energy efficiency of your home. These gaps can also create drafts and block your view. Fortunately, there are a few easy fixes that can help resolve these problems. In the beginning start by tightening your hinges to ensure they're correctly aligned. This will take about 10 minutes or less and not require any tools. If this does nothing to fix the issue it is time to replace your hinges. They are likely at the end of their lifespan. Over time, the weight of your French door could cause them to become loose. To stop this from happening, tighten the hinges of your door and ensure they are secure. It is also recommended to keep your hinges lubricated with a lubricating spritz to prolong their life. Replace old or damaged hinges to stop a door from sagging. A new doorknob, or doors that have been freshly painted, can affect the sloping of your French doors. Other causes of sagging include foundation settlement, wear on hinges, or incorrect modifications to your doors. A sagging door can be fixed by adjusting the hinges and tightening the hinge screws, or even replacing the hinges entirely. It is also necessary to check the weather stripping and door sweep regularly to make sure they're functioning properly. If they're not working then you can remove them and replace them. Lastly, you should occasionally check the wood on the door frame for indications of rotting or warping. These issues can create a draft and will not only decrease the effectiveness of your doors, but could also cause water leakage as well as other damage within your home. If your doors are creaking and you've tried the first two solutions It is likely that you'll have to sand down your door jamb with a hand plane, advises Popular Mechanics. To do this, take the doors from their hinges, and place them flat on a sawhorse or other sturdy object. Mark the places that need planing, then use a hand plane to smooth these areas of the doorjamb. Leaks The large glass areas on French doors make them a common source of water leaks, particularly if you live in a region that receives frequent rainfall. Untreated, these leaks may cause the frame of the door to rot and the structure around it to deteriorate. Fortunately, fixing leaks is a relatively simple task that will only take just a few hours to finish. Leaks can be caused by a number of causes which include: A broken seal This issue can be easily resolved by replacing the rubber seal on either side of the threshold the new seal. This will ensure a tight fit, and prevent rainwater from getting inside your home. The sill is leaking water. This problem can be caused many ways such as the absence of a sillpan or using a metal sill which is not watertight. If you see water accumulating around your French doors, you need to contact the builder and request for the installation of a sill pan or to replace the sill made of steel with a wooden one that will keep out moisture. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/poole-french-door-repairs-near-me/ could cause fog to accumulate between the two panes of glass on French doors, which block the view and reduces their energy efficiency levels. This can be fixed 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 could be dangerous since it can fall while you are closing or opening your French door. This issue can be resolved by tightening the screws, or replacing the handle if it is damaged or worn. Similar to a track stop that's not properly set can stop doors from sliding in the right way, resulting in scratches and jams on the frames. This problem can be solved by putting silicone caulk on track stops or tracks. It is also recommended to regularly inspect the exterior surfaces of doors and frames for wear or cracks to make sure they are in good shape. Warping A French door is a beautiful view and allows plenty of natural light, but If you're not careful, your doors could begin to warp as a result of exposure to heat or humidity. It's worth calling in an experienced handyman who has experience fixing a French doors. They will be able to provide advice on the best method to fix your doors and ensure that they are safe to open and close. If your doors are severely warped, you might need to replace them completely. If they're only slightly warped, it may be possible to bring them back to their original position by wetting heavy towels and placing them across 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 has been well-seasoned. It is important to remember that the process can be time-consuming and challenging to accomplish, especially when the doors are severely bent. If the doors were stored improperly, this could be a cause of warping. They should be kept away from building works that generate a lot of humidity like decorating or plastering work. They should also be stored flat on a solid surface and not stacked especially in their unfinished state. A damaged strike plate could also cause warping. To correct this, you need to remove the doors and set them up on a pair of sawhorses. The wood that is left over can be removed from the edges at the top and bottom of each door by using hand planes. 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 the appropriate position. If the lock isn't working after this the barrel catch may be caught on the other side of the frame. This can be fixed by spraying silicone on the latch. If this doesn't work the latch, it may require replacement.