French Door Handle Replacement - Upgrade the Look of Your French Doors Door handles play an essential function, shielding your home from the elements outside. They're also a prominent design element that sets the tone for your interior design. The majority of French doors have two handles, one that's functional, and the other that's decorative. This handle that is not functional is often called a dummy. Replacement If you're looking to upgrade the appearance of your French doors replacing the handle is an affordable way to do so. If you are remodeling or replacing older doors, it is important to choose a high-quality handle that can withstand frequent use and the elements. The most durable handles are made of stainless steel since it is antibacterial and easy to clean. They also have an brushed finish that is resistant to fingerprints and is less likely to show rust or scratches over time. Handle sets can be found in various styles and finishes, so you're certain to find one that fits your style and decor. Certain styles of handles have a more decorative look, while others come with an integrated lock to provide additional security. You can get key-operated handles which are perfect for homes with young children. Some handles are more expensive than others, however it's important to consider your budget when choosing the right set. Before you purchase a handle, decide what configuration will work best for your French doors. If you have an interior doors that open on their own, you may want to install two handles. One handle can be locked while the other one won't. This will determine if require a rotating handle or a fixed one. You'll have to decide if you would like to be able lock the door from the inside as well as the outside. You'll need to use an external lock to open doors that require a key. You can pick a simple Yale lock or a multipoint locking system to secure your French doors. Certain locks allow you to lock the top of the door and the bottom simultaneously and some require you to open both the top and bottom. When you're ready to install your new handle, you must first locate the actuator slot. It's a cylindrical insert that connects to the latch. You'll usually find holes in the door frame for this, but it's crucial to take your measurements carefully and employ a spirit level to ensure that the holes are level and straight. With your handle, you'll need to receive a hole-boring tool to help you take the right measurements. Installation Door handles can appear to be minor details, but they are essential to the function security, safety, and even aesthetics of your french doors. It's the reason it's essential to choose high quality handles that can stand up to regular use and don't require regular replacement or repairs. Based on the design you'd like and the purpose of your door, you might require different handles. However regardless of the style and purpose the process of installing them is almost identical. You'll need to take off the handles you have already installed and clean the area you plan to install the new ones. The next step is to drill holes in the door where you plan to mount the new handle set. Follow the instructions included with your hardware so that you can drill the holes correctly to let the lock mechanism to fit. Then, you need to insert the lock bolt through the hole on the edge of the door, and connect it to the actuator. The actuator is a cylindrical piece with a slot where the bolt can go through. If you're not sure about the order of assembly you should consult the instructions. Once you've done that, fix the plate to cover the latching and locking mechanisms on the side that is active on the door. You must then check the latch and lock to make sure that they function properly. If you're satisfied, repeat the same process on the dummy side of the door to put in the non-functional handle. During the process, it's crucial to take your time and be mindful. You could end up with handles that aren't functional or do not appear attractive if you hurry through the process. You should always seek out an expert to ensure best results. You'll then be able to enjoy your beautiful french doors for many years to be. Compatibility The type of handle that you choose for your French doors will be contingent on what you plan to use them for. If you're using them for closets, for example it is unlikely that you'll need them to lock and decorative handles will suffice. If you intend to put them in a dining or bedroom room, you'll require locking hardware which is easy to use and secure against forced entry. The handle you choose for your french doors must be able to handle the type of locks already in place. Selecting the wrong handle can result in the lock becoming difficult or impossible to operate, which is why it's essential to speak with a professional prior to making a shop. 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 about French Door Handles, there are many different options available. Some have built-in locks, eliminating the requirement for a separate lock system. Some latches and locks are activated by the handle to provide extra security. In any event, you'll want to make sure that the handles you select are compatible with the hardware you already have and will be compatible with the door type and design. It is also important to consider whether you would like your handle sets to be locked on one side or both sides. French doors are two doors connected together which means they require an entirely different mechanism than single doors. If you're looking for an option that locks both sides, you'll require a handle with locks made for double doors. In the majority of cases, you'll notice that the handles you attach onto the active French Door have an opening in the plates to accommodate the latch and lock bolt. The dummy handles aren't functional and are only decorative. These handles are usually used in areas that aren't used often, like bathrooms and bedrooms. Maintenance It is important to take care of your door handles, as they are the most commonly used component of your doors. As time passes, they may get stained or tarnished. They might even lose their shine. The right cleaning solution can bring them back to their original glory. In general mild soap is the best and most secure cleaner. However, you should always dry your clothes and rinse off any moisture afterward to avoid corrosion. Brass handles are particularly prone to tarnishing however you can lessen the chance of this happening by keeping them clean. To remove dust and dirt first, wash the brass surface with warm tap water. Then, use a soft cloth. Then, make https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/southend-french-door-repairs-near-me/ of lemon and baking soda to scrub away any tarnish. Once you've 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 a long time. A squeaky or rigid door handle can be incredibly annoying, but it's a problem which is usually fixable. First, you should check that there aren't any small objects or debris caught inside the locking mechanism of the door, as this could be to blame for the issue. If this isn't the case, it could be that you simply have to grease the inner workings of the door handle to fix the issue. WD-40 is a multi-purpose product with a unique formula that helps you easily lubricate your hardware. Applying liberal amounts of the liquid will allow your door handle to move effortlessly, and will stop it from making noises. You can also use a Flexible Straw to get into all the tiny nooks and crevices on your French door handle to ensure you don't miss any spot. While the process of replacing a french door handle is fairly easy, you'll need be careful when drilling holes for the new handles. This is due to the fact that different designs for doors come with a variety of holes in the frame and door, so it's important to ensure that the holes are matched when installing the new handles. It's also worth checking that the cylinder pin is fitted properly as it is the metal piece that runs through the entire lock mechanism of your door.