How to Fix Common French Door Repair Problems French doors can add a touch of elegance to your home. They are also perfect for period homes. They're also easy to maintain. They should be cleaned regularly with mild soap. However, they can be damaged over time just like other doors. Fortunately, there are many ways to fix them. Broken or cracked window A damaged or cracked window doesn't just look unattractive it also compromises the security and insulation of your home. While it is impossible to stop the spread of a crack but you can slow it down with some quick and simple fixes. First, make sure to wear protective glasses and gloves when working with glass as it is very easy to break glass shards in the event of negligence. To remove dirt and debris, use a damp cloth to clean the area surrounding the crack. This will ensure that the adhesive that you apply to fix the crack is bonded properly and does not leak or cause further damage. Next, decide whether you want to go the temporary route using plastic film or tape, or if you'd like to try a more permanent solution that will last longer. If you decide to choose the latter option, make sure you use a glass glue specifically designed for windows and glasses, like Loctite's Super Glue Glass. This product has a strong hold and can be applied to the inside or outside of your glass windows which makes it ideal for quick fixes. A clear nail polish may also be used to temporarily fill cracks. This is particularly useful for stress cracks that form when temperatures change dramatically from cold to hot. Keep in mind that nail polish wasn't designed to stand up against water and therefore it won't last forever. You can also cover the windows with a plastic film, that will protect them and keep out bugs, rain and winds. Sagging Hinges A door that is sagging can be an eye sore and affect the stability of your home. Fortunately, the majority times, it's simple to correct. It is crucial to address the issue as soon as your door begins to move. Minor problems can become more serious, like noises, or other issues. Begin by inspecting the hinges to determine the root of the issue. Most often loose screws are the cause. If tightening the screws doesn't stop the sagging replacement of them with longer screws could aid. Longer screws can help support the weight of the door and prevent it from sagging over time. You may also need to install shims to alter the hinge's position. Thin strips can be placed between the frame and hinge or jambs to distribute the weight of the door equally. This will prevent any future sliding. Use a door stop or a person to hold it in place while you remove screws from the hinge. Then, carefully lift the doors off the hinges. It is important to keep in mind that an uneven floor can cause a door to sag. Knowing this may prompt you to examine the floor and address any issues that could aid in resolving the issue without focusing on the door itself. In some cases, the sagging may be due to the condition of the hinges, for instance the pin or knuckle. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the hinges, a job that can be difficult for those with no carpentry skills. In certain cases the sagging hinges could indicate that the door's structure is too heavy for the frame or jamb. Doors that are not aligned If your doors are sliding, scratching against the frame, or difficult to latch, they may be not aligned correctly. A misaligned or sagging door is a source of frustration, but it can also contribute to energy waste and squeaky, scratchy sounds in your home. There are several easy solutions to the issue without contacting a professional. If the gap around your doors is uneven, it could mean that the hinges need to be tightened. If, however, the gap is not excessive it could be due to the door frame shifting or settling with time. In this instance you can employ shims to adjust the frame. Another common cause of misalignment is a high level of moisture in the air. This can cause wood to expand, causing your doors to become stuck. However, this isn't a long-term issue and usually clears up as the humidity decreases. After a heavy rainstorm there are many who discover that their doors are not properly aligned. The solution is simple tighten the hinge screws. This usually resolves the issue, but if it doesn't think about using longer screws for your hinges. This will give the hinges more support and stop them from loosing again. Another possibility is a misaligned strike plate. Typically, the strike plate must be relocated lower to allow for more room for the latch. This is a simple fix, but it requires you to remove the old strike plate and then drill holes for it. Then, you can use a wood dowel that's similar in diameter to the screw hole to fill in the holes, and then secure the strike plate to its new location. Broken Latch If the latch doesn't retract when you manually push it or use the handle, it is likely that the internal mechanism has broken. You can determine the root of the failure by checking the location where the latch contacts are situated. The lipstick test can be used to determine if the issue stems from sagging hinges or a latch bolt that is not aligned properly. It can also be used to determine the cause of the problem if it's a combination of issues, like sagging hinges and a narrow strike plate. To perform the lipstick test put an area of lipstick (or similar marking material) on the latch. Close and then open the latch. If the latch is in contact with either the lipstick below or above the strike plate, this indicates that the latch and the strike plate are not in contact. The best method to fix this is to make sure that the latch is lubricated. WD-40 and other dry lubricants will not perform as well as graphite pencil. You can also make use of a cotton swab in order to remove any dirt from the keyhole. If lubricating the latch does not solve the issue, you may need to reposition the strike plate. If you've shimmied or sanded the hinges, or enlarged the strike plate's hole, you'll need to move the strike plate to its correct position in relation to the latch. Once you have moved the strike plate and adjusted the latch to a suitable position, test the lock to ensure it's functioning properly. If your latch remains stuck it is possible to use a wood filler to repair any holes or gaps caused by moving the strike plate or sanding the hinges. Then you can paint or stain the frame to complete the repair. Leaks Leaky French doors can pose a serious issue. Water can seep through the French doors and cause wood damage or mold growth. This can lead to expensive 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. Poor weatherproofing is one of the main causes of leaks from French doors. This is due to French doors their unique design, which is comprised of large areas of tempered glass and a frame. It is important to inspect your French doors regularly for signs of wear, which could cause leaks. It's also important to ensure that all seals are in good shape and have not deteriorated over time. If you find that your French doors are leaking when it rains, it's a good idea do a thorough inspection to determine the cause of the leak. Look for any visible signs of water ingress, such as damaged seals around frames and window panes, or the rusty sealants for thresholds. It is also essential to ensure that the threshold is properly sealed and is properly insulated. In certain situations it is possible that a French door might leak when it rains because there is an obstruction in the lock mechanism. If this is the case, you'll need to clean out the lock using a silicone spray. This will allow the lock to be lubricated and prevent the lock from becoming stuck. If you have trouble opening the lock, it could be due to the fact that the key is worn out or damaged and needs to be replaced. You can purchase an alternative key from most hardware stores. If https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/french-door-repairs-caterham/ is too short or worn out, it may be time to install a new lock.