How to Fix Common French Door Repair Problems French doors can bring a touch of class to your home. They're also a great choice for homes built in the past. Additionally, they're easy to maintain. You should clean them regularly using a mild soap. Like any door, they can get damaged over time. There are a variety of ways to fix these doors. Broken or cracked window A cracked or broken glass window isn't just visually unattractive, but also affects your home's security and insulation. It is impossible to stop the crack from spreading forever but you can slow the process with a few simple and quick solutions. First, make sure to wear safety glasses and gloves when working with glass as it is very easy to break glass shards when you're not careful. To get rid of dirt and other debris, use a damp cloth to scrub the area around the crack. This will ensure that the glue you are using to fix the crack stays well and doesn't leak or cause further damage. Choose if you'd prefer to use a temporary solution, like tape or plastic film to cover the hole or if a more permanent solution is what you would prefer. If you opt for the latter, be sure to purchase a glass glue that is designed for glass and windows such as Loctite's Super Glue Glass. This product has a strong hold and can be applied to the exterior or interior of your glass and windows, making it perfect for quick repairs. Another alternative is to apply a clear nail polish to fill in the crack, which is particularly effective for stress cracks that form when there's a drastic temperature change from hot to cold or vice versa. But, remember that nail polish isn't made to withstand moisture, so it will not last for a long period of time. Additionally, you can cover your windows with a plastic barrier, which will shield the glass and help to keep out rain, wind, bugs, and other pests. Sagging Hinges A door that is sagging can be an eyesore and can also impact the stability of your home. Fortunately, the majority of the time, it's easy to fix. It is important to fix the problem immediately if your door starts to slide. In https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/oldham-french-door-repairs-near-me/ that it is not addressed, small issues could become more serious such as squeaks or other serious misalignments. Start by inspecting the hinges. Often, loose screws are the culprit. If tightening screws does not solve the problem of sagging, replacing them with screws that are longer could help. The longer screws will help support the weight of your door and stop it from sagging. You might also need to install shims to adjust the hinge's location. Thin strips of material can be placed between the hinge and the frame or jamb, spreading the door's weight evenly and preventing any future sagging. Use a doorstop, or have someone else hold the door while you remove the screws from the affected hinge, and then carefully lift the door off of the hinges. It is important to keep in mind that a floor that is uneven can cause the door to slide. This can cause you to examine the floor for any issues and correct them, which will allow you to resolve the issue of sagging without focusing on the door. The door's sagging may be caused by the condition of hinge components such as the knuckle or the pin. In this instance you'll need to replace the hinges. This is an intimidating task for those who do not have experience in carpentry. In certain cases, sagging hinges can also be a sign that the door's construction is too heavy for the frame or jamb. Misaligned Doors If your doors are sliding and scratching against the frame, or difficult to latch, they may be misaligned. A sagging or misaligned door is a source of frustration and can contribute to energy waste and scratchy, squeaky noises in your home. There are a variety of simple solutions to this problem without calling in an expert. If the gap around the door is uneven, the hinges might need to be tightened. If the gap isn't too large, it could be that the frame of your door has shifted or settled over time. In this scenario you can employ shims to reset the frame. Another reason that causes misalignment is the presence of humidity in the air. This can cause the wood to swell and cause doors to not to shut properly. This isn't a long-term issue, and usually goes away once the humidity drops. In the aftermath of a storm Many people notice that their doors aren't aligned properly. The solution is easy to tighten the hinge screws. This will usually solve the problem however if it doesn't, consider using longer screws for your hinges. This will give them more support and prevent the hinges from becoming loose in the near future. Another potential issue is an unaligned strike plate. The strike plate will need to be relocated lower to make room for the latch. This is a simple fix but it requires you to take off the old strike plate and then drill 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 location. Broken Latch If the latch does not retract when you manually push it or turn the handle, then it is likely that the mechanism has failed. You can determine the cause of the issue by examining where the latch contacts are situated. The test of lipstick can be used to determine if the problem is due to sagging hinges or a misaligned bolt for the latch. It can also be used to determine if it is a combination of problems, such as hinges that are not aligned properly and a small strike plate. To conduct the test, place a lipstick strip (or another marking material) over the latch. Close and then open the door. If the latch touches the lipstick below or above the strike plate hole, it means that there is no contact between the latch and strike plate. The best solution is to lubricate the latch. Lubrication can be accomplished using graphite pen, which works better than WD-40 or other dry oil lubricants. You can also use a cotton swab to clean any dirt that has accumulated in the keyhole. If lubricating the latch doesn't solve the problem it may be necessary to move the strike plate. If you've sanded or shimmied the hinges, or increased the strike plate's hole, you'll need to relocate the strike plate into the proper position in relation to the latch. Test the lock after you've adjusted the latch and moved the strikeplate to the proper position. If your latch remains stuck, you can use a wood filler to make gaps or holes that were created by moving the strike plate or sanding the hinges. Then you can paint or stain the frame to complete the repair. Leaks A serious problem can arise from French doors that leak. Water can get inside the French doors and cause damage to the wood or growth of mold. This could result in costly repair costs later on. The good news is, most French door leaks can be repaired with a little effort and a few basic tools. One of the most common reasons for water leaking from French doors is poor weatherproofing. This is due to French doors' unique design, which consists of large areas of tempered glass as well as a frame. It is crucial to examine your French doors regularly for signs of wear that could cause leaks. It is crucial to make sure whether all seals haven't deteriorated and are in good shape. If you find that your French doors are leaking when it rains, it's a good idea conduct a thorough examination to determine the source of the leak. Check for any obvious signs of water ingress, such as damaged seals around frames or window panes or damaged threshold sealants. It's also important to check that the threshold is properly sealed and insulated. In some cases, a French door might leak during rainy days because there is a blockage in the mechanism of the lock. It is essential to clean the lock with an oil containing silicone when this happens. This will allow the lock to be lubricated and prevent the lock from becoming stuck. If you're having difficulty opening the lock, it could be because the key is damaged or worn out. It will need to replaced. You can buy keys to replace them at many hardware stores. If you have a key that is too long or worn, it may be time to get a new lock installed.