How to Repair French Doors French doors are a beautiful addition to any home that connects outdoor and indoor spaces. They are susceptible to problems with time, requiring immediate attention to security and efficiency. Common issues are the misalignment, sagging and warping of the door frame and sash. Fortunately, the majority of these issues can be solved with a little time and effort. Misaligned locks Sometimes doors are stuck or misaligned because of humidity, swelling of the wood or the house shifting. This can make the strike or lock bolt plate move out of alignment which requires more force to open and close the door. This also puts extra strain on the lock, which can eventually result in mangled inner-lock components or broken locks altogether. This is a common problem that can be easily solved with DIY techniques. In some instances all that is needed is a small amount of lubrication help the door open and close easily. You can use a graphite lubricant but make sure it is safe for the door. Make sure you clean the door with a damp cloth to clean any debris around the door prior to you apply the grease. Another method to fix a door hanging off the wall is by loosing the hinges, and then adjusting them until they're aligned with the frame of the door. But, you should be careful not to tighten too much the screws as this can cause damage to the door or hinges. If your external French doors aren't closing properly, this could be a sign that there is an obstruction in the lock mechanism. Most often, this is caused by short factory screws that become loose with time. To fix this, replace the screws with larger ones that grip more of the door frame wood. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/gloucester-french-door-repairs-near-me/ can also adjust the lock, however it will be more difficult and complicated. Start by loosening the knob of the lock or handle using a flathead screwdriver. Then, you can remove the lock from its cubbyhole by removing it and taking it out. Check for obstructions, then reassemble it, and tighten all the screw connections. If the latch isn't touching the strike plate, you may need to alter or increase the size of the strike plate hole. If the strike plate is higher or lower higher than the hole of the latch, it could hinder the lock from closing and require locksmith assistance. If the hole is tiny you can make use of a metal file to make it larger. Sagging If your doors are sagging or have gaps between them, it can affect the insulation of your home and lower its energy efficiency. These gaps can also cause drafts that block your view. There are some simple fixes to these problems. To begin with start by tightening your hinges to ensure that they are correctly aligned. This should take about 10 minutes and no tools are required. If this isn't enough to solve the issue it is possible to replace the hinges as they are likely to have reached the end of their usefulness. Over time the weight of your French door can cause them to become loose. To stop this from happening make sure you tighten all the hinges on your door and test them frequently to ensure they are still secure. Sometimes, you must lubricate the hinges with an oil-based spray to prolong their life. Replace damaged or old hinges to stop a door from sliding. A new doorknob, or doors that have been freshly painted, can also affect the sloping of your French doors. Other causes of sagging can be foundation settlement, wear and tear on the hinges or improper modifications to your doors. You can fix a door that is sagging by tightening or changing the hinges. It is also important to inspect the weather stripping and door sweep frequently to ensure that they are working correctly. If they're not working, you can remove them and replace them. You should also check your door frames for signs of warping or rot. These issues can lead to a draft and will not only affect the performance of your doors, but they could also cause water leakage as well as other damage around your home. Popular Mechanics advises that if your doors are sagging and you've tried all three options, you may need to sand the door jambs using a handplane. To do this, you must remove the doors from the hinges and place them flat on a sawhorse, or something else sturdy. Note the areas that require planning, and then use a hand plane to smooth these areas of the doorjamb. Leaks French doors with large glass areas are prone to leaks, especially if you live in an area that experiences heavy rain. Left untreated the leaks could lead to the frame of the door to rot and the structure surrounding it. Fortunately, fixing leaks is a relatively simple task that will take only just a few hours to finish. Leaks can be caused by a variety of causes which include: A broken seal This problem can be resolved by replacing the rubber seal on either side of the threshold with an entirely new seal. This will ensure that there is an exact fit and stop rainwater from getting into your home. The sill is leaking with water. The problem could be caused by many ways, including the lack of a sillpan, or using a sill made from metal that is not watertight. If you notice water collecting around your French doors, it's important to get in touch with the builder and ask them to install a sill pan or to replace the sill made of steel by a wooden one that will be able to resist moisture. Obstructions A leaky seal 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 new one that can keep out moisture and air. Loose Handles A handle that isn't tight could be dangerous since it could fall when you're opening or closing your French door. Tightening the screws on the handle can resolve this issue or replace the handle altogether in the event that it's damaged or worn out. A track stop that's not properly installed may cause the doors to jam and scratch the frames. This issue can be fixed by applying silicone caulk to track stops or tracks. It's also an excellent idea to check for cracks regularly and wear on the exterior surfaces of the frames and doors to ensure they remain in good condition. Warping A French door offers a lovely view and allows plenty of natural light, but when you're not cautious, your doors could begin to warp because of exposure to humidity or heat. It's a good idea to contact a handyman with experience in fixing a French doors. They can guide you on the best method of repairing your doors, and also ensure that they're safe to close and open. If your doors are seriously bent, you may have to replace them entirely. However, if they're just slightly warped, it may be possible to bring them straight by wetting heavy towels and laying them on the affected area. Place 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. The process is challenging and time-consuming, particularly if your doors are warped. The doors can warp when they are stored improperly. Avoid them from building work that produces lots of moisture, like decorating and plastering. They should be stored flat, on a solid surface. A damaged strike plate could also cause warping. To fix the problem, you will need to remove your doors and place them on a pair of sawhorses. You can then employ a hand plane to remove any excess wood from the top and bottom of each door. You should work in small increments to avoid taking too much wood from the doors. This could result in them becoming too thin and fragile. After the doors have been rehung, put the strike plate back in the appropriate position. If the lock does not work, the barrel catch may be caught against the frame's side. the frame. This can be fixed by spraying silicone onto the latch. If this isn't working, you might require replacing the latch.