How to Fix Common French Door Repair Problems French doors can bring a touch of class to your home. They're also a great fit for homes built in the past. They're also easy to keep. You should clean them regularly with a mild soap. However, they can be damaged over time just as any other door. There are a variety of ways to fix them. Broken or cracked window A cracked or broken window isn't just ugly, it compromises the security and insulation of your home. While it is impossible to stop the spread of a crack, you can slow it down by making easy and quick fixes. First, make sure to wear protective glasses and gloves when working with glass as it is very easy to break shards of glass if you aren't careful. Then, thoroughly clean the area around the crack with a a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris. This will ensure that the glue that you're using to fix the crack sticks properly and doesn't leak or cause further damage. Choose if you'd prefer to make use of a temporary solution such as tape or plastic film, to cover the hole, or if a permanent solution is what you would prefer. If you choose to go with the latter option, make sure to use a glass glue designed specifically for glass and windows such as Loctite’s Super Glue Glass. It is durable and can be used outside or inside of your glass and windows. It's great for quick repairs. A clear nail polish may also be used to temporarily fill cracks. This is particularly beneficial for stress cracks which develop when the temperature fluctuates from hot to cold. Keep in mind, however, that nail polish was never made to stand up to water so it won't last for a long time. You can also protect the windows with a plastic film that will protect them from insects, rain and wind. Sagging Hinges A door that isn't in good shape can be a source of displeasure and also affect the overall stability of your house. Fortunately, the issue is usually easy to fix. It is important to fix the issue immediately if your door starts to slide. Otherwise, minor problems can turn into more serious issues like squeaks, or other major misalignments. Begin by inspecting https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/poole-french-door-repairs-near-me/ to find out the root of the issue. Screws that are loose are usually the cause. If tightening screws doesn't resolve the sagging issue, replacing them with screws that are more long may aid. Longer screws will be able to support the weight of the door and stop it from sagging over time. It is also possible to add shims to adjust the hinge's position. Thin strips of material can be inserted between the hinge and the jamb or frame, distributing the door's weight evenly and preventing sagging in the future. Use a door stopper or have someone hold it in place while you remove screws from the hinge. Then, you can carefully lift the doors off the hinges. It's important to remember that a floor that is uneven could cause the door to sag. This can cause you to examine the floor for any problems and correct them, which will help solve the sagging problem without focussing on the door itself. In some instances the sagging might be due to the condition of the hinge components, like the knuckle or pin. If this is the scenario, you'll have to replace the hinges, which is a task that isn't easy for those with no carpentry skills. In some instances, sagging door hinges may be a sign that the structure of the door is too heavy for its frame or jamb. Misaligned Doors If your doors are sagging or scraping against the frame or are difficult to latch, they could be incorrectly aligned. A misaligned or sagging door can be a nuisance and can contribute to energy loss and squeaky, scratchy noises in your home. There are a few simple solutions to the issue without contacting a professional. If the gap between your doors is uneven, it could indicate that the hinges need to be tightened. If the gap isn't too large, it might be due to your door frame shifting or settling with time. In this scenario, shims can be used to reset the frame. Another common cause of misalignment is a lot of moisture in the air. This can cause wood to expand and cause your doors to become stuck. However, this isn't an issue that lasts long and typically clears up as the humidity decreases. Many people find that their doors are misaligned following a storm, but the solution is easy: just tighten the hinge screws to fix the alignment. This will usually solve the problem, but if it doesn't think about using longer screws for your hinges. This will give them more support and stop the hinges from becoming loose in the near future. A misaligned strikeplate is a different possible issue. The strike plate is typically moved lower to allow room for the latch. This is a simple fix, but you will have to take off the existing strike plate and drill new holes for it. Use a wood dowel with the same diameter as the screwhole to fill the hole that was previously drilled, and then secure it in its new position. Broken Latch If the latch does not retract when you push it manually or operate the handle, then it is likely that the mechanism has failed. Checking where the latch contacts can help you determine the reason for it to fail. The test for lipstick can be used to determine if the problem 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 problems, such as hinges that are not aligned properly and a small strike plate. To perform the lipstick test put an area of lipstick (or similar marking material) on the latch. Close and then open the door. If the latch touches the lipstick below or above the strike plate's hole, it means there is a lack of contact between the latch and strike plate. The best method to fix this is to grease the latch. Lubricating can be done using graphite pen that is more effective than WD-40 or other dry fluids. You can also try placing an swab of cotton into the keyhole to get rid of any dirt that may have accumulated in the keyhole. If lubricating your latch does not resolve the issue, it might be necessary to relocate the strikeplate. If you've sanded or shimmied the hinges or widened the strike plate's hole you'll need to relocate the strike plate into the appropriate position relative to the latch. After you've moved your strike plate and adjusted the latch to a proper position, check the latch to ensure that it's working correctly. If your latch is still not working, you can use wood filler to fill any old gap or screw holes that were created by moving the strike plate or sanding hinges. Then, you can paint or stain the frame to complete the repair. Leaks Leaky French doors can cause serious issue. They could allow water to get into your home which can cause wood damage and mold growth. This could result in costly repair bills down the road. The good news is that the majority of French door leaks are easily repaired with a bit of effort and a few tools. One of the primary reasons for water leaking from French doors is the poor weatherproofing. This is due to French doors distinctive design, which consists of large areas of tempered glass and a frame. It is important to inspect your French doors frequently for signs of wear, which could lead to leaks. It is also essential to ensure that the seals are in good condition and have not changed over time. If you notice that your French doors leaking when it rains it is recommended to conduct an extensive inspection to find the source of the leak. Examine for any visible evidence of water penetration for example, damaged seals around frames and window panes or the rusty sealants for thresholds. It's also important to check that the threshold is properly sealed and insulated. A French door may leak during rain if there is an obstruction within the lock mechanism. If this is the case, you will need to clean out the lock with the use of a silicone spray. This will lubricate and stop the lock from becoming stuck. If you have trouble opening the lock, it could be due to the fact that the key is worn or damaged and must be replaced. You can purchase a replacement key at most hardware stores. If your key is too short or worn out, it may be time to install a new lock.