How to Fix Common French Door Repair Problems French doors can add a touch of sophistication to your home. They are also ideal for period homes. Also, they're easy to maintain. It is recommended to clean them often, using an mild soap solution. However, like any door they are susceptible to damage over time. There are a variety of ways to fix these doors. Broken or cracked window A cracked or broken window isn't just ugly, it compromises the security and insulation of your home. It's impossible to stop the crack from extending for a long time, but you can slow the process with a few simple and quick fixes. Wear protective glasses and gloves when working with glass. It is easy to break glass shards if you're not careful. After that, thoroughly clean the area around the crack using a an abrasive cloth to get rid of any dirt or debris. This will ensure that the adhesive you apply to fix the crack is bonded well and doesn't leak or cause further damage. Decide whether you'd like to make use of a temporary solution such as tape or plastic film, to cover the hole or if a more permanent solution is what you prefer. If you opt for the latter option, be sure to purchase a special glass glue designed for glass and windows like Loctite's Super Glue Glass. This product is strong and can be used on the outside or inside of your glass windows and. It's ideal for quick repairs. Another temporary option is to use a clear nail polish to fill the crack. This can be particularly effective in stress cracks that develop when there's a dramatic temperature shift from cold to hot or reverse. But, remember that nail polish isn't designed to withstand moisture, so it will not last for a long period of time. You can also cover the windows with a plastic film, that will protect the windows and keep out bugs, rain and winds. Sagging Hinges A door that is sagging can be a snore and could affect the stability of your home. Fortunately, the majority of the time it is easy to fix. It is crucial to address the problem immediately if your door begins to move. Minor issues can escalate into serious, such as noises, or other issues. Start by inspecting the hinges. Screws that are loose are usually the reason. If tightening screws do not solve the problem of sagging, replacing them with screws that are more long may aid. Longer screws will be able to support the weight of the door and prevent it from sagging over time. You may also need to add shims to adjust the position of the hinge. These thin strips of material can fit between the hinge and the frame or jamb, distributing the weight of the door evenly and preventing future sagging. Use a doorstop or let someone else hold the door while you remove the screws from the damaged hinge, and then lift the door off the hinges. It's important to remember that a floor that is uneven could cause the door to sag. This knowledge can lead you to examine the floor and address any issues, which could help you solve the problem of sagging without focusing on the door itself. The door's sagging could be due to the condition of hinge parts like the knuckle or pin. If this is the scenario, you'll have to replace the hinges, which is a task which can be a challenge for homeowners without significant carpentry expertise. In certain cases the hinges of your door are sagging. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/dover-french-door-repairs-near-me/ could also mean that the construction of the door is too heavy for its frame or jamb. Doors that aren't aligned If your doors are sliding and scratching against the frame, or difficult to latch, they could be not aligned correctly. A misaligned or sagging door can be annoying however it could also cause energy waste and squeaky, scratchy sounds in your home. There are many simple ways to address this problem without having to call in an expert. If the gap between your doors is uneven, it could be a sign that the hinges must be tightened. If the gap isn't excessive, it might be due to the door frame shifting or settling with time. In this case you can use shims to reset the frame. Another reason for misalignment is the presence of moisture in the air. This could cause the wood to expand and cause doors to shut properly. This isn't a permanent issue, and usually goes away when the humidity decreases. After a heavy rainstorm, many people find that their doors aren't aligned properly. The solution is easy tighten the hinge screws. If this does not work, you could use longer screws to fix your hinges. This will give the hinges more strength and prevent them from losing again. Another possibility is an unaligned strike plate. The strike plate is usually moved lower to allow room for the latch. This is also an easy fix, but you'll have to take off the existing strike plate and drill new holes for it. Make use of a wooden dowel that has the same diameter as the screwhole to cover the hole in the previous one and then secure it in its new position. Broken Latch If the latch does not retract when you press the handle or manually push it, it's likely that something in the mechanism inside is damaged. You can determine the root of the issue by examining the location where the latch contacts are placed. The lipstick test can be used to determine if the problem originates from sagging hinges, or a latch bolt that is not aligned properly. It can also help identify if it is a combination of problems, such as sagging hinges and a narrow strike plate. To perform the lipstick test apply the strip 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, this indicates that the latch and strike plate aren't in contact. The best solution is to grease your latch. WD-40 and other dry lubricants do not work 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 doesn't solve the problem it may be necessary to move the strike plate. If you've shimmied or sanded the hinges or widened the strike plate hole, you will need to move the strike plate to the appropriate position relative to the latch. Once you have moved the strike plate and adjusted the latch to a proper position, test the lock to make sure it's functioning properly. If the latch is not working, you can use wood filler to fill in any old holes or gaps caused by moving the strikeplate or sanding hinges. Then, you can paint or stain your frame to finish the repair. Leaks A serious problem can arise from French doors that leak. Water can seep through the French doors and cause damage to the wood or growth of mold. This could result in costly repair bills down the road. The good news is, most French door leaks can be fixed with a little work and a few basic tools. Poor weatherproofing is one of the main reasons for leaks from French doors. This is due to the unique design of French doors, which are made up of large glass areas and a frame. It is crucial to examine your French doors frequently for signs of wear, which could cause leaks. It's also important to ensure that all seals are in good condition and have not deteriorated over time. If you find that your French doors leaking during rain, it's an ideal idea to conduct a thorough inspection in order to find the source of the leak. Check for any obvious signs of water ingress for example, damaged seals around frames or window panes or the rusty sealants for thresholds. Check that the threshold is properly sealed and insulated. In certain situations, a French door can leak during rainy days because there is a blockage in the mechanism of the lock. If this is the case, you'll have to clean the lock with an oil spray of silicone. 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 that the key is worn out or damaged and will need to be replaced. You can buy keys to replace them at many hardware stores. If you have a lock that is too long or damaged, it could be time to get a new lock installed.