How to Repair French Doors French doors are a beautiful addition to any home that connects outdoor and indoor spaces. However, they may face issues over time that require immediate attention for both safety and practicality. Common issues are problems with alignment, sagging, and warping of the door frame and sash. The majority of these issues can be easily resolved with just a bit of time and effort. Misaligned Locks Some doors can become misaligned or stuck due to humidity or wood swelling, or house settling. This could cause the bolt of the lock to become loose and making it more difficult to open or close the door. This could put additional pressure on the locks which could eventually result in broken locks or mangled inner components. It's an issue that is common and can often be solved with simple DIY techniques. In some instances it is possible that a small amount of lubricant may be all that's needed to make the door easier to open and close. You can apply graphite as a lubricant, but make sure to choose a product that is safe for your door. Make sure you clean the area with a moist cloth to eliminate any dirt around the door prior to applying the lubricant. Another simple way to fix a door hanging askew is by loosening the hinges, and then adjusting them until they're level with the door's frame. You must be careful not to over-tighten the screws as this could cause damage to the hinges or door. If your exterior French doors aren't closing properly, it could be a sign that there is a blockage in the lock mechanism. Usually, this is caused by factory screws that are short that loosen with time. To fix this, simply replace the screws with larger ones that will hold more of the door frame wood. You can also alter the lock, but it's more complicated and difficult. Begin by loosening the knob or handle using a flathead screw. Then, you can take off the lock assembly by unscrewing it from the cubbyhole and taking it out. Inspect it for any obstructions before you reassemble and tighten the screw connections. If the latch isn't hitting the strike plate, you may need to move or enlarge the strike plate hole. If the strike plate is higher or lower than the latch hole it could prevent the lock from closing, and require a professional locksmith. If the hole is too small, you can enlarge it with a metal file or drill. Sagging If your doors aren't straight or have gaps, this can decrease the energy efficiency of your home. These gaps can also obstruct views and create drafts. There are a few simple solutions to this issue. Begin by tightening the hinges and aligning them correctly. This will take about 10 minutes or less and will not require any tools. If this doesn't fix the issue then you'll need to replace the hinges. They're likely to be to be at the end of their lifecycle. Over https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/gloucester-french-door-repairs-near-me/ can become loose because of the weight. To stop this from happening make sure that the hinges are tightened on your door and make sure they are secure. Occasionally, you should also apply lubrication to the hinges using a lubricating spray to extend their lifespan. A damaged or worn-out hinge can cause a door to bow, so replacing hinges with new ones could aid. A new doorknob or freshly painted door can affect the alignment of your French door. Other causes of sagging are foundation settlement, wear on hinges or improper changes made to your doors. You can fix a sagging door by tightening or adjusting the hinges. It is also necessary to inspect the weather stripping and door sweep frequently to make sure they're functioning properly. If they are not working, taking them off and replacing them should solve the issue. Finally, you should regularly examine the wood of your door frame for indications of rotting or warping. These issues can create drafts, and they will not only affect the performance of your doors, but could also cause water leakage and other damage around your house. If your doors are creaking and you've tried the two options above It is likely that you'll have to sand down your door jamb with a hand plane according to Popular Mechanics. To do this, take your doors from the hinges. Place them flat on a sturdy surface like a sawhorse. Note the areas that require planing, then use a hand plane to smooth out these areas of the doorjamb. Leaks French doors with large glass areas are susceptible to leaks, especially when you live in an area that experiences heavy rainfall. If not treated, these leaks can cause the frame of the door to decay and damage the surrounding structure. Fortunately, fixing these leaks is a relatively easy task that will take only a few hours to complete. Leaks are caused by many factors, including A broken seal Replace the rubber seals on both sides of your threshold with new ones. This will ensure a secure fit, which will prevent rainwater from getting into your home. The sill is leaking water. This problem can be caused through a variety of causes, including the lack of a sillpan or using a sill made of metal that isn't watertight. If you find that water is gathering around your French door, call the builder to ask them to install sill pans or replace the steel sill by the wooden sill which will resist water. Obstructions A faulty seal may also cause fog to build up between the double panes on French doors. This could block the view and decrease their energy efficiency. The problem can be resolved by replacing the seal with a more modern one that blocks both air and moisture. Loose Handles Having a loose handle on your French doors could be risky, since it could be snagged while you're opening or closing the door. This problem can be fixed by tightening the screws, or replacing the handle if it's damaged or worn. A track stop that's not properly installed can also cause doors to jam and scratch the frames. This issue can be resolved by adding silicone caulk to track stops or tracks. Also, you should regularly check the exterior surfaces of doors and frames for wear or cracks, and ensure that they are in good working order. Warping A French door is a beautiful view and lets in plenty of natural light, but if you're not careful your doors can start warping because of exposure to humidity or heat. If this happens, consider calling a handyman who specialises in repairing French doors. They'll be able to guide you on the best way to repair your doors and make sure that they are safe to open and close. If your doors are severely warped, you might need to replace them entirely. If they are just slightly warped, you might be in a position to straighten them by placing wet heavy towels over the affected area. Place the towels in the doors for a few days, or even longer, until they're completely flattened. This method can be used to fix uPVC or wood doors provided that the wood is well-seasoned. It is important to keep in mind that the process is time-consuming and challenging to accomplish particularly when the doors are severely damaged. The doors could warp when they are stored improperly. Avoid them from construction work that generates a lot of moisture, such as plastering and decorating. They should also be kept flat on a surface and not stacked particularly in their unfinished state. A loose strike plate can also cause warping. To fix the problem you'll need to take the doors off and place them on a pair sawhorses. The excess wood can be removed from the top and bottom edges of each door by using hand planes. It is important to work in small steps so you don't end up cutting too much off the doors, which can cause them to become too thin and fragile. After the doors have been rehung screw the strike plate in place. If the lock isn't working after this the barrel catch may be caught on the other side of the frame. This can be fixed by spraying silicone onto the latch. If this does not work, you might require replacing the latch.