How to Fix Common French Door Repair Problems French doors can bring a touch of class to your home. They're also an excellent choice for period homes. They're also easy to keep. It's best to clean them regularly using an mild soap solution. However, like any door they can get damaged over time. There are many methods to repair these doors. Broken or Cracked Window A broken or cracked glass window isn't just visually unattractive, but also compromises your home's security and insulation. Although it's impossible to stop the spread of a crack however, you can slow it down with some easy and quick solutions. Wear safety glasses and gloves when working with glass. It is easy to break glass shards if not cautious. After that clean the area around the crack with the help of a damp cloth to eliminate any dirt or debris. This will ensure that the glue that you're using to fix the crack sticks properly and doesn't leak out or cause further damage. Decide whether you'd like to employ a temporary solution, like tape or film, to cover the hole or if a more permanent solution is what you'd prefer. If you decide to choose the latter option, be sure to use a glass glue that is specifically designed for windows and glasses, like Loctite's Super Glue Glass. This product is strong and can be used inside or outside your glass and windows. It's great for quick repairs. Another temporary option is to apply clear nail polish to fill in the crack, which is particularly effective for stress cracks that develop when there's a sudden temperature shift from cold to hot or in reverse. Remember that nail polish was never designed to withstand water and therefore it won't last forever. You can also cover windows with a plastic film which will shield them and keep out bugs, rain and winds. Sagging Hinges A door that is sagging can be a source of irritation and could affect the stability of your home. Luckily, the problem is usually simple to fix. If your door is beginning to sag, it's important to fix the issue immediately. Minor problems can become more serious, such as squeaks and other misalignments. Begin by looking over the hinges. Loose screws are often the reason. If tightening screws doesn't solve the problem and sagging, replacing the screws with longer ones could help. Longer screws will be able to support the weight of your door and stop it from sliding. You might also need to introduce shims to fine-tune the hinge's position. Thin strips can be put between the frame or jamb to distribute the weight of the door evenly. This will prevent future sagging. Use a doorstop or have someone else hold the door while you remove the screws from the damaged hinge, and then carefully lift the door off the hinges. It is important to remember that a door that is creaking could be due to uneven floor level. This can lead you to inspect the floor for any problems and correct them, which will help solve the problem of sagging without looking at the door. In some cases the sagging could be due to the condition of hinge components, such as the knuckle or pin. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the hinges, which is a task which can be a challenge for those who don't have a lot of carpentry skills. In some instances the sagging hinges could suggest that the door's frame is too heavy for the frame or jamb. Doors that aren't aligned If your doors are sliding and scraping against the frame or are difficult to latch, they may be misaligned. A door that is not aligned properly can be a hassle however, it can also cause energy inefficiency as well as loud, scratchy sounds throughout your home. There are a few simple solutions to the issue without calling an expert. If the door's gap is uneven, the hinges might need to be tightened. However, if the gap isn't too large it could be due to your door's frame shifting or settling over time. In this instance, you can use shims to reset the frame. A high humidity in the air is a common cause of misalignment. This can make wood swell and cause your doors to become stuck. This isn't a long-term issue and usually disappears once the humidity decreases. In the aftermath of a storm there are many who discover that their doors are not properly aligned. The solution is simple to tighten the hinge screws. This usually resolves the issue however, if it does not you should consider using a longer screw for your hinges. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/derby-french-door-repairs-near-me/ will provide them with more support and will stop the hinges from loosing again in the future. Another possibility is a misaligned strike plate. Typically, the strike plate must be relocated lower to make space for the latch. This is a straightforward fix, however, you must remove the old strike plate and drill holes for it. Make use of a wooden dowel that has the same diameter as the screwhole to cover the hole that was previously drilled and then secure it in its new location. Broken Latch If the latch does not retract when you push it manually or use the handle, then it is likely that the internal mechanism has broken. You can identify the cause of the problem by examining the location where the latch contacts are placed. The lipstick test can be used to determine if the issue originates from sagging hinges, or a misaligned latch bolt. It can also help identify whether it is a mix of problems, such as sagging hinges and a narrow strike plate. To test the lipstick apply an area of lipstick (or similar marking material) on the latch. Close and then open the door. If the latch touches the lipstick beneath or above the strike plate hole it means that there is a lack of contact between the latch and the strike plate. The best method to fix this is to make sure that the latch is lubricated. WD-40 and other dry lubricants don't perform as well as a graphite pencil. You can also use a cotton swab to clean any dirt that has accumulated in the keyhole. If lubricating your latch doesn't solve the problem, it may be necessary to relocate the strikeplate. If you've shimmied, sanded, or enlarged your strike plate's hole or hinges to the point that you need to move the strikeplate to the correct position in relation to the lock. Test the lock after having adjusted the latch and moved the strikeplate to the correct position. If your latch is still stuck you can make use of a wood filler to make gaps or holes that were created by moving the strike plate or sanding the hinges. Then, you can stain or paint the frame to complete the repair. Leaks A serious issue can arise from French doors that leak. They can let water seep into the home, causing wood damage and the growth of mold. This could result in costly repair bills down the road. The good news is that the majority of French door leaks can be repaired with just a bit of effort and a few basic tools. Inadequate weatherproofing is among the most frequent reasons for leaks from French doors. This is due to French doors their unique design, which comprises large areas of tempered glass and a frame. It is important to check every part of your French doors for signs of wear and tear that could result in leaks. It's important to check whether all seals haven't deteriorated and are in good condition. If you find that your French doors leak when it rains it's a good idea do a thorough inspection to determine the cause of the leak. Check for any obvious signs of water ingress like damaged seals around frames and window panes, or rusty threshold sealants. Make sure the threshold is properly sealed and insulated. A French door can leak during rain if there is an obstruction within the lock mechanism. It is essential to clean the lock with the spray of silicone when this happens. This will allow the lock to be lubricated and prevent the lock from becoming stuck. If you're having trouble opening the lock, it could be due to the fact that the key is worn out or damaged and must be replaced. You can get a replacement key at most hardware stores. If you have a key that is too long or worn, it may be time to get an entirely new lock installed.