How to Fix Common French Door Repair Problems French doors can add a touch of sophistication to your home. They're also a great fit for homes built in the past. They're also easy to maintain. It is recommended to clean them frequently using a mild soap. But, just like any other door, they are susceptible to damage over time. However, there are a number of ways to fix them. Broken or cracked windows A cracked or broken glass window is not just ugly, but can also affect your home's security and insulation. While https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/french-door-repairs-caterham/ to stop a crack from spreading indefinitely, you can slow the process down with a few easy and quick solutions. First, make sure to wear safety glasses and gloves while working with glass, as it is easy to break glass shards if you aren't careful. After that clean the area around the crack with an abrasive cloth to get rid of any dirt or debris. This will ensure that the adhesive you apply to fix the crack adheres well and doesn't cause damage or leaks. Decide if you'd like to use a temporary solution, like tape or film to cover the hole or if a more permanent solution is what you would prefer. If you decide to opt for the latter option, be sure to use glass glue designed for windows and glasses, like Loctite's Super Glue Glass. This glue has a strong hold and can be used on the inside or outside of your windows and glass making it ideal for quick repairs. A clear nail polish can also be used to temporarily fill in cracks. This is particularly useful for stress cracks which develop when the temperature changes dramatically from hot to cold. Be aware that nail polish wasn't created to withstand moisture, so it won't last for an indefinite period of time. You can also cover windows with a plastic sheet, which will protect them from insects, rain and wind. Sagging Hinges A door that is sagging can be an eye sore and affect the stability of your home. Luckily, the problem is usually fixable. If your door starts to move, it's crucial to address the issue right away. In the event that it is not addressed, small issues could become more serious like squeaks, or other major misalignments. Start by examining the hinges to find out what's causing the issue. Most often, loose screws are the culprit. If tightening screws doesn't fix the issue of sagging, replacing them with screws that are larger might aid. Longer screws can be able to support the weight of your door and keep it from sagging. It is also possible to add shims in order to adjust the position of the hinge. These thin strips can be placed between the frame or jambs to distribute the weight of the door equally. This will prevent future sagging. Use a door stop or have someone hold it in place while you remove screws from the hinge. Then, carefully lift the doors off the hinges. It is important to recognize that a door that is creaking can be caused by uneven floor levels. This can cause you to examine the floor for any issues and correct them, which will help solve the sagging problem without focusing on the door itself. The sagging of the door could be due to the condition of hinge parts like the knuckle or pin. If this is the situation, you'll need to replace the hinges, which is a task which can be a challenge for homeowners without significant carpentry skills. In some instances the hinges of your door are sagging. This could also mean that the construction of the door is too heavy for its frame or jamb. Misaligned Doors Misaligned doors can cause them to slide, scrape against the frame, or become difficult to latch. A misaligned door is a source of frustration however, it can also cause energy inefficiency as well as the sound of scratchy, squeaky noises throughout your home. There are a few simple ways to fix the issue without contacting an expert. If the gap around the door is uneven, the hinges might require tightening. However, if the gap isn't too large, it might be due to the door frame shifting or settling over time. In this case, shims can be used to reset the frame. A high level of humidity in the air is a common cause of misalignment. This can cause wood to expand and cause your doors to become stuck. However, this is not an issue for long and usually disappears when humidity decreases. After a heavy rainstorm, many people find that their doors are not aligned properly. The solution is simple: tighten the hinge screws. This will usually solve the problem however if it doesn't you should consider using a longer screw for your hinges. This will provide them with more support and will stop the hinges from loosing again in the near future. A misaligned strikeplate can be another potential problem. Typically, the strike plate will need to be moved lower to make room for the latch. This is also a simple fix, but you will 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 fill in the hole that was previously drilled, and then anchor it in the new location. Broken Latch If the latch does not retract when you manually push it or turn the handle, then it is likely that the mechanism has broken. Examining the location where the latch contacts can help determine what is causing it to fail. A lipstick test can help determine if the issue is caused by sagging hinges misaligned latch bolt, narrow strike plate hole or a combination of issues. To test put a lipstick strip (or any other marking material) over the latch. Close and open the latch. If the latch touches the lipstick beneath or above the strike plate's hole, it means that there is no contact between the latch and the strike plate. The best solution is to lubricate the latch. WD-40 and other dry lubricants do not perform as well as graphite pencil. You can also use a cotton swab to clean any dirt that has accumulated in the keyhole. If lubricating the latch doesn't solve the issue it may be necessary to reposition the strike plate. If you've sanded, shimmied or pushed the hinges or widened the strike plate's hole you will need to move the strike plate to its proper position in relation to the latch. After you've moved the strike plate and adjusted the latch to a suitable position, check the latch to ensure it's functioning properly. If the latch is not working, you can use wood filler to fill any old holes or gaps caused by moving the strikeplate or sanding hinges. Then you can paint or stain the frame to complete the repair. Leaks A serious problem can arise from French doors that leak. They can allow water to get into your home, causing wood damage and the growth of mold. This can result in expensive repair costs in the future. The good news is, most French door leaks are easily repaired with a bit of effort and a few basic tools. Poor weatherproofing is among the most common causes of leakage from French doors. This is due to the unique design of French doors, which consist of large areas of glass and frames. It is essential to check your French doors on a regular basis for signs of wear that could cause leaks. It is essential to ensure whether all seals haven't been damaged and are in good condition. If you notice your French doors leak when it rains, it's a good idea for you to conduct an in-depth inspection to pinpoint the source of the leak. Look for any visible indications of water intrusion, such as damaged seals around frames or window panes, or the rusty sealants for thresholds. Make sure the threshold is properly sealed and insulated. In some instances, a French door might leak when it rains, because there is a blockage in the lock mechanism. It is necessary to clean the lock with a silicone spray when this happens. This will allow the lock to be lubricated and prevent the lock from getting stuck. If you're having difficulty opening the lock, it could be because the key is damaged or worn out. It's time to get it replaced. Most hardware stores sell keys to replace. If you have a key that's too long or worn, it may be time to have a new lock.