How to Repair French Doors French doors are a stylish feature of a home they connect outdoor and indoor spaces. They can develop problems in time, and require immediate attention to ensure safety and functionality. Common problems include the misalignment, sagging and warping of the sash and frame of the door. Fortunately, many of these issues can be easily repaired with a bit of time and effort. Locks that are not aligned Sometimes doors are stuck or misaligned due to humidity, wood swelling or the house shifting. This could cause the strike bolt or lock plate sway which requires more force to open and close the door. This can put extra stress on the lock, which could result in mangled lock components or broken locks altogether. This is fortunately a common problem that is often solved by simple DIY methods. In certain situations there are times when a tiny amount of lubricant is enough to make the door more easy to open and close. You can use a graphite lubricant but make sure it's safe for the door. Make sure to wipe the door with a damp cloth to clean any debris around the door prior to applying the oil. Another simple way to fix a door hanging out of alignment is to loosen the hinges and then adjusting them until they are level with the door's frame. However, you must be cautious not to over tighten the screws, as this could cause damage to the door or hinges. If your exterior French door isn't closing properly, it could be a sign that there are obstructions in the lock mechanism. This is typically caused by small screws from the factory that have become loose over time. Replace the screws with larger ones to grab more wood from the door frames. You can also adjust the lock, but this is more difficult and complex. Start by loosening the knob of the lock or handle with a flat-head screwdriver. Then, you can remove the lock by removing it from the cubbyhole and pulling it out. Check for any obstructions before you reassemble and tighten the screw connections. If the latch isn't hitting the strike plate it may be necessary to move or enlarge the strike plate hole. If the strike plate is higher or higher than the latch hole, this can prevent the lock from closing and will require a locksmith expert. If https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/colchester-french-door-repairs-near-me/ is small you can use a metal file to make it larger. Sagging If your doors are sagging or have gaps, this will decrease the energy efficiency of your home. These gaps can also obstruct views and create drafts. Fortunately, there are a few simple fixes that can solve these problems. To begin with start by tightening your hinges to ensure that they are properly aligned. This should take 10 minutes or less and will not require any tools. If this doesn't fix the problem, you will need to replace the hinges. They're likely to be to be nearing the end of their lifecycle. Over time, the weight of your French door could cause them to become loose. To stop this from happening, tighten the hinges of your door and make sure they are secure. At times, you should grease the hinges with a lubricating spray to extend their lifespan. Replace damaged or old hinges to stop your door from sagging. A new doorknob or freshly painted door can affect the alignment of your French door. Other causes of sagging can be foundation settlement, wear and tear on the hinges or improper modifications to your doors. A door that is sagging could be corrected by adjusting the hinges and tightening the hinge screws, or replacing the hinges altogether. It is also necessary to check the weather stripping and door sweep regularly to ensure that they're functioning properly. If they're not functioning, you can remove them and replace them. Also, you should check your doors' frames for signs of rot or warping. These issues can lead to drafts, and they will not only affect the performance of your doors, but they could also cause water leakage and other damage around your house. Popular Mechanics advises that if your doors are sliding, and you've tried the previous two alternatives, you might need to sand your door jambs using a handplane. To do this, take your doors from the hinges. Place them flat on something sturdy like a sawhorse. Then, mark the areas that require smoothing out, then use a plane to smooth these areas. Leaks The vast areas of glass on French doors makes them a frequent source of water leaks, particularly if you live in an area that experiences heavy rainfall. If not treated, these leaks can cause the frame of the door to become rotted and also the structure around it to deteriorate. It is relatively simple to repair these leaks and will only take you a few minutes. Leaks can be caused by a number of factors, including: A broken seal Replace the rubber seals that are on either side of your threshold with new seals. This will ensure a secure fit, and prevent rainwater from entering your home. The sill is leaking with water. This issue can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as a lack of a sillpan or by the use of a metal sill that isn't watertight. If you see water accumulating around your French doors, it is important to contact the builder and ask for the installation of sill pans or replace the steel sill with a wooden one that will resist moisture. Obstructions A leaky seal can cause fog to build up between the double panes of French doors. This can block the view and reduce energy efficiency. The issue can be solved by replacing the old seal with a more modern one that can block out both moisture and air. Loose Handles Having a loose handle on your French doors can be risky, since it could fall off when you're opening or closing the door. This issue can be resolved by tightening the screws or replacing the handle if damaged or worn. A track stop that's not properly installed may cause doors to become jammed and scratch the frames. This issue can be resolved by adding silicone caulk to track stops or tracks. It is also recommended to regularly inspect the exterior surfaces of frames and doors for cracks or wear to make sure they are in good working order. Warping A French door is a beautiful view and allows plenty of light, however when you're not cautious, your doors may begin to warp because of exposure to heat or humidity. It is recommended to call a handyman with experience in fixing your French doors. They can advise you on the best way to fix your doors and ensure that they are safe to shut and open. If your doors are seriously bent, you may need to replace them. If they are only slightly bent, you may be capable of straightening them by placing wet heavy towels over the affected area. Place the towels on the floor for a couple of days or until the doors are completely flattened. This technique is typically applied to uPVC doors, but it could also be applied to wooden doors - provided the wood is well seasoned. The process is difficult and time-consuming, especially if your doors are warped. The doors could warp if they have been stored incorrectly. They should be kept clear from building works that generate a lot of humidity such as decorating or plastering work. They should also be kept flat on a smooth surface and not stacked especially when they are not finished. Another reason for warping is a loose strike plate. To correct this, you must take the doors off and place them on two sawhorses. The excess wood can be removed from the bottom and top edges of each door with a hand plane. It is recommended to work in smaller increments to avoid taking too much wood from the doors. This could result in them becoming too thin and brittle. After the doors have been fixed, you can put the strike plate back in place. If the lock does not work, the barrel catch may be getting caught on the side of the frame. This can be fixed by spraying silicone onto the latch. If this isn't working, you might have to replace the latch.