How to Repair French Doors French doors can be a stylish way to connect outdoor and indoor spaces. They are susceptible to problems in time, and require immediate attention to security and efficiency. Common issues are misalignment, sagging, and warping of the door frame and sash. The majority of these issues are easily solved with some time and effort. Misaligned Locks Certain doors may become misaligned or stuck due to humidity and wood swelling or settle. This could cause the strike bolt or lock plate sway and require more force to open and close the door. This could put additional stress on the locks, which can eventually lead to broken locks or damaged inner components. It's a common problem that is often solved by simple DIY solutions. In some cases, a small amount of lubricant might be 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. Before applying the lubricant clean the area around the door with a damp rag to get rid of any debris. A door that is hanging off-center is easily fixed by adjusting and loosening the hinges until they are aligned with the frame. But, you should be careful to avoid over-tightening the screws as this can damage the hinges or door. If your exterior French doors aren't closing properly, this could indicate that there is a problem in the lock mechanism. This is usually caused by small screws from the factory that have come loose over time. To fix this issue, replace the screws with larger ones that grab more of the door frames wood. You can also alter the lock, but it will be more difficult and complicated. Begin by loosening the knob of the lock or handle using the flat-head screwdriver. You can then take the lock assembly from its cubbyhole by unscrewing and taking it out. Inspect it for any obstructions and then rebuild and tighten the screw connections. If the latch does not hit the strike plate, you might have to move the strike plate or expand it. If the strike plate is either higher or lower than the latch hole, this can prevent the lock from closing and require a locksmith expert. If the hole is too small, you can increase it using a file or drill. Sagging If your doors are creaking or have gaps between them, it will affect the insulating properties of your home and reduce its energy efficiency. These gaps can also cause drafts and obstruct your view. Fortunately there are simple fixes that can help resolve these issues. Begin by tightening the hinges and aligning them correctly. This should take only 10 minutes, and no tools are required. If this does not solve your issue it is possible to replace the hinges as they are likely to have reached the end of their usefulness. Over time, your French doors may become loose due to the weight. To prevent this, tighten all of the hinges on your door and check them frequently to ensure that they're still secure. Sometimes, you must lubricate the hinges with a spray of lubrication to prolong their lifespan. Replace https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/enfield-french-door-repairs-near-me/ or damaged hinges to stop your door from sliding. A new doorknob or freshly painted doors can affect the alignment of your French door. Other causes of sagging are foundation settlement or wear and tear on the hinges, or improper modifications to your doors. You can fix a door that is sagging by tightening or changing the hinges. It is also important to inspect the weather stripping and door sweep often to ensure they are working correctly. If they're not functioning then you can remove them and replace them. You should also look over your frames for signs of warping or rot. These issues can cause a draft, which will make it harder to use your door. They could also cause water leakage and other problems around your home. If your doors are sagging and you have tried the two options above It is likely that you will need to remove the door jamb with a hand-planer, advises Popular Mechanics. To do this, remove the doors from their hinges and place them flat on a sawhorse, or something else that is sturdy. Then, mark the areas that require smoothing out, then use a plane to smooth these areas. Leaks The large glass areas on French doors makes them an ideal source for water leaks, especially in an area that experiences significant rainfall. If left untreated, these leaks could cause the door frame to decay and damage the structure around it to deteriorate. It is fairly easy to fix these leaks and will only take just a few minutes. Leaks can be caused by many factors, including A broken seal This problem can be resolved by replacing the rubber seal on either side of the threshold with the new seal. This will ensure a tight fit, and prevent rainwater from getting inside your home. Water is leaking through the sill The problem could be caused by through a variety of causes, including the lack of a sillpan or using a metal sill which isn't watertight. If you notice that water is collecting around your French door, you should contact the builder to install sill pans or replace the steel sill by a wooden sill that will be able to resist water. Obstructions A damaged seal can result in fog accumulating between the double panes glass on French doors, which block the view and reduces their energy efficiency. The problem can be resolved by replacing the old seal with a fresher one that blocks both moisture and air. Loose handles A loose handle on your French doors could be risky, since it could be snagged while you're opening or closing the door. This issue can be resolved by tightening the screws or replacing the handle if damaged or worn. Similar to a track stop that isn't properly set can stop doors from sliding in the right way, leading to jams and scratches on the frames. This issue can be resolved by applying silicone caulk to tracks or track stops. It's also recommended to regularly check for cracks and wear on the exterior surfaces of doors and frames to ensure they're in good condition. Warping If you're not careful If you're not careful, your French doors could begin warping because of exposure to heat or moisture. It's worth calling in an experienced handyman who has experience fixing your French doors. They'll be able to provide advice on the best method to fix your doors and ensure that they are safe to open and close. If your doors are seriously warped, you might need to replace them entirely. If they're only slightly warped, it could be possible to get them back to straight by wetting heavy towels and placing them across the area of concern. The towels should remain in place for several days or more until the doors are completely flattened. This method can be used to fix uPVC or wood doors, provided that the wood has been well-seasoned. The process is difficult and time-consuming, particularly in the case of doors that are warped. Doors can crack when they are stored incorrectly. Avoid them from building work that produces a lot of moisture, like decorating and plastering. They should also be kept flat on a smooth surface and not stacked particularly in their unfinished state. Another reason for warping is an unfastened strike plate. To fix this, you must remove the doors and set them up on the sawhorses. The wood that is left over can be removed from the bottom and top edges of each door with a hand plane. You should work in small increments to avoid taking too much wood from the doors. This could cause them to become too thin and fragile. After the doors have been rehung, you can screw the strike plate back in place. If the lock still doesn't work the barrel catch might be catching against the side of the frame. This is usually fixed by applying silicone spray. If that doesn't work, the latch might need to be replaced.