How to Repair French Doors French doors are an elegant feature of a home they connect outdoor and indoor spaces. However, they can experience issues over time that require prompt attention for both safety and practicality. Common issues include problems with alignment, sagging, and warping of the sash and frame of the door. Fortunately, the majority of these issues can be easily solved with a little time and effort. Locks that are misaligned Sometimes doors are stuck or misaligned due to humidity, wood swelling, or the house settling. This can make 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 can eventually result in mangled inner-lock components or broken locks altogether. It's an issue that is quite common and can often be solved with simple DIY solutions. In certain situations all that is required is a bit of lubrication to allow the door to open and close smoothly. You can use graphite lubricant, but be careful to choose one that is safe for your door. Be sure to clean the area with a damp cloth to remove any debris from around the door before applying the grease. A door that is hanging off-center can be fixed by loosening and adjusting the hinges until they are aligned with the frame. Be careful not to over-tighten the screws because this could damage the hinges or damage the door. If your exterior French door isn't closing properly, it could be a sign that there are obstructions in the lock mechanism. This usually happens due to short screws from the factory that have become loose over time. To fix this, simply replace the screws with longer ones that grab more of the door frames wood. You can also adjust the lock itself, but it will be more difficult and complex. Start by loosening the knob or handle using the flat-head screwdriver. You can then take the lock from its cubbyhole, by unscrewing and taking it out. Examine for obstructions, then reassemble the lock and tighten all screw connections. If the latch does not hit the strike plate, you may have to move the strike plate or expand it. If the strike plate is higher or lower than the latch hole it can stop the lock from closing, and require a locksmith expert. If the hole is small it is possible to make use of a file made of metal to make it larger. Sagging If your doors aren't straight or have gaps, it will reduce the energy efficiency of your home. These gaps can also create drafts that block your view. Fortunately, there are a few simple fixes that can solve these problems. Start by tightening your hinges and aligning them properly. This should take 10 minutes or less and not require any tools. If this doesn't solve the issue then you'll need to replace your hinges. They are likely to be nearing the end of their lifecycle. Over time, your French doors can become loose because of the weight. To prevent this from happening ensure that the hinges are secured your door and ensure they are secure. Occasionally, you should also lubricate the hinges with an oil-based spray to prolong their life. Replace hinges that are damaged or worn out to prevent a door from sagging. A new doorknob or freshly painted doors could affect the alignment of your French door. Other causes of sagging include foundation settlement as well as wear and tear on the hinges, or incorrect modifications to your doors. A door that is sagging can be fixed by adjusting your hinges and tightening the hinge screws, or even replacing the hinges completely. It is also essential to check the weather stripping on your doors and to make sure they're working properly. If they are not, then removing them and replacing them could fix the issue. It is also important to look over your door frames for signs of warping or rot. These problems can lead to a draft, which will decrease the effectiveness of your door. They can also lead to water leakage and other damage around your home. If your doors are sliding and you've tried the two options above It is likely that you will need to sand down your door jamb with a hand plane, advises Popular Mechanics. To do this, remove the doors from their hinges, and lay them flat on a sawhorse or other sturdy object. Make a note of the areas that require planning, and then use a hand plane to smooth out these areas of the doorjamb. Leaks The vast areas of glass on French doors can be a common source of water leaks, especially in a region that receives heavy rainfall. If not treated, these leaks can cause the door frame to rot and the structure surrounding it. Fortunately, fixing leaks is a relatively easy task that will take only a few hours to complete. Leaks can be caused by a variety of causes that include: A broken seal This problem can be resolved by replacing the rubber seal on either side of the threshold an entirely new seal. This will ensure an exact fit and stop rainwater from getting into your home. The sill is leaking water. This problem can be caused a number of ways such as the absence of a sillpan or using a sill made of metal that isn't watertight. If you notice that water is accumulating around your French doors, it is important to contact the builder and ask for the installation of a sill pan or to replace the steel sill with a wooden one that can resist moisture. Obstructions A damaged seal could cause fog to accumulate between the double panes of French doors. This can obstruct the view and decrease their energy efficiency. The issue can be fixed by replacing the old seal with a newer one that blocks out moisture and air. Loose Handles A loose handle on your French doors could be dangerous, as it can 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 is damaged or worn. Similar to a track stop that's not properly set can prevent doors from sliding in the right way, leading to jams and scratches on the frames. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/manchester-french-door-repairs-near-me/ to the tracks or track stops may help solve this problem. It's also an excellent idea to check regularly for cracks and wear on exterior surfaces of the frames and doors to ensure that they are in good condition. Warping If you're not careful, your French doors may begin to warp because of exposure to heat or moisture. If this happens, consider calling a handyman that specializes in the repair of French doors. They will be able to advise you on the best way to fix your doors and make sure that they're safe to open and close. If your doors are badly bent, you may have to replace them completely. If they are just slightly warped, you might be capable of straightening them by placing wet heavy towels over the problem area. The towels should remain in place for a couple of days or until the doors are completely flattened. This technique is typically used on uPVC doors, but can also be applied to wooden doors if the wood is well-seasoned. It is important to keep in mind that the process can be time-consuming and is difficult to achieve, especially in the case of doors that are extremely warped. The doors could warp when they are stored incorrectly. Avoid them from construction work that creates a lot of moisture, such as plastering and decorating. They should be kept flat, on a solid surface. A loose strike plate can also cause warping. To fix this, you need to remove the doors and place them on the 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 pieces to avoid taking too much off the doors, which could cause them to become too thin and brittle. After the doors have been rehung, you can screw the strike plate back into place. If the lock doesn't work the barrel catch could be getting caught on the side of the frame. This is usually solved by lubricating and applying silicone spray. If this doesn't work, you may need to replace the latch.