Repairing French Doors French doors are popular for homes built in the past. However, they may develop problems with time. These issues can be either major or minor, and if they are not addressed promptly, they can cause damage. If you know what to look for, it's easy to fix a lot of these problems. Here are some helpful tips to fix French doors: Locks that are not aligned It can be difficult to open or close a door if the lock isn't aligned. It can also leave the door and property vulnerable. The misalignment of a door lock could be caused by hinges which need to be adjusted, structural settlement or improper installation. There are a variety of simple fixes you can try yourself to solve this issue. First, identify the reason why the latch isn't connecting to the hole in the strike plate or the door frame. To do this, try closing the door and then search for a mark in the area where the latch touched the strike plate hole. This will help you pinpoint the issue and correct it accordingly. If the latch contact is above the strike plate hole or below it that could indicate that hinges aren't tight enough or the door frame requires shims. Loose hinges can cause the door to sag and cause misalignment. This can be corrected by tightening the hinge screws and readjusting the hinges. Shims can be used to support hinges and hold them in their place. A stuck or seized lock-cylinder is another reason for a door that is not aligned properly. It could be caused by dirt or debris that have blocked the keyway or it could be caused by the worn-out key. In either case, lubricating the lock cylinder is the best solution. You can make use of silicone or graphite greases. Contact a professional if you notice that the lock cylinder is still stuck. This will stop further injury or damage. A latch that is stuck can cause problems for French doors because it makes it difficult to open and close the door. Climate changes can cause the door to shrink or become incorrectly aligned. This could be a sign of faulty hardware. In the majority of cases, a seized latch can be fixed by changing the position of the latch and applying silicone spray to it. However, if the latch has worn out it might have to be replaced altogether. A skilled handyman will know how to recognize this issue and will be able to repair the problem in a timely manner. Leaks If your French doors are installed properly to modern standards, they shouldn't leak. If they leak, you'll must determine the cause of the issue so that you can fix it. If water is leaking through the bottom of your door it could be caused by various problems. The most frequent cause is that the seal around the door's bottom isn't sealed enough, allowing moisture to seep in and cause damage over time. Another possibility is an opening or crack in the door frame or sill. It's necessary to replace or repair the sill. If there is no barrier between your French doors and the wind, you may also suffer from leaks. Strong winds can easily weaken seams leading to leaks that cause damage to floors and walls. To prevent this, you can put up an obstruction such as a screen door or an awning, or even put up fencing to create an windbreak. The seals around French doors can be damaged if they are not maintained or installed properly. In this instance you'll need to replace them using silicone caulking. This material is a great adhesive as well as flexibility and water resistance - making it the best choice for sealing around your French doors. In addition, it's important to ensure that the drainage wells along the bottom of your uPVC French doors aren't blocked or stuffed with debris. This will minimize the transfer of heat and air into your home, reducing energy bills. It's also a good idea, to keep their appearance and function by regularly checking your French doors and clean them using an agent for cleaning that is mild. Regular maintenance can increase the life of your doors and increase their performance. These steps can help you avoid expensive repairs and allow you to enjoy your French doors for many years to be! Warping French doors are a fantastic way to connect your indoor and outdoor areas and let in plenty of sunlight. Like any door, French doors can be damaged over time through wear and tear or faulty installations. It is crucial to get your French doors repaired as soon as possible if there is any issue. If your French door locks aren't working, it's likely that the lock is damaged or stuck because of wear. If this is the situation, you'll have to take the lock off the door and take it apart in order to examine the mechanism and fix any obstructions. Another issue that is common to French doors is that the latch gets stuck or won't close properly. This is usually due to the doors are not aligned properly. It could be that the hinges are too loose or were not installed correctly. The easiest method to fix this is to open and close the doors as well as you can to determine whether the latch works or not. Your doors may not shut properly because of swollen wood due to moisture. To fix this issue, you'll need to increase the frame of your door to allow for hinges. This is a complicated job, and it's not something you should attempt by yourself without professional assistance. Get your French doors repaired when you notice any issues is essential for keeping them looking great and working correctly. If you take care of them and provide maintenance they'll last for many years to come. Chameleon is a specialist in repairing and restoration of wooden windows, doors and other wooden elements on listed or period homes. We can fix your existing French doors or install new ones to give your home a gorgeous and traditional appearance. So, if you're French doors are starting to appear old and worn-out, contact us today to see how we can help. We'll provide you with a free estimate for repairs, as well as the top-quality service you are entitled to. Wooden Parts French doors are beautiful accessories to any home, especially period homes. However, over time, they can become weathered and damaged. The good news is that even though this can lead to a few minor issues however, it is also repaired relatively easily. If your external French door does not lock, it is possible that something is blocking the frame or that there is a problem with the alignment of the latch and the door. In the latter case, you should examine the door for debris, dirt or household items caught between the door and frame, clearing them as necessary. In the second case you might need to adjust or tighten the hinges. This can be done by placing the lateral adjuster on the door hinge (usually hidden behind an opaque plastic cover or small plug) and using it to move the hinge away from or toward the door frame. It is also possible to lubricate the latch using silicone spray or oil, though this might not work in the long term and could require replacement. Sometimes, https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/southend-french-door-repairs-near-me/ in a French door frame can swell due to humidity changes, which can make the door difficult to open and close. To remedy this, sand the edges of the door frame to adjust the frame. Reapply sealant or paint afterward. Fog accumulation between glass panes is a common issue with French doors. This can reduce the efficiency of the heating system and result in a loss of natural light. Fog can often be remedied by replacing the glass panes, but this isn't a task that should be done without assistance from a professional. A cracked or broken glass pane must be replaced promptly for safety reasons and to keep outside elements out of the house. The process for replacing glass on French doors is the same as the process for sliding glass doors however, it requires a bit more skill and precision to do correctly. Wear protective gloves to remove the old pane of glass from the window. Take measurements of the opening to ensure that the new pane will fit properly. Cut and place the pane with care. Reinstall any hardware for the door and glass components.