How to Repair French Doors French doors are an elegant addition to any home, connecting indoor and outdoor spaces. They are susceptible to problems over time, which require immediate attention to ensure safety and functionality. Warping, sagging and misalignment of door frame and sash are all common problems. Fortunately, https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/chelmsford-french-door-repairs-near-me/ of these issues can be easily fixed with some time and effort. Locks that are not aligned Certain doors may become stuck or misaligned due to humidity and wood swelling or settle. This could cause the strike or lock bolt plate move out of alignment which requires more force to open and close the door. This puts additional strain on the lock, which can eventually lead to mangled inner-lock components or even broken locks altogether. Fortunately, this is an issue that is quite common and is often solved by simple DIY techniques. In some cases, a small amount of lubricant might be all that's needed to make the door easier to open and close. You can use graphite oil, but you must be cautious to select one that is safe for your door. Make sure you clean the area with a damp cloth to eliminate any dirt around the door prior to you apply the oil. A door that hangs off-center is easily repaired by loosening and adjusting the hinges until they align with the frame. However, you must be cautious not to over tighten the screws, as this could cause damage to the door or hinges. If your external French door isn't closing correctly, it could be a sign there are obstructions in the lock mechanism. This is typically caused by short screws from the factory that have come loose over time. To fix this, simply replace the screws with larger ones that grip more of the door frames wood. You can also alter the lock, but it will be more complicated and difficult. Start by loosening the knob of the lock or handle using the flat-head screwdriver. Then, you can remove the lock by removing it from the cubbyhole and taking it out. Inspect it for any obstructions, and then put it back together and tighten the screw connections. If the latch isn't hitting the strike plate hole, you may need to move or enlarge the strike plate hole. If the strike plate is higher or higher than the latch hole it could prevent the lock from closing and require a locksmith professional. If the hole is too small, you can enlarge it using a file or drill. Sagging If your doors are sagging or have gaps between them, it can impact the insulation properties of your house and decrease the efficiency of its energy use. These gaps can also create drafts that block your view. There are a few simple solutions to these problems. Begin by tightening the hinges and aligning them correctly. This will take about 10 minutes or less and will not require any tools. If this doesn't solve the issue then you may have to replace the hinges since they've likely reached the end of their usefulness. Over time the weight of your French door could cause them to loosen. To stop this from happening, tighten the hinges of your door and ensure they are secure. Sometimes, you must lubricate the hinges with a spray of lubrication to prolong their lifespan. Replace hinges that are damaged or worn out to stop a door from sagging. A new doorknob or freshly painted doors could also impact the alignment of your French door. Other causes of sagging are foundation settlement, wear on the hinges or the wrong changes made to your doors. A door that is sagging can be fixed by adjusting the hinges, tightening the hinge screws or even replacing the hinges completely. It is also essential to check the weather stripping and door sweep frequently to make sure they are working correctly. If they're not working then you can remove them and replace them. Also, you should examine your door frames for indications of warping or rot. These issues can cause drafts that make it harder to use your door. They could also cause water leakage or damages to your home. If your doors are creaking and you have tried the first two solutions It is likely that you'll have to remove the door jamb with a hand plane, advises Popular Mechanics. To do this, remove your doors from their hinges. Lay them flat on a sturdy surface like a sawhorse. Mark the places that need planing, then use a hand plane to smooth these areas of the doorjamb. Leaks The large glass areas on French doors can be a frequent source of water leaks, particularly in a region that receives frequent rainfall. Untreated, these leaks may cause the frame of the door to become rotted and also the structure around it to deteriorate. Fortunately, fixing these leaks is a fairly simple task that will only take a few hours to complete. Leaks are caused by many 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, preventing rainwater from getting inside your home. Water leaking through the sill This issue can be caused by a number of issues, including a lack of a sillpan or a metal sill that isn't watertight. If you notice that water is collecting around your French door, call the builder to install sill pans or replace the steel sill with the wooden sill which will keep out moisture. Obstructions A damaged seal can cause fog to accumulate between the double panes glass on French doors, which obstructs the view and decreases their energy efficiency. The issue can be solved by replacing the seal with a newer one that can block out both air and moisture. Loose handles A handle that isn't tight could be dangerous because it can fall while you are closing or opening your French door. Tightening the screws on the handle can fix this issue or replace the handle completely in the event that it's damaged or worn out. A track stop that is not properly installed may cause doors to become jammed and scratch the frames. Applying silicone caulk to the tracks or track stops could help with this issue. It's also recommended to check for cracks regularly and wear on the exterior surfaces of the frames and doors to ensure they remain in good shape. Warping A French door offers a lovely view and allows plenty of natural light, but when you're not cautious, your doors could begin to warp as a result of exposure to humidity or heat. It is recommended to call an experienced handyman who has experience fixing your French doors. They can provide advice on the best method to fix your doors and ensure that they are safe to open and close. If your doors are severely bent, you may need to replace them. If they're only slightly warped, it could be possible to get them straight by soaking heavy towels and placing them across the problem area. Place the towels on the floor for several days or more until the doors have been flattened completely. This method is usually used on uPVC doors, but it could also be applied to wood ones - provided the wood is well seasoned. It is important to keep in mind that this process can be lengthy and challenging to accomplish, especially in the case of doors that are extremely warped. The doors could warp when they are stored incorrectly. They should be kept away from construction projects that create lots of humidity, such as decorating or plastering work. They should be kept in a flat place, on a solid surface. A damaged strike plate could also cause warping. To fix this, you must take the doors off and set them up on a pair of sawhorses. The excess wood can be removed from the edges at the top and bottom of each door by using a hand plane. It is important to work in small steps so you don't end up cutting too much off the doors, which could make them too thin and brittle. After the doors have been rehung fix the strike plate into the appropriate position. If the lock does not work after this, the barrel catch might be catching on the side of the frame. This can usually be repaired by applying silicone spray. If this doesn't work, you may need to replace the latch.