Repairing French Doors French doors are a common choice for period homes, but they are susceptible to problems over time. These problems can be minor or major and if not dealt with promptly, they can cause damage. Solving the majority of these issues can be easy once you know what to look for. Here are some tips for fixing French Doors: Misaligned Locks It can be difficult to open or close a door if the lock is misaligned. It can also cause the door to be left open and your property vulnerable. The misalignment of a door lock could be due to hinges which need to be adjusted, structural settling or the wrong installation. There are a few easy solutions you can make on your own. The first step is to figure out what's causing the latch to not be able to engage with the strike plate hole or door frame. You can do this by closing the door and looking for a mark on the strike plate. This will help you identify the problem and fix it in the correct way. If the latch contact is above the strike plate hole or is below it the strike plate hole, it could be a sign that the hinges are loose or the door frame needs shims. The door could be sagging because of loose hinges, which will cause it to be displaced. This can be corrected by tightening hinge screws and adjusting the hinges. Shims can be used to help support hinges and hold them in place. Another reason for misaligned doors is a jammed or stuck lock cylinder. It could be due to dirt or other debris that have clogged the keyway, or it could be due to the worn-out key. In any case the best solution is to lubricate your lock cylinder using graphite powder or a silicone-based lubricant. Call a professional if the lock cylinder still sticks. This will help prevent further injury or damage. A latch that is seized could be a problem for French doors because it makes it impossible to close and open the door. This could be because of a poor alignment or warping of the door and door frame as a result of climate changes. It can also be an indication of poor quality hardware. In the majority of instances, a latch that is stuck can be resolved by repositioning the latch and applying silicone spray to it to lubricate it. If the latch is worn, it may be necessary to replace it. A professional handyman will identify the problem and carry out the repair. Leaks If your French doors have been installed according to modern standards, they shouldn't leak. If they do leak, it's important to know where the problem is coming from so you can correct it. If water is getting in through the bottom of your door it could be due to various problems. The most frequent cause is that the seal at the bottom of the doors isn't tight enough. This allows moisture to get inside the door and cause damage. Another possibility is that there's a crack or hole in the door sill or frame. If this is the case, you'll need to fix or replace the sill or door threshold. If there isn't a barrier between your French doors and the wind, you may also suffer from leaks. Strong gusts of winds can easily weaken seams, leading to leaks that damage floors and interior walls. To stop this you can build a barrier such as a screen door or an awning, or even put up fencing to create an windbreak. The seals around the French doors could also be defective when they're not maintained or installed properly. In this scenario you'll have to reseal them using silicone caulking. This material offers superior adhesion as well as flexibility and water resistance, making it the best option for sealing your French doors. It's also important to check that the drainage holes along the bottom of your uPVC French doors aren't blocked or stuffed with debris. This will help reduce your energy costs by reducing heat transfer and air leakage into your home. It's also a good idea to keep their appearance and function by regularly checking your French doors and clean them using a mild cleaning agent. Regular maintenance can prolong their lifespan and enhance their performance. These steps can help you avoid expensive repairs and allow you to enjoy your French doors for years to come! Warping French doors provide a great method of connecting your outdoor and indoor spaces while letting in plenty of sunshine. But, just like any other door they may be damaged in time due wear and tear or poor installation. This is the reason it's so important to get your French doors repaired as soon as you notice a problem. If you're French doors aren't locking, there's a good chance that the lock been damaged or stuck due to wear and wear and tear. It is necessary to remove the lock and remove the door to conduct an examination of the mechanism. Another issue that is common to French doors is that the latch gets stuck or isn't closing properly. This is usually because the doors aren't aligned correctly or the hinges have loosened or because they weren't installed correctly in the first place. To correct this issue you must open and close the doors as often as you can to verify if the latch is working. It's also possible that your doors aren't closing properly because the wood has swelled due to moisture. To correct this, you'll need to increase the frame of your door to allow room for hinges. This is a challenging task which should not be attempted without professional assistance. It is essential to get your French doors fixed as soon as possible if you notice any problems. This will ensure that they appear the best and function as they should. With https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/gloucester-french-door-repairs-near-me/ and maintenance your French doors will last for many years. Chameleon is a specialist in repairing and restoration of wooden windows, doors, and other wooden features on period or listed buildings. We can install new French doors to give your home a stylish and traditional look or repair the ones that are already in place. Contact us today if you're tired of your old French doors. We'll provide a free estimate for repairs and provide the high-quality service you deserve. Wooden Parts French doors are gorgeous accessories to any home especially those of a period. However, with time, they are prone to weathering and damage. The good news is that while this can cause few minor issues, it can also be fixed fairly easily. If your external French door isn't locking, it's possible that something is blocking the frame or that there is an issue with the alignment of the latch and the door. In the first case you must get rid of any debris, dirt or household items that are stuck between the frame and door. In the event of a problem, you might need to tighten the hinges or adjust them. This can be accomplished by locating the lateral adjuster on a door hinge (usually hidden behind the cover of plastic or a small plug) and using it to move the hinge away from or towards the frame of the door. You could also try lubricating the latch using silicone spray or oil, but this may not work over the long haul and could require replacement. The frame of a French door may expand due to humidity changes. This makes it difficult to open or close the door. To correct this, sand the edges of the frame to adjust them. Make sure to apply paint or sealant afterwards. Fog accumulation between the glass panes is another common problem that is common to French doors. This can decrease the efficiency of energy and lead to an absence of light. The glass panes could be replaced to reduce fog, but it is not something that should be done without professional help. If glass panes are broken or cracked it must be replaced immediately for security reasons, and to avoid elements from outside getting into the home. The process of replacing glass on French doors is the same as the procedure for sliding doors, however, it requires a bit more skill and a certain amount of precision to perform the job properly. Wear protective gloves when removing the old pane of glass from the window. The opening should be measured to ensure that the new glass will fit correctly. Cut and then install the pane using care. Reinstall any door hardware and glazing components.