How to Fix Common French Door Repair Problems French doors can add a touch of sophistication to your home. They're also a great choice for homes that are built in the past. They're also an easy addition to maintain. It's best to clean them often with an mild soap solution. However, like any door they are susceptible to damage over time. There are several ways to fix these doors. Broken or cracked window A cracked or broken glass window is not just unsightly, but it can also affect your home's security and insulation. It is impossible to stop the crack from growing for ever however, you can slow it down with some quick and easy solutions. Wear safety glasses and gloves while working with glass. It's easy to break glass shards if not careful. To remove dirt and debris, use a damp cloth to clean the area around the crack. This will ensure that the glue you use to fix the crack is held properly and doesn't leak or cause further damage. Next, decide whether you want to go the temporary route using tape or plastic film, or if you'd like to test a more permanent solution that lasts longer. If you decide to choose the latter option, be sure to use glass glue designed specifically for glass and windows such as Loctite’s Super Glue Glass. This product has a strong hold and can be used on the outside or inside of your glass windows making it ideal for quick repairs. A clear nail polish may also be used to temporarily fill in cracks. This is especially useful for stress cracks that form when the temperature changes dramatically from cold to hot. However, keep in mind that nail polish isn't designed to withstand water, so it won't last for an indefinite period of time. You can also cover windows with a plastic film that will protect them from bugs, rain and winds. Sagging Hinges A sliding front door can be a source of irritation and affect the stability of your home. Fortunately, https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/nottingham-french-door-repairs-near-me/ of the time, it's simple to fix. It's important to address the issue immediately if your door starts to sag. Minor problems can become more serious, such as noises, or other issues. Start by looking over the hinges. Often, loose screws are the cause. If tightening the screws does not stop the sagging replacement of the screws with longer ones could aid. Longer screws can support the weight of the door and stop it from sliding over time. You may also have to add shims to adjust the position of the hinge. These thin strips of material can fit between the hinge and the frame or jamb, spreading the weight evenly and preventing any future sagging. Use a doorstop or have someone else hold the door while you remove the screws from the damaged hinge, and then lift the door off of the hinges. It's important to note that a door that is creaking could be due to uneven floor level. This can lead you to check the floor for any issues and correct them, which will help resolve the issue of sagging without focussing on the door. In some cases the sagging could be due to the condition of the hinge components, like the pin or knuckle. If this is the situation, you'll need to replace the hinges, a job that can be difficult for those who don't have a lot of carpentry skills. In some cases the hinges of your door are sagging. This could be a sign that the structure of the door is too heavy for its frame or jamb. Doors that are not aligned Doors that aren't aligned properly may cause them to slide, scrape against the frame, or be difficult to latch. A door that is not aligned properly or is sagging can be a nuisance and can cause energy waste and scratchy, squeaky noises in your home. There are a variety of easy ways to fix this issue without calling in an expert. If the door's gap is uneven, the hinges may require tightening. If the gap is not excessive, it could be due to your door frame has moved or settled over time. In this instance you can employ shims to reset the frame. Another reason that causes misalignment is the presence of humidity in the air. This can make wood swell and cause your doors to stick. This isn't a long-term issue and usually disappears when the humidity drops. In the aftermath of a storm Many people notice that their doors aren't properly aligned. The solution is easy to tighten the hinge screws. If this does not work, you could use longer screws to fix your hinges. This will give them more support and stop the hinges from loosening again in the near future. A misaligned strikeplate can be another possibility. The strike plate is typically moved lower to make room for the latch. This is a simple fix, but you'll have to remove the current strike plate and then drill new holes for it. Make use of a wooden dowel that has the same diameter as the screwhole to fill in the hole in the previous one, and then fix it in its new position. Broken Latch If the latch fails to retract when you use the handle or manually push it, it's a sign that something in the internal mechanism is broken. Examining the location where the latch contacts can help you determine what is causing it to fail. A lipstick test can help determine if the issue caused by sagging hinges misaligned latch bolts, a narrow strike plate holes or a combination of problems. To test the lipstick, place an area of lipstick (or similar marking material) on the latch. Close and then open the latch. If the latch is in contact with the lipstick below or above the strike plate hole it indicates that there is no contact between the latch and strike plate. The best way to fix this is to grease the latch. Lubricating can be done with graphite pens that is more effective than WD-40 or other dry lubricants. You can also employ a cotton swab to clean any dirt that has accumulated in the keyhole. If lubricating the latch doesn't solve the problem, you may need to move the strike plate. If you've shimmied, made sanding, or increased the size of your strike plate hinges or holes to the point that you need to move the strikeplate to the proper position in relation to the lock. After you've moved your strike plate and adjusted the latch to the correct location, test the latch to ensure that it's working properly. If your latch is still stuck it is possible to make use of a wood filler to fill any old screw holes or gaps caused by moving the strike plate or sanding the hinges. You can then paint or stain your frame to complete the repair. Leaks Leaky French doors can pose a serious issue. Water can get inside the French doors and cause wood damage or mold growth. This can result in expensive repairs in the near future. The good news is that the majority of French door leaks can be fixed with a little work and a few basic tools. Poor weatherproofing is among the most common causes of leakage from French doors. This is due to French doors distinctive design, which comprises large areas of tempered glass and frames. It is essential to regularly check all components of your French doors for signs of wear and tear that could result in leaks. It is crucial to make sure that all seals haven't deteriorated and are in good working order. If you notice that your French doors leaking during rain, it's an ideal idea to conduct an in-depth inspection to find the source of the leak. Find visible indications of water intrusion like damaged seals on window frames or around windows. Also the presence of rusty threshold sealants could be an indication. Make sure the threshold is properly insulated and sealed. A French door may leak during rain in the event of an obstruction within the lock mechanism. If this is the case, you will have to wash the lock with an oil spray of silicone. This will lubricate and stop the lock from becoming stuck. If you're having trouble opening the lock, it might be because the key is worn or damaged and will need to be replaced. You can purchase keys to replace them at many hardware stores. If you have a key that is too short or worn, it may be time to get a new lock.