How to Repair French Doors French doors are a beautiful way to connect indoor and outdoor areas. However, they can experience problems over time that require prompt attention for both security and function. Sagging, misalignment and warping of the door's frame and sash are common problems. The majority of these issues can be easily resolved with some time and effort. Misaligned locks Some doors can become misaligned or stuck due to humidity, wood swelling or house settle. This can cause the strike bolt or lock plate sit askew and require more force to open and close the door. This can put extra stress on the lock, which can result in mangled lock components or even broken locks completely. This is a frequent issue which can be solved by DIY methods. In some instances all that is needed is a little lubrication to aid the door in opening and close smoothly. You can use a graphite-based lubricant, but be sure it is safe for the door. Make sure to wipe the area with a damp cloth to clean any debris from the door prior to applying the grease. A door that is hanging off-center can be easily fixed by adjusting and loosening the hinges until they are aligned with the frame. You should be cautious not to over-tighten the screws because this could damage the hinges or the door. If your external French door isn't closing correctly, it could be an indication that there is a blockage in the lock mechanism. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/nottingham-french-door-repairs-near-me/ , this is caused by short factory screws that come undone over time. To fix this issue, replace the screws with longer ones that grab more of the door frame wood. You can also try adjusting the lock itself, however this will be more complicated and difficult. Start by loosening the knob of the lock or handle with the flat-head screwdriver. You can then remove the lock assembly from its cubbyhole, by unscrewing and pulling it out. Examine it for any obstructions, and then rebuild and tighten the screw connections. If the latch doesn't hit the strike plate, you may need to move the strike plate or expand it. If the strike plate is smaller or higher than the hole of the latch, this can prevent the lock closing and may require a locksmith. If the hole is small it is possible to use a metal file to make it larger. Sagging If your doors are sagging or have gaps, it will decrease the energy efficiency of your home. These gaps can also create drafts and block your view. There are simple solutions to these problems. In the beginning start by tightening your hinges to ensure they are correctly aligned. This will take about 10 minutes or less and not require any tools. If this isn't enough to solve your issue then you may have to replace the hinges, as they are likely to have reached the end of their lifespan. Over time the weight of your French door could cause them to become slack. To stop this from happening make sure you tighten all the hinges on your door and test them frequently to ensure that they're secure. Sometimes, you must apply lubrication to the hinges using an oil-based spray to prolong their lifespan. The hinges that are old or damaged can cause a door to slide, so replacing them with new ones can aid. A new doorknob or freshly painted door can also impact the alignment of your French door. Other causes of sagging can be foundation settlement or wear and tear on the hinges or inadequate 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 necessary to check the weather stripping and door sweep often to ensure that they're working properly. If they're not working, taking them off and replacing them will fix the issue. Additionally, you should periodically check the wood on the door frame for indications of rotting or warping. These issues can lead to drafts that decrease the effectiveness of your door. They can also lead to water leakage and other damage around your home. Popular Mechanics advises that if your doors are sagging and you've tried the first two options, you may require sanding your door jambs with a handplane. To do this, remove the doors from their hinges and lay them flat on a sawhorse or other sturdy object. Note the areas that require smoothing, then use a plane to smooth these areas. Leaks The large glass areas on French doors makes them a frequent source of water leaks, especially when you live in an area that experiences heavy rainfall. Left untreated the leaks can lead to the frame of the door to rot and the structure around it. Fortunately, fixing leaks is a fairly simple task that should only take just a few hours to finish. Leaks can be caused by a number of factors which include: A broken seal Replace the rubber seals that are on either side of your threshold with new seals. This will ensure that there is an exact fit and stop rainwater from getting into your home. Water is leaking from the sill This issue can be caused by a variety of issues, including a lack of a sillpan or an unwatertight sill made of metal. watertight. If you notice that water is accumulating around your French doors, it's important to get in touch with the builder and ask for the installation of sill pans or replace the sill made of steel by an alternative made of wood that will keep out water. Obstructions A leaky seal can cause fog to build up between the double panes of French doors. This can block the view and reduce their energy efficiency. The problem can be resolved by replacing the seal with a newer one that blocks out both air and moisture. Loose Handles A loose handle could be dangerous because it could fall while you are closing or opening your French door. This issue can be solved by tightening screws or replacing the handle if it is damaged or worn. A track stop that's not properly installed can also cause the doors to jam and scratch the frames. This issue can be resolved by applying silicone caulk to tracks or track stops. It's also recommended to check for cracks regularly and wear on the exterior surfaces of the frames and doors to ensure that they are in top condition. Warping A French door is a beautiful view and lets in lots of light, however when you're not cautious, your doors may begin to warp because of exposure to humidity or heat. It's worth calling in an experienced handyman with experience repairing French doors. They can guide you on the most effective method to repair your doors, and also ensure that they're safe to shut and open. If your doors are badly bent, it may be necessary to replace them. If they're only slightly warped, you might be able to straighten them by placing damp towels over the problem area. Leave the towels on the doors for several days or even longer until they're completely flattened. This method is often used on uPVC doors, but it could also be applied to wood doors if the wood is well-seasoned. The process is challenging and time-consuming, particularly in the case of doors that are warped. If the doors were stored improperly, it could cause the doors to warp. They should be kept away from building works that generate lots of humidity, such as decorating or plastering work. They should be kept flat on a firm surface. A damaged strike plate may also cause warping. To fix this issue, you'll need to take the doors off and set them up on the sawhorses. The excess wood can be removed from the edges at the top and bottom of each door by using hand planes. It's important to work in small increments to avoid cutting too much off the doors, which can cause them to become too thin and fragile. After the doors have been rehung, screw the strike plate in the appropriate position. If the lock doesn't work the barrel catch could be caught against the frame's side. the frame. This is fixable by spraying silicone on the latch. If this does not work, you might have to replace the latch.