How to Repair French Doors

French doors are an elegant addition to a home, connecting indoor and outdoor spaces. They are susceptible to problems over time, which require immediate attention for safety and functionality.

Warping, sagging and misalignment of the sash and frame of the door are all common problems. Fortunately, the majority of these issues can be easily repaired with a bit of time and effort.

Misaligned Locks

Sometimes doors are stuck or misaligned because of humidity, swelling of the wood or the house shifting. This could cause the strike or lock bolt plate move out of alignment and require more force to open and close the door. This can also put extra pressure on the locks which may eventually lead to broken locks or damaged inner components. It's an issue that is quite common and is often solved by simple DIY methods.

In some instances there are times when a tiny amount of lubricant might be enough to make the door more easy to open and close. You can use graphite lubricant, but be careful to select one that is safe for your door. Before applying the lubricant clean the door's perimeter with a damp rag to get rid of any debris.

A door that hangs off-center is easily fixed by loosening and adjusting the hinges until they are aligned with the frame. But, you should be careful not to tighten too much the screws, as this could damage the door or hinges.

If your exterior french door replacement doors are not closing correctly, it could be a sign that there is a blockage in the lock mechanism. This usually happens due to short screws from the factory that have become loose over time. To fix this, replace the screws with ones that grip more of the door frames wood.

You can also adjust the lock, but it's more complex and difficult. Begin by loosening the knob or handle with the flat-head screwdriver. You can then remove the lock assembly from its cubbyhole, by unscrewing and taking it out. Check for obstructions, then reassemble it, and tighten all screw connections.

If the latch does not hit the strike plate, you might have to move the strike plate or expand it. If the strike plate is lower or higher than the hole for the latch, it could hinder the lock from closing and will require locksmith assistance. If the hole is too small, you can enlarge it by using a metal file or drill.

Sagging

If your doors sag or have gaps, it will lower the efficiency of your home. These gaps can also block views and cause drafts. There are some simple fixes to this issue.

Begin by tightening the hinges and aligning them correctly. This should take 10 minutes or less and not require any tools. If this does not solve the issue, you may need to replace the hinges, as they have likely reached the end of their life.

Over time the weight of your French door could cause them to become loose. To stop this from happening ensure that you tighten all hinges on your door and test them regularly to ensure they're still secure. You can also regularly lubricate your hinges by spraying them with lubricant to extend their lifespan.

Old or damaged hinges can cause doors to bow, so replacing hinges with new ones could aid. A new doorknob, or freshly painted doors, can affect the alignment of your French doors.

Other causes of sagging can be foundation settlement, wear and tear on the hinges, or improper modifications to your doors. You can repair a door that is sagging by tightening or altering the hinges.

It is also essential to inspect the weather stripping on your doors and to ensure that they're functioning properly. If they are not, removing them and replacing them will fix the issue.

Finally, you should regularly look over the wood of your door frame for indications of rotting or warping. These issues can lead to a draft, which will decrease the effectiveness of your door. They could also cause water leakage or damages to your home.

If your doors are sagging and you've tried the two methods above, it is likely that you will need to remove the door jamb with a hand plane as recommended by Popular Mechanics. To do this, take the doors from their hinges, and put them flat on a sawhorse or something else sturdy. Then, mark the areas that require smoothing, then use a plane to smooth these areas.

Leaks

The large areas of glass on french door frame replacement doors can be a common source of water leaks, especially when you live in an area with frequent rainfall. If not treated the leaks can lead to decay of the frame and the structure around it. It is comparatively simple to repair these leaks and will only take a few minutes.

Leaks are caused by many factors, including

A broken seal

This issue can be easily resolved by replacing the rubber seal on either side of the threshold with a the new seal. This will ensure a tight fit, and prevent rainwater from entering your home.

Water is leaking through the sill

The problem could be caused by a number of reasons, such as a absence of a sill pan or by the use of a sill made of steel that isn't watertight. If you find that water is gathering around your french door double pane glass replacement door, you should contact the builder to install sill pans or replace the steel sill with a wooden sill that will be able to resist water.

Obstructions

A damaged seal could cause fog to accumulate between the double panes of French doors. This could block the view and reduce their energy efficiency. The issue can be solved by replacing french doors with windows the old seal with a fresher one that can block out both air and moisture.

Loose Handles

Having a loose handle on your French doors can be quite dangerous, as it can fall off while you're opening or closing the door. This issue can be resolved by tightening screws or replacing the handle if damaged or worn.

A track stop that's not properly set can stop the doors from sliding correctly which can cause scratches and jams on frames. Applying silicone caulk to the tracks or track stops may help solve this problem. It's also an excellent idea to check for cracks regularly and wear on the exterior surfaces of doors and frames to ensure that they are in good shape.

Warping

If you are not careful If you're not careful, Repair French Doors your French doors could begin warping due to exposure to moisture or heat. It is recommended to call a handyman with experience in fixing your french door double pane glass replacement doors. They can advise you on the most effective method of repairing your doors, and also ensure that they're safe to shut and open.

If your doors are badly warped, you might need to replace them completely. However, if they're just slightly warped, it may be possible to get them back to their original position by wetting heavy towels and Repair French Doors laying them over the problem area. The towels should remain in place for several days or more until the doors are completely flattened.

This method can be used to fix uPVC or wood doors, provided that the wood is well-seasoned. The process is difficult and time-consuming, especially when your doors are distorted.

If the doors were stored improperly, it could be a cause of the doors to warp. Keep them away from any construction work that generates lots of moisture such as plastering and decorating. They should be stored flat on a hard surface.

Another cause of warping is an unfastened strike plate. To fix the problem, you will need to take the doors off and put them on a pair of sawhorses. Then, employ a hand plane to remove any wood from the top and bottom of each door. It is recommended to work in smaller increments to avoid taking too much wood from the doors. This could cause them to become too thin and brittle.

Once the doors are rehung, you can screw the strike plate back in place. If the lock does not work the barrel catch could be getting caught on the side of the frame. This is usually fixed by applying silicone spray. If this doesn't work, you may have to replace the latch.