How to Fix Common French Door Repair Problems
French doors can add a touch of sophistication to your home. They are also perfect for period homes.
They're also easy to maintain. It's best to clean them often using a mild soap solution.
But, just like any other door, they can get damaged over time. There are several methods to repair these doors.
Broken or cracked window
A window that is damaged or cracked does more than just look ugly but it also affects the security and insulation of your home. It's impossible to stop the crack from extending for a long time however, you can slow the process with a few simple and quick solutions.
The first step is to wear safety glasses and gloves while working with glass as it is very easy to break glass shards when you're not careful. To remove dirt and debris, use a moist cloth to clean the area around the crack. This will ensure that the glue that you're using to fix the crack sticks properly and doesn't leak out or cause further damage.
Then, consider whether Repair My Windows And Doors want to go the temporary route using plastic film or tape or if you want to try a more permanent solution that will last longer. If you decide to choose the latter option, make sure you use a glass glue designed for glass and windows, such as Loctite’s Super Glue Glass. This product is strong and can be used on the outside or inside your glass and windows. It's perfect for quick repairs.
Another alternative is to use a clear nail polish to fill in the crack, which can be particularly effective in stress cracks that develop when there's a sudden temperature shift from hot to cold or reverse. But, remember that nail polish isn't made to withstand water, so it isn't able to last for an indefinite period of time. You can also cover the windows with a plastic sheet, which will protect the windows and keep out bugs, rain and winds.
Sagging Hinges
A sagging door is a snare and could can impact the stability of your home. Fortunately, most times, it's simple to correct. If your door starts to move, it's crucial to fix the issue as soon as you notice it. Minor issues can escalate into serious, such as noises, or other issues.
Begin by inspecting the hinges to determine what's causing the issue. Most often loose screws are the cause. If tightening the screws does not stop the sagging and sagging, replacing them with longer screws could help. Longer screws will be able to support the door's weight and stop it from sagging over time.
It is also possible to add shims to adjust the hinge's position. These thin strips of metal can be placed between the hinge and jamb or frame, distributing the weight evenly and preventing any future sagging. Use a doorstop or let someone hold the door while you remove the screws from the damaged hinge, and then carefully lift the door off the hinges.
It is important to remember that a door that is sagging can sometimes be caused by uneven floor levels. This can lead you to check the floor for any issues and then fix them, which will help solve the problem of sagging without focussing on the door. In some cases the sagging could be due to the condition of hinge components, such as the knuckle or pin. If this is the scenario, you'll have to replace the hinges, a job that isn't easy for those who don't have a lot of carpentry expertise. In some instances, sagging hinges can also suggest that the door's frame is too heavy for the frame or jamb.
Doors that aren't aligned
Misaligned doors can cause them to bow, scratch against the frame, or become difficult to latch. A door that is not aligned properly is a source of frustration however, it can also cause energy inefficiency as well as the sound of scratchy, squeaky noises throughout your home. There are several easy ways to fix the problem without contacting an expert.
If the gap between your doors is uneven, it could be a sign that the hinges need to be tightened. If the gap isn't excessive it could be due to the door frame shifting or settling over time. In this case, shims can be used to reset the frame.
A high humidity in the air is a common cause of misalignment. This can cause wood to expand and cause your doors to become stuck. This isn't a long-term issue and usually disappears once the humidity decreases.
In the aftermath of a storm, many people find that their doors aren't aligned properly. The solution is simple to tighten the hinge screws. If this doesn't work, you can employ longer screws to fix your hinges. This will provide them with more support and prevent the hinges from loosing again in the future.
A misaligned strikeplate is another potential problem. The strike plate is typically moved lower to allow room for the latch. This is also an easy solution, but you'll have to remove the current strike plate and make new holes for it. You can then use a wooden dowel of exactly the same size as the screw hole to fill in the holes, and then fix the strike plate in its new position.
Broken Latch
If the latch fails to retract when you press the handle or manually push it, it's most likely that something within the mechanism's internals is broken. Checking where the latch contacts will help you identify what's causing it to fail. The lipstick test can be used to determine if the problem stems from sagging hinges or a misaligned latch bolt. It can also be used to determine whether it is a mix of problems, such as sagging hinges and a narrow strike plate. To perform the test put the strip of lipstick (or another marking material) over the latch. Close and open the latch. If the latch touches either the lipstick below or above the strike plate, this means that the latch and strike plate are not in contact.
The best method to fix this is to grease the latch. WD-40 and other dry lubricants do not perform as well as a graphite pencil. You can also employ a cotton swab to clean any dirt that has accumulated in the keyhole.
If lubricating your latch does not solve the issue, it could be necessary to move the strike plate. If you've shimmied, made sanding, or increased the size of the strike plate's hinges or hole and hinges, you'll need to move the strikeplate to the correct position in relation to the lock. Check the latch after you've adjusted the latch and moved the strike plate to the proper position. If your latch remains stuck it is possible to make use of a wood filler to make gaps or holes that were created by moving the strike plate or sanding the hinges. Then, you can stain or paint your frame to complete the repair.
Leaks
Leaky French doors can pose a serious issue. They can let water get into your home which can cause wood damage and mold growth. This can result in expensive repair bills down the road. The good news is that the majority of French door leaks can be easily repaired with a little effort and a few basic tools.
One of the most common reasons for water leaking from French doors is poor weatherproofing. This is due to French doors distinctive design, which is comprised of large areas of tempered glass as well as a frame. It is important to check all components of your French doors for signs of wear and tear that could cause leaks. It's also crucial to ensure that the seals are in good condition and have not deteriorated over time.
If you find that your French doors leaking when it rains, it's an ideal idea to conduct an extensive inspection to pinpoint the source of the leak. Examine for any visible indications of water intrusion, such as damaged seals around frames and window panes, or rusty threshold sealants. Verify that the threshold is properly insulated and sealed.
A French door can leak during rain in the event of an obstruction within the lock mechanism. You will need to clean the lock using an oil containing silicone when this happens. This will make the lock more lubricated and prevent it from becoming stuck. If you are having difficulty opening the lock, it could be due to the fact that the key is worn or damaged and must be replaced. Hardware stores typically sell keys to replace. If your key is too short or has become worn out, it could be the right time to replace it with a new lock.