Repairing French Doors
French doors are popular for period homes. However, they can become problematic over time. These issues can range from minor to major and could cause damage if they are not addressed promptly.
Resolving the majority of these issues can be easy once you know what to look for. Here are some tips on fixing French doors:
Locks that aren't aligned
It isn't always easy to open or close a door when the lock isn't aligned. This can also expose your home and door. The disalignment of a door lock can be caused by hinges which need to be adjusted, structural settling or the wrong installation. Fortunately, there are several easy fixes you can try on your own to resolve this problem.
The first step is to identify the reason why the latch does not engage with the strike plate hole or door frame. To do this, simply attempt to close the door and then look for a mark where the latch contacted the strike plate hole. This will help you determine the problem and fix it in the correct way.
If the latch contact is located above or below the strike plate hole, it's a sign of hinges that are loose or a door frame that needs shims. The door can slide because of loose hinges, which will cause it to be misaligned. You can fix this by tightening hinge screws and adjusting the hinges. The use of shims to support hinges will aid in keeping them in place and stop sliding.
A locked or stuck lock-cylinder that is seized is another frequent cause of a misaligned doors. This may be due to dirt or debris that has blocked the keyway or it could be due to the worn-out key. In either case, lubricating the lock cylinder is the best solution. You can apply silicone or graphite greases. Contact a professional if you notice that the lock cylinder still sticks. This will prevent any further injury or damage.
A seized latch could cause issues for French doors, since it blocks the door from opening and closed. This can be a result of poor alignment or warping of the door and frame as a result of climate changes. It can also be a sign of poor quality hardware. In the majority of cases, a seized latch can be fixed by repositioning it and lubricating with silicone spray. If the latch is worn, it could be required to replace it. A professional handyman can spot the issue and make the repair.
Leaks
If your French doors are installed according to modern standards, they shouldn't leak. If they leak, it's crucial to know where the problem is coming from so you can address it.
There are a few possible reasons why water can enter your door through the bottom. The most frequent cause is that the seal around the door's bottom isn't sealed enough, allowing water to enter and cause damage over time. A hole or crack may be present in the frame or sill of the door. If repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk is the scenario, you'll have to repair or replace the threshold of the door or sill.
If there isn't a barrier between your French doors and the wind, you could also experience leaks. Strong gusts of winds can weaken seams, leading to leaks that cause damage to floors and walls. To stop this from happening it is possible to put up a barrier such as a screen door or an awning, or even put up an adjacent fence to create a windbreak.
The seals around French doors can also be faulty if they are not maintained or installed correctly. You'll require silicone caulking to reseal the seals. This material is a great adhesive, flexibility and water resistance - making it the perfect option for sealing your French doors.
In addition, it's important to ensure that the drainage holes at the bottom of your uPVC French doors aren't blocked or stuffed with debris. This will help minimize heat transfer and air infiltration into your home, thus reducing the energy costs.
It's also a good idea to inspect your French doors on a regular basis, and then wipe them down using a mild cleaning solution to keep them looking great and running smoothly. Regular maintenance can increase their lifespan and enhance their performance. These steps will help you avoid costly repairs and allow you to enjoy your French Doors for many years to come.
Warping
French doors are a great way to connect your outdoor and indoor spaces while letting in plenty of sunshine. Like any door, French doors can be damaged over time through wear and tear or poor installation. It is essential to have your French doors repaired as quickly as possible if there is any issue.
If you're French door locks aren't working, it's likely that the lock has been damaged or stowed due to wear. You'll need remove the lock and take it off the door to conduct an examination of the mechanism.
The most frequent issue with French Doors is that the latch becomes stuck or is unable to close properly. This usually happens because the doors aren't aligned correctly, either because the hinges have loosened or because they weren't put in place correctly in the first place. To correct this issue you must open and shut the doors as many times as possible to check if the latch is working.
The doors might not close properly because of swollen wood caused by moisture. To correct this, you'll need to widen the door's frame to make room for the hinges. This is a laborious task that shouldn't be attempted without the help of a professional.
It is crucial to get your French doors repaired as quickly as possible if you notice any problems. This will ensure that they appear their best and function properly. With the proper care and maintenance, your French doors will last for years.
Chameleon specializes 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. If you're French doors are beginning to appear old and worn-out, contact us today to discuss what we can do to help. We can provide you with a free estimate for repairs, as well as the high-quality service that you are entitled to.
Wooden Parts
French doors are beautiful additions to any home, especially period homes. Over time, they can get damaged and weathered. While this could cause a few minor issues however, it's easy to fix.
If your exterior French doors aren't locking, it's likely that something is obstructing the frame or that there is an alignment issue with the latch and door. In the first instance, you should remove any dirt, debris, or household items that are caught between the frame and the door.
In the event of a problem, you may need to tighten the hinges or adjust them. This can be accomplished by locating the side adjustment on a hinge (usually hidden behind plastic covers or small plugs) and then moving the hinge away from or towards the frame. You can also grease the latch with silicone spray or oil. However, this could not last very long and you may need to replace it.
Sometimes, the wood of a French door frame may expand due to humidity changes, which can make the door difficult to open and close. You can fix this by sanding the edges of the frame to make them more pliable. Be sure to reapply sealant or paint afterwards.
Fog accumulation in between glass panes is another typical issue with French doors. This can result in a lack of light and can reduce the efficiency of the doors. The glass panes could be replaced to reduce fog, but it is not a job that should be undertaken without the assistance of a professional.
A cracked or broken glass pane must be replaced promptly for safety reasons and to keep out elements from the home. The process for replacing glass on French doors is the same as that for sliding glass doors however it requires a bit more skill and a certain amount of precision to do properly. Wear gloves that protect you when removing the old pane of glass from the window. Take measurements of the opening to ensure that the new pane will fit properly. Cut and then install the pane using attention. Reinstall any door hardware and glazing components.