How to Fix Common French Door Repair Problems
French doors can add an air of sophistication to any home. They're also an excellent choice for homes that are built in the past.
Also, they're easy to maintain. It is recommended to clean them often, using a mild soap solution.
Like any door, they are susceptible to damage over time. There are many ways to fix these doors.
Broken or cracked windows
A cracked or broken window isn't just ugly it also compromises the security and insulation of your home. Although it's impossible to stop the spread of a crack, you can slow the process down with some simple and quick solutions.
Wear protective glasses and gloves when working with glass. It is easy to break glass shards if not careful. After replace french door clean the area around the crack with a the help of a damp cloth to eliminate any dirt or debris. This will ensure that the glue that you use to fix the crack sticks properly and does not leak or cause additional damage.
Choose if you'd prefer to employ a temporary solution, like tape or film to cover the hole or if a permanent solution is what you would prefer. If you choose to choose the latter option, be sure you use a glass glue specifically designed for windows and glasses, such as Loctite’s Super Glue Glass. This product has a strong hold and can be used on the inside or outside of your glass and windows making it ideal for quick fixes.
A clear nail polish may also be used to temporarily fill cracks. This is especially useful for stress cracks which develop when the temperature changes dramatically from hot to cold. Be aware, however, that nail polish was never designed to withstand water, so it will not last for long. In addition, you can cover your windows with the use of a plastic barrier that will protect the glass and help to keep out wind, rain, bugs, and other pests.
Sagging Hinges
A sliding front door can be an eye sore and can affect the stability of your home. Fortunately, most of the time, it's easy to fix. It is important to fix the issue immediately if your door starts to slide. Minor problems can become more serious, like noises, or other issues.
Begin by checking the hinges. The loose screws are often the cause. If tightening screws doesn't fix the issue of sagging replacing them with screws that are larger might aid. Longer screws can support the door's weight and prevent it from sagging over time.
You may also have to add shims to adjust the hinge's location. Thin strips of material can be placed between the hinge and the frame or jamb, spreading the weight evenly and preventing future sagging. Use a door stop or a person to hold it in place while you remove screws from the hinge. Then, you can carefully lift the doors off the hinges.
It is important to recognize that a door that is sagging could be due to an uneven floor. This knowledge can lead you to check the floor and fix any issues that may aid in resolving the issue without focusing solely on the door itself. The sagging of the door may be caused by the condition of hinge parts like the knuckle or the pin. In this case you'll have to replace your hinges. This is a difficult task for those who do not have carpentry experience. In certain cases, sagging hinges can also suggest that the door's frame is too heavy for the frame or jamb.
Doors that are not aligned
If your doors are sagging, scraping against the frame or are difficult to latch, they may be misaligned. A door that is not aligned properly can be a hassle, but it also can cause energy inefficiency as well as loud, scratchy sounds throughout your home. There are many simple solutions to this problem without having to call in an expert.
If the door's gap is uneven, the hinges might need to be tightened. If, however, the gap is not excessive, it might be due to your door frame shifting or settling over time. In this scenario, shims can be used to reset the frame.
Another reason for misalignment is a high level of humidity in the air. This could cause the wood to swell and cause doors to shut properly. However, this isn't a long-term issue and usually is resolved when humidity decreases.
After a rainstorm that is heavy there are many who discover that their doors are not aligned properly. The solution is simple: tighten the hinge screws. If this isn't working, you can use longer screws to fix your hinges. This will give the hinges more support and stop them from falling off again.
Another issue that could be a problem is an unaligned strike plate. The strike plate is typically moved lower to allow room for the latch. This is also a simple solution, but you'll need to remove the existing strike plate and then drill new holes for it. You can then make use of a dowel made of wood that's similar in diameter to the screw hole to fill in the old holes, and then secure the strike plate to its new position.
Broken Latch
If the latch doesn't retract when you manually push it or use the handle, it is likely that the mechanism has broken. You can identify the cause of the problem by examining the location of the latch's contacts located. A lipstick test can help you identify if the problem is caused by sagging hinges or a misaligned latch bolt, narrow strike plate holes or a combination of problems. To perform the lipstick test put a strip of lipstick (or similar marking material) on the latch. Close and open the latch. If the latch is in contact with the lipstick below or above the strike plate hole it means that there is a lack of contact between the latch and strike plate.
The best option is to grease your latch. Lubricating can be done using graphite pen which is superior to WD-40 or other dry fluids. You can also try putting an unwrapped cotton swab into the keyhole to remove any dirt that has accumulated in the keyhole.
If lubricating the latch does not solve the issue you may have to relocate the strike plate. If you've shimmied or sanded the hinges or widened the strike plate hole, you will need to move the strike plate to the proper position in relation to the latch. Test the lock after you've adjusted the latch and moved the strike plate to the proper position. If the latch is not working, you can use wood filler to fill in any old holes or gaps caused by moving the strikeplate or sanding hinges. Then you can stain or paint the frame to complete the repair.
Leaks
Leaky French doors can cause serious problem. Water can leak through French doors and cause damage to the wood or growth of mold. This can lead to costly repair bills down the road. The good news is that most French door leaks can be repaired with a bit of effort and a few tools.
Poor weatherproofing is one of the most frequent causes of leaks from French doors. This is due to French doors distinctive design, which consists of large areas of tempered glass and a frame. It is essential to check your French doors on a regular basis for signs of wear, which could lead to leaks. It is also essential to make sure that all seals are in good working order and haven't deteriorated over time.
If you notice your French doors leak when it rains, it's an ideal idea to conduct a thorough inspection in order to determine the cause of the leak. Look for any visible evidence of water penetration, such as damaged seals around frames and window panes or damaged threshold sealants. Verify that the threshold is properly sealed and insulated.
In some instances the French door may leak when it rains, because there is a blockage in the lock mechanism. It is necessary to clean the lock using the spray of silicone in the event of this. This will lubricate the lock and prevent it from becoming stuck. If you are having trouble opening the lock, it could be due to the key being damaged or worn out. It will need to replaced. Most hardware stores sell keys to replace. If your key is short or has become worn out, it might be time to upgrade your lock.