French doors are a stylish feature of a home that connects outdoor and indoor spaces. However, they can experience issues over time, which require prompt attention for both safety and practicality.
Common issues include the misalignment, sagging and warping of the door's frame and sash. The majority of these issues can be solved with just a bit of time and effort.
Misaligned locks
Certain doors may become stuck or misaligned due to humidity and wood swelling or settling. This could cause the bolt of the lock to be awry, making it harder to open or close the door. This can put extra stress on the lock, which could eventually result in mangled inner-lock components or even broken locks completely. Fortunately, this is an issue that is common and is often solved by simple DIY solutions.
In some instances all that is required is a small amount of lubrication allow the door to open and close easily. You can apply a graphite lubricant but make sure it's safe for the door. Before applying the lubricant clean the area around the door with an abrasive rag that is damp to remove any obstructions.
Another method to fix a door that's hanging askew is by loosening the hinges, and then adjusting them until they are aligned with the frame of the door. You must be careful not to tighten the screws too much as this could cause damage to the hinges or door.
If your exterior french door frame replacement door isn't closing correctly it could be a sign that there are obstructions in the lock mechanism. Usually, this is caused by the short screws of the factory that loosen over time. To fix this, simply replace the screws with larger ones that grip more of the door frame wood.
You can also alter the lock, however it will be more complex and difficult. Begin by loosening the knob or handle with flathead screws. You can then take the lock assembly from its cubbyhole by removing it and pulling it out. Check for obstructions, then reassemble the lock and tighten all the screw connections.
If the latch isn't touching the strike plate hole it may be necessary to move or enlarge the strike plate hole. If the strike plate is higher or lower higher than the hole for the latch, this could prevent the lock from closing and may require a locksmith. If the hole is tiny you can use a metal file to make it larger.
Sagging
If your doors aren't straight or have gaps, this can reduce the energy efficiency of your home. These gaps can also block views and cause drafts. There are simple solutions to address these issues.
Begin by tightening the hinges and aligning them correctly. This should only take 10 minutes and no tools are required. If this isn't enough to fix your problem, you may need to replace the hinges since they have likely reached the end of their usefulness.
Over time the weight of your replacement french door door could cause them to become loose. To prevent this from happening make sure that the hinges are tightened on your door and make sure they are secure. You can also keep your hinges lubricated by spraying them with lubricant to prolong their life.
Old or damaged hinges can cause a door to slide, so replacing hinges with new ones can help. A new doorknob or freshly painted door can affect the alignment of your French door.
Other causes of sagging can be foundation settlement as well as wear and tear on the hinges, or incorrect modifications to your doors. A sagging door can be fixed by adjusting your hinges and tightening the hinge screws, or even replacing the hinges entirely.
Also, it is important to check the weather stripping on your doors to make sure they are functioning correctly. If they are not working, taking them off and replacing them could fix the issue.
Additionally, you should periodically look over the wood on the door frame for signs of warping or rotting. These issues can cause drafts, and they will not only decrease the effectiveness of your doors, but could also cause water leakage and other damages around your house.
Popular Mechanics advises that if your doors are sagging after you've tried all three options, you may have to sand the door jambs using a handplane. To do this, take your doors from the hinges. Set them flat on a sturdy surface like a sawhorse. Mark the places that need planning, and then use a hand plane to smooth these areas of the doorjamb.
Leaks
French doors with large glass areas are prone to leaks, especially in a region that receives frequent rain. Left untreated, these leaks can cause the frame cost of replacing window with french doors the door to rot and the structure surrounding it. It is comparatively easy to fix these leaks, and it should only take a few minutes.
Leaks can be caused by a variety of causes that include:
A broken seal
This problem can be resolved by replacing the rubber seal on either side of the threshold with a an entirely new seal. This will ensure a tight fit and prevent rainwater from getting into your home.
The sill is leaking with water.
This problem can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as a lack of a sill pan or the use of a sill made of steel that isn't watertight. If you notice water collecting around your French doors, you need 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 resist water.
Obstructions
A damaged seal could cause fog to build up between the double panes on French doors. This could block the view and reduce their energy efficiency. This can be fixed by replacing the seal with one that is able to block out air and moisture.
Loose handles
A loose handle on your french door handle replacement doors can be dangerous, since it can fall off while you're opening or closing the door. This issue can be resolved by tightening the screws or replacing the handle if damaged or worn.
A track stop that is not properly installed can also cause doors to become jammed and scratch the frames. This problem can be solved by applying silicone caulk to tracks or track stops. It's also an excellent idea to check regularly for cracks and wear on the exterior surfaces of doors and frames to ensure they're in good condition.
Warping
If you're not careful, your French doors may begin to warp due to exposure to moisture or heat. It's a good idea to contact an experienced handyman who has experience repairing French doors. They'll be able to provide advice on the best method to repair your doors and make sure that they are safe to open and close.
If your doors are seriously damaged, you may need to replace them completely. If they are just slightly bent, you may be able to straighten them by placing damp towels over the area that is causing problems. Place the towels on the doors for several days or even longer until they're completely flattened.
This method can be used to fix uPVC or wood doors provided that the wood has been well-seasoned. The process is difficult and time-consuming, especially in the case of doors that are warped.
The doors can warp in the event that they were stored improperly. Avoid them from construction work that creates a lot of moisture, like decorating and plastering. They should also be stored flat on a surface and not stacked especially when they are not finished.
Another reason for warping is an unfastened strike plate. To correct this, you need to remove the doors and set them up on the sawhorses. You can then employ a hand-planer to remove any wood from the top and bottom of each door. It is important to work in small pieces so that you don't end up taking too much wood off the doors, which could 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 still doesn't work the barrel catch might be getting caught on the side of the frame. This is fixable by spraying silicone onto the latch. If that doesn't help, the latch might require replacement glass panels for french doors.
