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How to Repair French Doors French doors are an elegant addition to any home they connect outdoor and indoor spaces. However, they can experience issues over time, which require immediate attention for both security and function. Common issues are misalignment, sagging, and warping of the sash and frame of the door. Fortunately, french door hinge repairs bishops-stortford Repair My Windows And Doors of these issues can be repaired with a bit of time and effort. Misaligned Locks Certain doors may become misaligned or stuck due to humidity and wood swelling or settling. This can cause the bolt for the lock to become loose and making it more difficult to open or close the door. This could also put extra pressure on the locks which can eventually lead to broken locks or mangled inner components. This is a common issue that can be resolved by DIY methods. In some instances all that is required is a little lubrication to aid the door in opening and close smoothly. You can use graphite lubricant, but be careful to choose one that is safe for your door. Make sure to wipe the area with a moist cloth to eliminate any dirt from around the door before applying the lubricant. A door that hangs off-center can be fixed by loosening and adjusting the hinges until they are aligned with the frame. You should be cautious not to over-tighten the screws, as this could damage the hinges or the door. If your exterior French doors aren't closing properly, it could be an indication that there is a problem in the lock mechanism. This usually happens due to short screws from the factory that have become loose over time. To fix this issue, replace the screws with ones that grip more of the door frame wood. You can also adjust the lock, however it's more complex and difficult. Begin by loosening either the lock knob or handle using flathead screw. You can then take the lock from its cubbyhole by removing it and taking it out. Examine for obstructions, then reassemble the lock and tighten all screw connections. If the latch isn't touching the strike plate it may be necessary to move or enlarge the strike plate hole. If the strike plate is either higher or higher than the latch hole it could prevent the lock from closing and will require a professional locksmith. If the hole is small it is possible to use a metal file to make it larger. Sagging If your doors are sagging or have gaps between them, it can affect the insulating properties of your house and decrease its energy efficiency. These gaps can also obstruct views and cause drafts. There are simple solutions to address these issues. Start by tightening your hinges and aligning them correctly. This should take only 10 minutes, and no tools are required. If this isn't enough to solve your issue it is possible to replace the hinges since they are likely to have reached the end of their usefulness. Over time the French doors may become loose due to the weight. To stop this from happening make sure that the hinges are tightened on your door and make sure they are secure. Sometimes, you must lubricate the hinges with a lubricating spray to extend their life. The hinges that are old or damaged can cause a door to slide and sag, so replacing them with new ones can aid. A new doorknob, or doors that have been freshly painted, can affect the sloping of your French doors. Other causes of sagging include foundation settlement, wear on hinges or improper changes made to your doors. You can repair a door that is sagging by tightening or altering the hinges. It is also important to examine the weather stripping on your doors and to ensure that they are functioning correctly. If they're not working, taking them off and replacing them will fix the issue. Also, you should look over your door frames for indications of warping or rot. These issues can lead to drafts that reduce the efficiency of your door. They could also cause water leakage or damages to your home. Popular Mechanics advises that if your doors are creaking after you've tried all three alternatives, you might require sanding the door jambs using a handplane. To do this, you must remove the doors from their hinges, and put them flat on a sawhorse or something else sturdy. Make a note of the areas that require planed, and then use a hand plane to smooth these areas of the doorjamb. Leaks The large areas of glass on French doors make them an ideal source for water leaks, particularly in an area with significant rainfall. If left untreated, these leaks could cause the frame of the door to decay and damage the structure around it to deteriorate. It is relatively simple to repair these leaks, and it should only take just a few minutes. Leaks are caused by many causes, including A broken seal This issue can be easily resolved by replacing the rubber seal on either side of the threshold with a an entirely new seal. This will ensure that there is a tight fit, and will also stop rainwater from getting into your home. The sill is leaking with water. This issue can be caused in many ways, including the lack of a sillpan or by using a metal sill which is not watertight. If you notice water collecting around your French doors, it's important to contact the builder and ask for the installation of sill pans or replace the steel sill with an alternative made of wood that will be able to resist water. Obstructions A leaky seal can cause fog to accumulate between the double panes on French doors. This can block the view and reduce their energy efficiency. This can be corrected by replacing the seal with a new one that is able to stop moisture and air from entering. Loose Handles Having a loose handle on your French doors could be dangerous, since it can fall off when you're opening or closing the door. This issue can be resolved by tightening the screws or replacing the handle if it's damaged or worn. Similar to a track stop that's not properly set can prevent the doors from sliding correctly which can cause scratches and jams on the frames. This issue can be resolved by putting silicone caulk on tracks or track stops. It's also an excellent idea to regularly check for cracks and wear on the exterior surface of doors and frames to ensure they're in top condition. Warping A French door is a beautiful view and lets in plenty of light. However, if you're not careful your doors could begin to warp because of exposure to humidity or heat. It's worth calling in a handyman with experience in fixing your French door. They can advise you on the most effective method of repairing your doors, and also ensure that they are safe to close and open. If your doors are severely damaged, you may need to replace them completely. If they're only slightly bent, you may be capable of straightening them by putting wet towels over the affected area. Leave the towels in the doors for a few days, or even longer, until they're completely flattened. This method is often applied to uPVC doors, but it could also be applied to wood doors - provided the wood is well-seasoned. It is important to remember that the process can be time-consuming and difficult to achieve, especially in the case of doors that are extremely damaged. If the doors have been stored improperly, this could be a cause of the doors to warp. Be sure to keep them away from any building work that produces a lot of moisture, such as plastering and decorating. They should be kept in a flat place, on a solid surface. A damaged strike plate could also cause warping. To remedy this, you must take the doors off and set them up on two sawhorses. The excess wood can be removed from the top and bottom edges of each door by using hand planes. You should work in small increments to avoid taking too much wood from the doors. This could cause them to become too thin and fragile. After the doors have been rehung, fix the strike plate into the appropriate position. If the lock doesn't work after this, the barrel catch might be caught on the other side of the frame. This is fixable by spraying silicone on the latch. If this doesn't work, the latch might require replacement.
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