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How to Repair French Doors French doors can be an elegant method of connecting indoor and outdoor spaces. They can become problematic over time, which require immediate attention to ensure security and function. Sagging, misalignment and warping of the door's frame and sash are all common problems. Most of these problems can be solved with a little time and effort. Misaligned locks Sometimes doors get stuck or misaligned due to humidity, wood swelling or the house sinking. This can cause the lock bolt or strike plate sit askew, requiring more force to open and close the door. This could put additional stress on the locks, which can eventually lead to broken locks or mangled components. This is a common problem that can be resolved with DIY techniques. In some cases all that is needed is a small amount of lubrication aid the door in opening and close with ease. You can apply graphite lubricant, but be careful to choose one that is safe for your door. Make sure to wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove any debris from around the door before applying the oil. Another way to fix a door hanging askew is by loosening the hinges, and then adjusting them until they are level with the door's frame. However, be careful to avoid over-tightening the screws since this can damage the door or hinges. If your external French doors aren't closing correctly, it could be an indication that there is a problem in the lock mechanism. Usually, this is caused by the short screws of the factory that come undone as time passes. To fix this, simply replace the screws with ones that will hold more of the door frame wood. You can also adjust the lock, however it will be more difficult and complicated. Begin by loosening either the knob or handle using flathead screws. After that, you can remove the lock assembly by unscrewing it from its cubbyhole and taking it out. Check for any obstructions and then reassemble and tighten the screw connections. If the latch isn't hitting the strike plate it may be necessary to move or enlarge the strike plate hole. If the strike plate is smaller or higher than the latch hole this can prevent the lock closing and require a locksmith. If the hole is too small, you can expand it using a file or drill. Sagging If your doors are sagging or have gaps between them, it will affect the insulating properties of your home and reduce the efficiency of its energy use. These gaps can also create drafts and obstruct your view. There are simple solutions to these problems. Begin by tightening the hinges and aligning them properly. This will take about 10 minutes or less and will not require any tools. If this doesn't fix the problem, you will need to replace your hinges. They are likely to be nearing the end of their lifespan. Over time, your French doors can become loose due to the weight. To prevent this ensure that you tighten all hinges on your door and check them frequently to ensure they're still secure. Occasionally, you should also lubricate the hinges with a lubricating spray to extend their lifespan. The hinges that are old or damaged can cause doors to sag and sag, so replacing them with new ones can help. A new doorknob, or doors freshly painted can affect the alignment of your French doors. Other causes of sagging are foundation settlement or wear and tear on the hinges or improper modifications to your doors. You can fix a sagging door by tightening or changing the hinges. It is also essential to check the weather stripping and door sweep often to ensure that they're working properly. If they're not working, you can remove them and replace them. Also, you should examine your frames for indications of warping or rot. These issues can cause a draft and will not only affect the performance of your doors, but they could also cause water leakage as well as other damage around your home. Popular Mechanics advises that if your doors are sagging and you've tried all three options, you may have to sand your door jambs using a handplane. To do this, you must remove the doors from their hinges, and place them flat on a sawhorse, or something else sturdy. Then, mark the areas that require smoothing out, then use a plane to smooth these areas. Leaks French doors with large glass areas are prone to leaks, especially when you live in a region that receives heavy rain. Untreated, these leaks may cause the door frame to become rotted and also the surrounding structure. It is comparatively easy to fix these leaks and will only take a few minutes. Leaks can be caused by many factors, such as A broken seal Replace the rubber seals on either side of your threshold with new seals. This will ensure an exact fit and stop rainwater from getting into your home. Water leaking from the sill The problem could result from a variety of factors, including the absence of a sill pan or by the use of a sill made of steel that isn't watertight. If you notice water collecting around your French doors, you need to contact the builder and request them to install sill pans or replace the sill made of steel by an alternative made of wood that will be able to resist water. Obstructions A damaged seal can cause fog to build up between the double panes of glass on French doors, which block the view and decreases their energy efficiency. The issue can be fixed by replacing the seal with a newer one that blocks both moisture and air. Loose handles A loose handle on your French doors can be quite dangerous, as it can fall off while you're opening or closing the door. Tightening the handles' screws can solve this problem, or you could simply replace the handle completely in the event that it's damaged or worn out. A track stop that's not correctly set can prevent doors from sliding properly, resulting in jams and scratches on the frames. Adding some silicone caulk to the tracks or track stops may help solve this problem. It's also a good idea to check for cracks regularly and wear on the exterior surface of the frames and doors to ensure they're in good condition. Warping If you're not careful If you're not careful, your French doors could begin warping because of exposure to moisture or heat. It's a good idea to contact an experienced handyman who has experience fixing a French doors. They will be able to advise on the best way to repair your doors and make sure that they are safe to open and close. If your doors are badly bent, you may have to replace them completely. However, if they're just slightly warped, it could be possible to bring them straight by soaking heavy towels and laying them over the affected area. Place the towels on the floor for a couple of days or until the doors are flattened completely. This method is usually applied to uPVC doors, but can also be applied to wood ones - provided the wood is well-seasoned. The process is laborious and time-consuming, particularly if your doors are warped. The doors could warp in the event that they were stored incorrectly. Be sure to keep them away from any building work that produces a lot of moisture, like decorating and plastering. They should be kept flat, on a solid surface. repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk damaged strike plate could also cause warping. To fix this, you must take the doors off and set them up on two sawhorses. Then, you can employ a hand plane to remove any excess wood from the top and bottom of each door. It's important to work in small increments so you don't end up taking too much wood off the doors, which can make them too thin and brittle. Once the doors are fixed, you can put the strike plate back into place. If the lock still doesn't work, the barrel catch may be catching against the side of the frame. This is usually repaired by applying silicone spray. If this does not work, you might require replacing the latch.
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