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How to Fix Common French Door Repair Problems French doors can bring an air of sophistication to any home. They're also a great choice for homes that are built in the past. They're also an easy addition to keep. It is recommended to clean them frequently using a mild soap. However, like any door they are susceptible to damage over time. There are a variety of ways to fix these doors. Broken or cracked window A broken or cracked glass window isn't just visually unattractive, but also affects your home's security and insulation. Although it's impossible to stop a crack from spreading indefinitely however, you can slow it down with some quick and simple fixes. First, make sure to wear protective glasses and gloves when working with glass, since it is very easy to break glass shards when you're not careful. Then clean RepairMyWindowsAndDoors around the crack with a the help of a damp cloth to eliminate any dirt or debris. This will ensure that the adhesive that you're using to fix the crack is held properly and doesn't leak or cause further damage. Choose if you'd prefer to make use of a temporary solution like tape or film to cover the hole, or if a permanent solution is what you'd prefer. If you decide to go with the latter option, be sure to purchase a special glass glue designed for windows and glass like Loctite's Super Glue Glass. This product has a strong hold and can be applied to the inside or outside of your windows and glass which makes it ideal for quick fixes. A clear nail polish can also be used to temporarily fill in cracks. This is particularly useful for stress cracks that develop when temperatures change dramatically from cold to hot. However, keep in mind that nail polish isn't designed to withstand water, so it isn't able to last for an indefinite period of time. You can also cover the windows with a plastic sheet, which will shield the windows and keep out bugs, rain and wind. Sagging Hinges A door that is sagging is a snare and could also affect the overall stability of your house. Fortunately, most times, it's simple to fix. It is crucial to address the problem immediately if your door starts to sag. If not, small problems could turn into more serious issues, such as squeaks or other serious misalignments. Begin by inspecting the hinges to determine the root of the issue. In most cases loose screws are the cause. If tightening the screws does not resolve the sagging and sagging, replacing them with longer screws could help. Longer screws will be able to support the door's weight and stop it from sliding over time. You may also have to introduce shims to fine-tune the hinge's positioning. Thin strips of material can be inserted between the hinge and jamb or frame, distributing the weight evenly and preventing sagging in the future. Use a doorstop, or have someone hold the door in place while you remove the screws from the damaged hinge, and then lift the door off the hinges. It's important to remember that a floor that is uneven can cause a door to sag. Knowing this may prompt you to check the floor and fix any issues, which could help solve the sagging issue without focusing solely on the door itself. In some instances the sagging could be due to the condition of hinge components, such as the pin or knuckle. In this scenario you'll have to replace your hinges. This is a difficult task for homeowners who lack experience in carpentry. In some instances the sagging hinges on doors could also indicate that the structure of the door is too heavy for its frame or jamb. Doors that aren't aligned If your doors are sagging and scratching against the frame, or are difficult to latch, they could be misaligned. A misaligned door can be a nuisance however it could also cause energy inefficiency and loud, scratchy sounds throughout your home. There are several easy ways to fix the issue without contacting an expert. If the gap around the door is uneven, the hinges could require tightening. If, however, the gap isn't excessive, it might be due to the door frame shifting or settling with time. In this scenario you can use shims to reset the frame. A high level of humidity in the air is a common cause of misalignment. This could cause the wood to expand and cause doors to not to shut properly. This isn't a permanent problem and usually goes away once the humidity drops. Many people are aware that their doors are not aligned following a storm however the solution is easy: just tighten the hinge screws to correct the alignment. This usually resolves the problem however if it doesn't you should consider using a longer screw for your hinges. This will give them more support and prevent the hinges from loosing again in the near future. Another possibility is an incorrectly aligned strike plate. The strike plate must be moved lower to make space for the latch. This is a simple fix, however, you must take off the old strike plate, and drill holes for it. You can then use a wood dowel that's similar in diameter to the screw hole to fill in the old holes, and then secure the strike plate in its new location. Broken Latch If the latch does not retract when you manually push it or operate the handle, then it is likely that the internal mechanism has broken. Examining the location where the latch contacts can help determine what is causing it to fail. A lipstick test can help determine if the issue caused by sagging hinges or a misaligned latch bolt, small strike plate hole, or a combination of issues. To conduct the test, place a strip of lipstick (or similar marking material) on the latch. Close and then open the door. If the latch touches either the lipstick below or above the strike plate this indicates that the latch and the strike plate aren't in contact. The best method to fix this is to grease the latch. Lubricating can be done using graphite pens, which works better than WD-40 or other dry oil lubricants. You can also try placing a cotton swab in the keyhole to remove any dirt that may have accumulated in the keyhole. If lubricating the latch does not resolve the problem, it may be necessary to reposition the strike plate. If you've shimmied or sanded the hinges, or increased the strike plate's hole you will need to move the strike plate to its proper position in relation to the latch. Test the lock after having adjusted the latch and moved the strikeplate to the proper position. If your latch is still not working you can use a wood filler to fill in any old screwholes or gaps created by moving the strikeplate or sanding hinges. You can then paint or stain your frame to complete the repair. Leaks A serious problem can arise from French doors that leak. Water can seep through the French doors and cause wood damage or mold growth. This could result in costly repair costs later on. The good news is that most French door leaks can be repaired with a little effort and some basic tools. One of the most common reasons for water leaking from French doors is the poor weatherproofing. This is due to French doors distinctive design, which comprises 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 cause leaks. It's important to check that all seals haven't been damaged and are in good working order. If you notice that your French doors are leaking when it rains it's a good idea to do a thorough inspection to identify the source of the leak. Look for any visible indications of water intrusion for example, damaged seals around frames and window panes or rusty threshold sealants. Verify that the threshold is properly sealed and insulated. In some instances it is possible that a French door might leak during rainy days because there is an obstruction in the lock mechanism. It is essential to clean the lock with the spray of silicone if this is the situation. This will help lubricate the lock and will help prevent it from getting stuck. If you are having trouble opening the lock, it could be because the key is worn out or damaged. It will need to replaced. Most hardware stores sell keys to replace. If you have a key that is too short or worn, it might be time to get a new lock installed.
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