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Repairing French Doors

French doors are a popular option for homes with a period feel, however they are susceptible to problems as time passes. These issues can range from minor to major and may cause damage if not repaired in a timely manner.

Resolving many of these issues can be easy once you know what to look for. Here are some tips on fixing French doors:

Locks that are not aligned

If a lock on a door is not properly aligned, it may be difficult to open and close the door. This could also cause damage to your door and property. The misalignment of a door lock could be due to hinges that need to be adjusted, structural settling or improper installation. There are a variety of easy fixes you can try on your own to resolve this issue.

The first step is to figure out what's causing the latch to not be able to engage with the strike plate hole or door frame. To do this, attempt to close the door and then look for a mark in the area where the latch touched the strike plate hole. This will help you identify the issue and correct it accordingly.

If the latch contact is either above the strike plate hole or below it that could be a sign that hinges aren't tight enough or the door frame requires shims. The door could slide due to loose hinges which will cause it to be misaligned. This can be fixed by tightening the hinge screws and adjusting the hinges. Shims can be used to help support hinges and hold them in the right position.

A stuck or seized lock-cylinder is another frequent cause of a misaligned door. This could be caused by dirt or debris that have blocked the keyway or it could be due to a worn-out key. In either case, the best solution is to lubricate the lock the cylinder with graphite powder, or a silicone-based lubricant. If the lock cylinder is still sticking, it's a good idea to consult an expert to avoid any further injury or damage.

A latch that is stuck could be a problem for French doors as it makes it difficult to open and close the door. Climate changes can cause the door to warp or become incorrectly aligned. It can also be a sign of poor quality hardware. In most cases a seized latch is resolved by repositioning it and lubricating with silicone spray. If the latch is worn out, it could be necessary to replace it. A professional handyman can spot the issue and make the repair.

Leaks

If your French doors have been set up in a way that meets modern standards, they shouldn't leak. If they do leak, you need to know the source of the issue so that you can address it.

If water is leaking through the bottom of your door it could be due to a number of issues. The most frequent cause is that the seal around the door's bottom isn't tight enough, causing water to enter and cause damage over time. A hole or crack could be present in the frame or sill of the door. If this is the scenario, you'll have to repair or replace the sill or door threshold.

If there is no barrier between your French doors and the wind, you could also be experiencing leaks. Windy gusts can easily weaken the seam, leading to leaks that can cause damage to flooring and walls. To stop this from happening you can build an obstruction like a screen door, or awning, or even add an adjacent fence to create an windbreak.

The seals around the French doors may be damaged when they're not properly maintained or installed. You'll need silicone caulking to reseal the seals. This material provides superior adhesion, flexibility, and water resistance, making it the ideal choice for sealing around your French doors.

Additionally, it's essential to ensure that the drainage holes along the bottom of your uPVC French doors aren't blocked or stuffed with debris. This will lower your energy bills by minimizing heat transfer and air leakage into your home.

It's also a good idea to keep their appearance and function by regularly checking your French doors and clean them with a mild cleaning agent. Regular maintenance can extend the life of your doors and increase their performance. These steps will help you avoid costly repairs and ensure that you enjoy your French Doors for many years to come.

Warping

French doors are a fantastic option to connect your indoor and outdoor spaces while letting in plenty of sunlight. But, just like any other door, they can become damaged over time due to wear and tear or poor installation. This is the reason it's so important to get your French doors repaired immediately you spot problems.

If you're French doors aren't locking, there's a high possibility that the lock has been damaged or stuck due to wear and wear and tear. It is necessary to remove the lock and remove the door to conduct an inspection of the mechanism.

Another common problem with French doors is that the latch can get stuck or isn't closing properly. This is usually due to the doors have been misaligned. Either the hinges are loose or they weren't installed properly. The easiest way to fix this is to open and close the doors as best you can to see whether the latch is working or not.

It's also possible that your doors aren't closing properly because the wood has swelled from moisture. To fix this, you'll have to expand the frame of your door to make room for the hinges. This is a complicated job and isn't something you should try by yourself without professional assistance.

Getting your French doors fixed when you notice any issues is crucial to ensure they're looking great and working properly. With proper care and maintenance, your French doors will last for years.

Chameleon is a specialist in fixing and making wooden windows, doors and other wooden elements on period or listed buildings. We can fix your old French doors or install new ones to give your home a beautiful and traditional appearance. Contact us today if you're bored of your old French doors. We can arrange a free quote for your repairs and provide you with the quality service you deserve.

Wooden Parts


French doors are beautiful additions to any home especially those of a period. In time, they could get damaged and weathered. While this may cause minor issues, it is also fairly simple to repair.

If your external French door does not lock, it is possible that something is blocking the frame or that there is an issue with the alignment between the latch and the door. In the former case you need to check for debris, dirt or household objects that are caught between the frame and the door and clear them as needed.

In this case, you may need to tighten the hinges or adjust them. This can be accomplished by finding the side adjustment on a hinge (usually hidden behind plastic covers or small plugs) and then adjusting the hinge away from or toward the frame. You can also try lubricating the latch using silicone spray or oil, however this may not work in the long run and may require replacement.

The wood that is in the frame of a French door can expand due to fluctuations in humidity. This makes it difficult to open and close the door. To remedy this, sand the edges of the door frame to adjust them. Be sure to reapply sealant or paint afterward.

Fog accumulation between glass panes is another typical issue with French doors. This can lower the energy efficiency and cause the loss of natural light. french door handle repairs loughton Repair My Windows And Doors can be replaced to eliminate fog, but it is not a task that should be performed without professional help.

If a glass pane is damaged or cracked the pane must be replaced immediately for security reasons and to prevent elements from outside entering the house. The replacement of glass on a French door is similar to sliding glass doors but requires more skill and precision to do it properly. Wear protective gloves to remove the old pane of glass from the window. Measure the opening to ensure that the new glass will fit correctly. Cut and install the pane with care. Reinstall any door hardware and glazing components.

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