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How to Fix Common French Door Repair Problems French doors can add a touch of sophistication to your home. They are also ideal for period homes. They're also easy to maintain. It is recommended to clean them frequently using a mild soap. However, they can be damaged over time like other doors. There are many ways to fix these doors. Broken or cracked window A cracked or broken window isn't just ugly but it also affects the security and insulation of your home. It's impossible to stop the crack from growing for ever however, you can slow it down with a few simple and quick solutions. Wear safety glasses and gloves when working with glass. It is easy to break glass shards when you're not careful. Next, thoroughly clean the area around the crack with a an abrasive cloth to get rid of any dirt or debris. This will ensure that the glue you apply to fix the crack sticks well and doesn't leak or cause further damage. Then, consider whether you want to go the temporary route and utilize plastic film or tape, or if you want to go with a permanent solution that lasts longer. If you choose to opt for the latter option, be sure to use a glass glue that is specifically designed for windows and glasses, such as Loctite’s Super Glue Glass. It has a sturdy hold and can be used on the inside or outside of your glass and windows, making it perfect for quick repairs. A clear nail polish may also be used to temporarily fill cracks. This is particularly useful for stress cracks which develop when the temperature changes dramatically from hot to cold. Remember that nail polish was not designed to withstand water, so it will not last for long. Additionally, you can cover your windows with an opaque plastic sheet that will shield the glass and help to keep out rain, wind bugs and other pests. Sagging Hinges A door that is sagging can be a source of irritation and affect the stability of your home. Fortunately, the majority times, it's simple to fix. If your door is beginning to move, it's crucial that you address the issue immediately. If not, small problems could escalate into bigger ones such as squeaks or other more serious misalignments. Begin by inspecting the hinges to determine what's causing the problem. Loose screws are often the cause. If tightening screws does not fix the issue of sagging, replacing them with screws that are longer may aid. Longer screws will support the weight of your door and keep it from sagging. You may also have to install shims to adjust the hinge's location. Thin strips can be positioned between the hinge and frame or jamb to distribute the weight of the door evenly. This will prevent future sliding. Use a door stop or have someone hold it in place while you remove screws from the hinge. Then, gently lift the doors off the hinges. It is important to remember that a sagging door can sometimes be caused by uneven floor level. This can cause you to check the floor for any issues and then fix them, which will help resolve the issue of sagging without focusing on the door itself. In some instances, the sagging may be due to the condition of the hinge components, such as the knuckle or pin. In this case you'll need to replace the hinges. This can be an intimidating task for those with no the skills of a carpenter. In some instances, sagging hinges can also indicate that the door's structure is too heavy for the frame or jamb. Misaligned Doors Misaligned doors can cause them to sag, scrape against the frame, or become difficult to latch. A door that is not aligned properly is a source of frustration however, it can also cause energy inefficiency and loud, scratchy sounds throughout your home. There are a variety of simple solutions to this problem without having to call in an expert. If the gap around the door is uneven, the hinges may require tightening. If the gap isn't excessive it could be because the frame of your door has moved or settled over time. In this scenario, you can use shims to reset the frame. Another reason that causes misalignment is a high level of humidity in the air. This could cause the wood to swell and cause doors to shut properly. However, this isn't a long-term issue and usually is resolved when humidity decreases. In the aftermath of a storm, many people find that their doors aren't properly aligned. The solution is easy: tighten the hinge screws. This will usually solve the issue however, if it does not you should consider using a longer screw for your hinges. This will provide them with more support and prevent the hinges from becoming loose in the future. A misaligned strikeplate is a different potential problem. The strike plate will need to be relocated lower to allow for more room for the latch. This is a simple fix, but it requires you to remove the old strike plate, and drill holes for it. You can then make use of a dowel made of wood 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 operate the handle or manually push it, it's most likely that something within the internal mechanism is broken. You can identify the cause of the failure by checking where the latch contacts are situated. The lipstick test can be used to determine if the issue stems from sagging hinges or a latch bolt that is not aligned properly. It can also be used to determine if it is a combination of issues, like hinges that are not aligned properly and a small strike plate. To test apply the strip of lipstick (or other marking material) over the latch. Close and then open the latch. If the latch is in contact with the lipstick beneath or above the strike plate's hole, it means there is a lack of contact between the latch and the strike plate. The best option is to grease your latch. WD-40 and other dry lubricants do not perform as well as graphite pencil. You can also try placing an unwrapped cotton swab into the keyhole to clean out any dirt that has accumulated in the keyhole. If lubricating french door lock repairs doesn't solve the issue, you may need to reposition the strike plate. If you've shimmied or expanded, or sanded your strike plate hinges or holes and hinges, you'll need to move the strike plate to the correct position relative to the lock. Check the latch after you've adjusted the latch and moved the strikeplate to the correct position. If your latch remains stuck it is possible to make use of a wood filler to repair any gaps or holes that were created by moving the strike plate or sanding the hinges. Then you can paint or stain the 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 can lead to expensive repair costs in the future. The good news is that the majority French door leaks can be fixed with a little effort and the use of a few basic tools. One of the primary reasons for leaks from French doors is the poor weatherproofing. This is due to French doors distinctive design, which consists of large areas of tempered glass and a frame. It is crucial to examine your French doors on a regular basis for signs of wear, which could cause leaks. It's also important to make sure that the seals are in good condition and haven't deteriorated over time. If you find that your French doors leak when it rains it's a good idea to do a thorough inspection to identify the source of the leak. Find visible signs of water intrusion, such as damaged seals on the frames of windows or around windows. Also, rusty threshold sealants can be a sign. It is also essential to ensure that the threshold is properly sealed and insulated. A French door may leak when it rains when there is a blockage within the lock mechanism. If this is the case, you will have to clean the lock using the use of a silicone spray. This will help lubricate the lock and help keep it from getting stuck. If you are having difficulty opening the lock, it could be because the key is worn or damaged and needs to be replaced. You can get a replacement key at most hardware stores. If you have a lock that is too long or worn, it might be time to have a new lock.
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