How to Fix Common French Door Repair Problems
French doors can add a touch of sophistication to your home. They're also an excellent choice for homes that are built in the past.
They're also easy to maintain. It is recommended to clean them frequently with an mild soap solution.
However, like any door they can get damaged over time. There are a variety of ways to fix them.
Broken or Cracked Window
A damaged or cracked window does more than just look ugly but it also affects the security and insulation of your home. It is impossible to stop the crack from spreading forever however, you can slow the process with some quick and easy solutions.
Wear safety glasses and gloves while working with glass. It is easy to break glass shards if not cautious. After that take the time to thoroughly clean the area around the crack using a the help of a damp cloth to eliminate any dirt or debris. This will ensure that the glue you are using to fix the crack is held properly and doesn't leak out or cause further damage.
Decide whether you'd like to make use of a temporary solution like tape or plastic film, to cover the hole, or if a more permanent solution is what you'd prefer. If you opt for the latter, be sure to purchase a glass glue specifically made for glass and windows like Loctite's Super Glue Glass. It is durable and can be used outside or inside your glass and windows. It's perfect for quick fixes.
A clear nail polish may also be used to temporarily fill in cracks. This is particularly useful for stress cracks which develop when the temperature fluctuates from cold to hot. However, keep in mind that nail polish isn't designed to withstand moisture, so it isn't able to last for an indefinite period of time. Additionally, you can cover your windows with an opaque plastic sheet that will shield your glass and keep out wind, rain, bugs and other pests.
Sagging Hinges
A door that isn't in good shape is a snare and could can also impact the overall stability of your home. Fortunately, most times, it's simple to correct. If your door starts to sag, it's important to address the issue right away. Otherwise, minor problems can become more serious, such as squeaks or other serious misalignments.
Begin by inspecting the hinges. Loose screws are often the reason. If tightening the screws does not resolve the sagging replacement of them with longer screws may help. Longer screws will support the weight of your door and stop it from sliding.
You may also have to introduce shims to fine-tune the hinge's position. These thin strips can be placed between the hinge and frame or jambs to distribute the door's weight evenly. This will prevent any future sliding. Use a door stop or ask someone to hold it in place while you remove screws from the hinge. Then, you can carefully lift the doors off the hinges.
It is important to keep in mind that an uneven floor can cause a door to sag. This can lead you to examine the floor for any issues and then fix the issues, which can help resolve the issue of sagging without focusing on the door itself. The door's sagging may be caused by the condition of hinge components such as the pin or the knuckle. If this is the scenario, you'll have to replace the hinges, which is a task that isn't easy for those with no carpentry skills. In some instances, sagging hinges can also indicate that the door's structure is too heavy for the frame or jamb.
Doors that are not aligned
Doors that aren't aligned properly may cause them to slide, scrape against the frame, or become difficult to latch. A door that is not aligned properly or is sagging is a source of frustration and can contribute to energy waste and scratchy, squeaky noises in your home. There are a few simple ways to fix the problem without contacting an expert.
If the gap around the door is uneven, the hinges may need to be tightened. However, if the gap is not excessive it could be due to your door's frame shifting or settling over time. In this case you can employ shims to reset the frame.
A high level of humidity in the air is a common reason for misalignment. This can cause the wood to swell and cause doors to not to shut properly. However, this is not a long-term issue and usually clears up as the humidity decreases.
After a rainstorm that is heavy there are many who discover that their doors aren't aligned properly. The solution is simple to tighten the hinge screws. If this isn't working, you can use longer screws to fix your hinges. french door lock repairs will provide them with more support and will stop the hinges from becoming loose in the near future.
A misaligned strikeplate is a different potential problem. The strike plate is usually moved lower to allow room for the latch. This is a simple fix, however, you'll need to remove the old strike plate and drill holes for it. Then, you can use a wood dowel that's the same diameter as the screw hole to fill in the holes, and then secure the strike plate in the new position.
Broken Latch
If the latch doesn't retract when you push it manually or operate the handle, then it is likely that the internal mechanism is broken. You can identify the cause of the issue by examining the location of the latch's contacts located. The lipstick test can be used to determine if the problem is due to sagging hinges or a misaligned bolt for the latch. It will also reveal whether it is a mix of issues, like hinges that are not aligned properly and a small strike plate. To test the lipstick apply the strip of lipstick (or similar marking material) on the latch. Close and open the door. If the latch touches the lipstick below or the lipstick 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. WD-40 and other dry lubricants will not work as well as a graphite pencil. You can also make use of a cotton swab in order to remove any dirt from the keyhole.
If lubricating your latch does not resolve the issue, it might be necessary to relocate the strike plate. If you've shimmied or sanded the hinges or widened the strike plate hole, you will need to move the strike plate to the proper position in relation to the latch. Check the latch after you've adjusted the latch and moved the strike plate to the proper position. If the latch is stuck, you can make use of a wood filler to repair any holes or gaps that were caused by moving the strike plate or sanding the hinges. Then you can paint or stain the frame to complete the repair.
Leaks
Leaky French doors can be a serious issue. Water can get inside the French doors and cause mold or wood damage. This can result in 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 main reasons for leaks from French doors is poor weatherproofing. This is due to French doors their unique design, which comprises large areas of tempered glass and a frame. It's important to regularly inspect the entire structure of your French doors for signs of wear and tear that could lead to leaks. It's important to check that all seals have not deteriorated and are in good shape.
If you notice that your French doors leak when it rains it's a good idea do a thorough inspection to determine the source of the leak. Check for obvious signs of water intrusion, for example, damaged seals on the frames of windows or around windows. Also, rusty threshold sealants can be an indication. Verify that the threshold is properly sealed and insulated.
In certain situations, a French door can leak when it rains because there is an obstruction in the lock mechanism. It is necessary to clean the lock using a silicone spray if this is the situation. This will make the lock more lubricated and prevent it from getting stuck. If you're having trouble opening the lock it could be due to the key being damaged or worn out. It will need to replaced. You can buy keys to replace them at many hardware stores. If your key is short or has become worn out, it could be time to install a new lock.