How to Fix Common French Door Repair Problems
French doors can bring an air of class to any home. french door lock replacement are also perfect for homes with a period.
They're also simple to maintain. You should clean them regularly with a mild soap.
Nevertheless, they can be damaged over time, just like other doors. There are a variety of ways to fix them.
Broken or cracked window
A window that is damaged or cracked doesn't just look unattractive but it also affects the security and insulation of your home. While it's impossible to stop the spreading of cracks for a long time, you can slow the process down by making quick and simple solutions.
First, ensure that you wear safety glasses and gloves while working with glass as it is easy to break shards of glass if you aren't careful. Next clean the area around the crack with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris. This will ensure that the adhesive you are using to fix the crack is held properly and doesn't leak out or cause further damage.
Decide if you'd like to use 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 special glass glue specifically made for glass and windows like Loctite's Super Glue Glass. It has a sturdy hold and can be applied to the outside or inside of your windows and glass which makes it ideal for quick repairs.
A clear nail polish can also be used to temporarily fill in cracks. This is particularly useful for stress cracks that develop when the temperature changes dramatically from cold to hot. However, keep in mind that nail polish wasn't created to withstand water, so it will not last for a long period of time. You can also protect the windows with a plastic film, which will protect the windows and keep out bugs, rain and wind.
Sagging Hinges
A door that is sagging can be an eye sore and could affect the stability of your home. Luckily, the problem is usually easy to fix. It's important to address the issue immediately if your door starts to slide. Otherwise, minor problems can escalate into bigger ones, such as squeaks or other serious misalignments.
Begin by checking the hinges. The loose screws are often the reason. If tightening screws doesn't fix the issue of sagging replacing them with screws that are longer could help. Longer screws can assist in supporting the weight of your door and stop it from sliding.
It is also possible to introduce shims to fine-tune the hinge's location. These thin strips can be positioned between the frame or jamb to distribute the door's weight equally. This will prevent any future sagging. Use a doorstop or have someone else hold the door in place while you remove the screws from the damaged hinge, and then lift the door off the hinges.
It is important to remember that a door that is creaking can sometimes be caused by an uneven floor. This could lead you to check the floor for any issues and fix the issues, which can help resolve the issue of sagging without focussing on the door itself. In some instances the sagging might be due to the condition of the hinge components, like the pin or knuckle. If this is the scenario, you'll have to replace the hinges, a job that isn't easy for those with no carpentry skills. In some instances the sagging hinges could suggest that the door's frame is too heavy for the frame or jamb.
Doors that aren't aligned
Doors that aren't aligned properly may cause them to bow, scratch against the frame, or be difficult to latch. A sagging or misaligned door can be a nuisance and can contribute to energy loss and scratchy, squeaky noises in your home. There are several easy solutions to the issue without contacting a professional.
If the gap around your doors is uneven, it could mean that the hinges need to be tightened. If the gap is not too large, it could be that the frame of your door has settled or moved over time. In this case you can use shims to reset the frame.
A high humidity in the air is another common cause of misalignment. This can make wood swell, causing your doors to become stuck. This is not a permanent issue, and usually goes away once the humidity drops.
After a heavy rainstorm Many people notice that their doors aren't aligned properly. The solution is easy: tighten the hinge screws. This is usually enough to fix the issue however if it doesn't you should consider using a longer screw for your hinges. This will give the hinges more support and prevent them from losing again.
A misaligned strikeplate can be another potential problem. The strike plate is usually moved lower to make room for the latch. This is a straightforward fix, however, you must take off the old strike plate and drill holes for it. Then, you can use a wooden dowel of exactly the same size as the screw hole to fill in the old holes, and then secure the strike plate to the new position.
Broken Latch
If the latch doesn't retract when you manually push it or use the handle, then it is likely that the mechanism has failed. Checking where the latch contacts can help determine what's causing it to fail. A lipstick test can help you identify if the problem is caused by sagging hinges, misaligned latch bolt, small strike plate hole, or a combination of these issues. To conduct the test, place a lipstick strip (or other marking material) over the latch. Close and then open the latch. If the latch touches either the lipstick below or the lipstick above the strike plate this means that the latch and the strike plate are not in contact.
The best method to fix this is to lubricate the latch. WD-40 and other dry lubricants will not work as well as a graphite pencil. You can also try putting a cotton swab in the keyhole to get rid of any dirt that may have accumulated in the keyhole.
If lubricating the latch does not solve the problem it may be necessary to move the strike plate. If you've shimmied, sanded, or enlarged your strike plate's hinges or hole, you will need move the strikeplate to the proper position in relation to the lock. Once you have moved the strike plate and adjusted the latch to a suitable position, test the lock to ensure it's functioning properly. If your latch is still not working then you can use wood filler to fill any old holes or gaps caused by moving the strike plate or sanding hinges. You can then paint or stain the frame to finish 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 result in expensive repair costs in the future. The good news is that most French door leaks can be repaired with just a bit of effort and a few basic tools.
One of the primary reasons for water leaking from French doors is the poor weatherproofing. This is due to the unique design of French doors, which comprise of large glass areas and a frame. It is important to check the entire structure of your French doors for signs of wear and tear that could result in leaks. It is crucial to make sure that all seals have not changed and are in good condition.
If you notice that your French doors leak during rain, it's recommended to conduct an extensive inspection to find the source of the leak. Look for visible evidence of water intrusion such as damaged seals on window frames or around windows. Also, rusty threshold sealants can be a sign. Verify that the threshold is properly sealed and insulated.
A French door may leak when it rains if there is an obstruction within the lock mechanism. You will need to clean the lock with an oil containing silicone in the event of this. This will allow the lock to be lubricated and prevent the lock from getting stuck. If you're having trouble opening the lock, it could be because the key is worn or damaged and will need to be replaced. The majority of hardware stores offer keys to replace. If you have a key that is too short or worn, it may be time to have a new lock installed.