How to Fix Common French Door Repair Problems
French doors can bring a touch of class to your home. They're also an excellent choice for homes that are built in the past.
They're also easy to keep. You should clean them regularly using a mild soap.
Nevertheless, they can be damaged over time just like other doors. Fortunately, there are many ways to repair them.
Broken or Cracked Window
A cracked or broken glass window is not just visually unattractive, but also compromises your home's security and insulation. It is impossible to stop the crack from spreading forever however, you can slow down the process with some quick and easy fixes.
The first step is to wear protective glasses and gloves when working with glass, since it is easy to break glass shards if you aren't careful. Next 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 that you apply to fix the crack adheres properly and does not leak or cause further damage.
Next, decide whether you'd prefer the temporary route and utilize plastic film or tape or if you prefer to test a more permanent solution that lasts longer. If you choose to opt for the latter option, make sure you use a glass glue specifically designed for windows and glasses, such as Loctite’s Super Glue Glass. This product has a strong hold and can be used on the exterior or interior of your windows and glass which makes it ideal for quick repairs.
Another alternative is to apply a clear nail polish to fill the crack. This can be particularly effective in stress cracks that form when there's a dramatic temperature change from hot to cold or vice versa. However, keep in mind that nail polish wasn't created to withstand moisture, which means it will not last for a long period of time. Lastly, you can also protect your windows by putting up an opaque plastic sheet that will shield your glass and help keep out rain, wind, bugs and other insects.
Sagging Hinges
A sagging front door can be a snore and could affect the stability of your home. Fortunately, the majority of the time, it's simple to fix. It's important to address the problem immediately if your door starts to sag. Small issues can turn into serious, like the sound of squeaks or other misalignments.
Begin by inspecting the hinges to find out the root of the issue. Screws that are loose are usually the reason. If tightening screws do not resolve the sagging issue replacing them with screws that are longer might aid. 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. These thin strips of metal can fit between the hinge and the jamb or frame, distributing the weight of the door evenly and preventing future sagging. Use a doorstop or let someone else hold the door while you remove the screws from the affected hinge, and then carefully lift the door off of the hinges.
It is important to remember that a door that is creaking can be caused by uneven floor levels. This knowledge can lead you to look at the floor and fix any issues that could help solve the sagging issue without focusing solely on the door itself. The sagging of the door could be due to the condition of hinge components like the knuckle or the pin. In this instance you'll need to replace the hinges. This is an intimidating task for those who do not have the skills of a carpenter. 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 are not aligned
If your doors are sliding or scraping against the frame or difficult to latch, they could be not aligned correctly. A door that is not aligned properly is a source of frustration however, it can also cause energy inefficiency and squeaky, scratchy noises throughout your home. There are a variety of easy ways to fix this issue without the need to call a professional.
If the gap around your doors is uneven, it could be a sign that the hinges must be tightened. If the gap isn't excessive, it might be due to your door frame shifting or settling with time. In this case, you can use shims to adjust the frame.
Another common cause of misalignment is the presence of moisture in the air. This can cause the wood to swell and cause doors to not to shut properly. This isn't a long-term issue and usually disappears once the humidity drops.
Many people find that their doors aren't aligned after a rainstorm however the solution is easy: just tighten the hinge screws to fix the alignment. This usually resolves the issue however, if it does not think about using longer screws for your hinges. This will give them more support and stop the hinges from loosing again in the future.
A misaligned strikeplate can be another possible issue. Typically, the strike plate must be moved lower to make space for the latch. This is also an easy fix, but you'll have to take off the existing strike plate and then drill new holes for it. Make use of a wooden dowel that has the same diameter as the screwhole to fill the hole in the previous one, and then fix it in its new position.
Broken Latch
If the latch doesn't retract when you push it manually or use the handle, then it is likely that the mechanism has failed. You can identify the cause of the failure by checking the location of the latch's contacts situated. A lipstick test can help identify if the problem is caused by sagging hinges, misaligned latch bolts, a narrow strike plate hole or a combination of problems. To perform the test, place a strip of lipstick (or any other marking material) over the latch. Close and then open the door. If the latch is in contact with either the lipstick below or above the strike plate, this means that the latch and strike plate are not in contact.
The best method to fix this is to grease the latch. WD-40 and other dry lubricants will not perform as well as a graphite pencil. You can also try putting an swab of cotton into the keyhole to clean out any dirt that has accumulated in the keyhole.
If lubricating your latch doesn't solve the problem, it may be necessary to relocate the strikeplate. If you've shimmied or sanded the hinges, or enlarged the strike plate's hole, you'll need to move the strike plate to the appropriate position relative to the latch. Once you have moved the strike plate and adjusted the latch to the correct position, check the latch to ensure that it's working properly. If your latch is still not working you can use a wood filler to fill in any old holes or gaps caused by moving the strike plate or sanding hinges. Then you can paint or stain the frame to complete the repair.
Leaks
A serious issue can result from French doors that leak. They could allow water to seep into the home, causing wood damage and the growth of mold. This could result in costly repairs later on. The good news is, most French door leaks can be fixed with a little work and a few basic tools.
One of the primary causes of leaking from French doors is the poor weatherproofing. This is due to French doors' unique design, which comprises large areas of tempered glass as well as a frame. It is essential to regularly check all components of your French doors for signs of wear and tear that could lead to leaks. It is essential to ensure that all seals haven't changed and are in good working order.
If you find that your French doors leaking when it rains it is recommended to conduct an extensive inspection to find the source of the leak. Check for obvious evidence of water intrusion such as damaged seals on the frames of windows or around windows. Also rusty threshold sealants may be a sign. Verify that the threshold is properly insulated and sealed.
french door lock repairs can leak during rain if there is an obstruction within the lock mechanism. It is essential to clean the lock using an oil containing 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 due to the key being damaged or worn out. It's time to get it replaced. Hardware stores typically offer keys to replace. If you have a lock that is too long or damaged, it could be time to get a new lock installed.