Repairing French Doors

French doors are a common choice for homes with a period feel, however they are susceptible to problems over time. These issues could be minor or serious, and if they are not addressed promptly, they can cause damage.

The solution to the majority of these issues can be easy when you know what to look for. Here are some suggestions for fixing French doors:

Misaligned locks

It can be difficult to open or close a door if the lock isn't aligned. replacing french door glass could also result in the risk of exposing your home and door. Door lock misalignment can be caused by hinges that require adjusting, structural settling, or the wrong installation. Fortunately, there are several simple fixes you can try on your own to resolve this issue.

First, identify why the latch is not engaging with the hole in the strike plate or in the door frame. To do this, simply attempt to close the door and then search for a spot in the area where the latch touched the strike plate hole. This will help you identify the issue so that it can be fixed.

If the latch contact is situated above or below the strike plate hole, it's an indication of hinges that are loose or an unfinished door frame that requires shims. The door could be sagging due to loose hinges, which can cause it to be misaligned. This can be corrected by tightening the hinge screws and re-adjusting the hinges. Using shims to support the hinges can also aid in keeping them in place and prevent sagging.

A stuck or seized lock-cylinder is another reason for a door that is not aligned properly. It could be caused by dirt or debris that have blocked the keyway or it could be caused by an old key. In any case, lubricating the lock cylinder is the best solution. You can apply silicone or graphite lubricants. If the lock cylinder remains sticking, it's a good idea to call an expert to avoid any further injury or damage.

A latch that is stuck can be a problem for French doors since it makes it difficult to open or close the door. Changes in the climate can cause the door to swell or be incorrectly aligned. It can also be a sign of poor quality hardware. In most cases, a seized latch can be solved by repositioning the latch and applying silicone spray to it. However, if the latch is worn out it might have to be replaced altogether. A professional handyman will know how to recognize this issue and will be able to repair the problem in a timely manner.


Leaks

If your French doors are built according to modern standards, then they shouldn't leak. If they do leak, you must identify the cause of the issue so you can fix it.

There are a few possibilities for water to enter your door through the bottom. The most common reason is that the seal around the door's bottom isn't tight enough, causing moisture to get in and cause damage over time. Another possibility is that there's a hole or crack in the frame or sill of the door. You'll need to replace or repair the sill.

Leaks around your French doors can also happen in the absence of a barrier between the wind and the doors. Strong winds can easily weaken seams, leading to leaks that cause damage to floors and walls. You can stop this from happening by installing a screen or an awning or even fencing to create a windbreak.

Another possible cause of leaks is that the seals around your French doors aren't being maintained or installed properly. In this case you'll have to reseal the doors using silicone caulking. This material is ideal for sealing around French doors due to its the highest adhesion and flexibility and is also waterproof.

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

It's an excellent idea, to maintain their appearance and functionality by regularly checking your French doors and clean them using a mild cleaning agent. Regular maintenance can extend their lifespan and enhance their performance. These steps will allow you to avoid costly repairs and ensure that you enjoy your French Doors for years to come.

Warping

French doors are a great option to connect your indoor and outdoor areas while letting in lots of sunshine. But, just like any other door, they can become damaged in time due wear and tear or poor installation. It is crucial to have your French doors repaired as quickly as you can if there's an issue.

If your French door locks aren't working, it's likely that the lock is damaged or stowed due to wear. You'll have to take the lock off and remove the door for an inspection of the mechanism.

Another common problem with French doors is that the latch becomes stuck or doesn't close properly. This is usually due to the doors are not aligned properly. Either the hinges are loose or they weren't installed properly. To fix this it is recommended to open and close the doors as much as you can to determine whether the latch is functioning.

It's also possible that your doors aren't closing correctly because the wood has expanded from moisture. To fix this, you'll need to increase the door's frame to allow for hinges. This is a challenging task which should not be attempted without the help of a professional.

It is essential to get your French doors fixed as soon as you notice any issues. This will ensure that they look the best and function as they should. With the right care and maintenance they'll last for many years to come.

Chameleon is a specialist in the repair and restoring doors, windows and all other wooden features of listed or period homes. We can install new French doors to give your home a stylish and traditional look or repair the ones that are already in place. So, if you're French doors are starting to look old and worn out, contact us today to see what we can do to help. We'll give you a no-cost estimate for your repairs and offer the high-quality service you deserve.

Wooden Parts

French doors are beautiful additions to any home especially those of a period. Over time, they can become damaged and weathered. The good news is that even though this can cause few minor issues, it can also be fixed fairly easily.

If your exterior French doors aren't locking, it is likely that something is obstructing the frame or that there is an alignment issue between the latch and door. In the first case, you should remove any debris, dirt or household items that are stuck between the frame and door.

In this case, you might need to tighten the hinges or adjust them. This can be accomplished by placing the lateral adjuster on a door hinge (usually hidden behind the cover of plastic or a small plug) and using it to move the hinge away from or toward the door frame. You can also lubricate the latch with silicone spray or oil. However, this will not last for long and you may need to replace it.

Sometimes, the wood of the French door frame may expand due to humidity changes, which could make the door difficult to open and close. It is possible to fix this by sanding the edges of the frame to make them more pliable. Paint or sealant can be applied afterward.

Fog accumulation between glass panes is another common issue with French doors. This can cause a lack of light and can reduce the efficiency of energy used by the doors. Glass panes can be replaced to reduce fog, but this is not something that should be undertaken without professional help.

A cracked or broken glass pane should be replaced promptly to ensure safety and keep outside elements out of the house. The procedure of replacing glass on a French doors is similar to sliding glass doors, but it requires more skill and precision to do it correctly. Wear gloves that protect you when removing the glass pane from the window. The opening should be measured to ensure that the new pane will fit properly. Cut and place the pane with attention. Install any doors hardware and glazing components.