How to Fix Common French Door Repair Problems
French doors can bring a touch of class to your home. They are also great for homes with a period.
Also, they're easy to maintain. They should be cleaned regularly with mild soap.
However, they can be damaged over time, just as any other door. There are a variety of ways to fix them.
Broken or cracked window
A broken or cracked glass window isn't just unsightly, but it can also affect your home's security and insulation. While it is impossible to stop the spreading of cracks for a long time however, you can slow it down with a few quick and simple fixes.
www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk and gloves while working with glass. It's easy to break glass shards if 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 adhesive that you're using to fix the crack sticks properly and doesn't leak out or cause further damage.
Then, consider whether you want to go the temporary route and utilize plastic film or tape or if you prefer to try a more permanent solution that lasts longer. If you decide to go with the latter option, be sure to use glass glue that is specifically designed for windows and glasses, like Loctite's Super Glue Glass. This glue has a strong hold and can be used on the exterior or interior of your glass windows making it ideal for quick repairs.
Another alternative is to apply a clear nail polish to fill the crack. This is particularly effective for stress cracks that occur when there's a drastic temperature change from hot to cold or in reverse. But, remember that nail polish isn't made to withstand moisture, so it won't last for an indefinite period of time. You can also protect the windows with a plastic film which will protect the windows and keep out insects, rain and wind.
Sagging Hinges
A sagging door is a snare and could also impact the overall stability of your house. Fortunately, most of the time, it's easy to fix. It is important to fix the problem immediately if your door starts to sag. Minor problems can become more serious, such as noises, or other issues.
Begin by inspecting the hinges to determine what's causing the problem. Most often loose screws are to blame. If tightening screws doesn't solve the problem replacement of them with longer screws could aid. Longer screws can be able to support the weight of your door and prevent it from sagging.
You may also have to use shims in order to refine the hinge's positioning. These thin strips of metal can be placed between the hinge and the frame or jamb, spreading the door's weight evenly and preventing sagging in the future. Use a doorstop, or have someone else hold the door in place while you remove the screws from the damaged hinge, and then carefully lift the door off the hinges.
It is crucial to remember that an uneven floor can cause the door to sag. Knowing this may prompt you to examine the floor and fix any issues that may help solve the sagging issue without focusing solely on the door itself. The door's sagging could be due to the condition of hinge parts like the knuckle or pin. In this instance, you will need to replace your hinges. This can be an intimidating task for those who do not have the skills of a carpenter. In some instances the sagging hinges on doors could be a sign 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 may be incorrectly aligned. A sagging or misaligned door is a source of frustration and can contribute to energy waste and squeaky, scratchy sounds in your home. Luckily, there are several easy ways to fix this problem without having to call in an expert.
If the door's gap is uneven, the hinges might need to be tightened. If the gap isn't too large, it could be that the frame of your door has shifted or settled over time. In this case you can employ shims to adjust the frame.
A high level of humidity in the air is a common reason for misalignment. This could cause the wood to expand and cause your doors not to shut properly. However, this is not an issue for long and usually is resolved when humidity decreases.
Many people find that their doors aren't aligned after a rainstorm however the solution is easy: just tighten the hinge screws to correct the alignment. This usually resolves the problem however, if it does not, consider using longer screws for your hinges. This will provide them with more support and will stop the hinges from becoming loose in the future.
A misaligned strikeplate is another potential problem. Typically, the strike plate needs to be moved lower to make space for the latch. This is a straightforward fix, however, you'll need to take off the old strike plate and then drill holes for it. You can then use a wood dowel that's similar in diameter to the screw hole to fill in the holes, and then fix the strike plate to its new location.
Broken Latch
If the latch doesn't retract when you press the handle or manually push it, it's likely that something within the internal mechanism is broken. Checking where the latch contacts can help determine the reason for it to fail. The test for lipstick can be used to determine if the problem is due to sagging hinges or a latch bolt that is not aligned properly. It will also reveal whether it is a mix of issues, such as hinges that are sagging and a narrow strike plate. To test apply a lipstick strip (or any other marking material) over the latch. Close and open the door. If the latch is in contact with the lipstick beneath or above the strike plate hole it means there is no contact between the latch and the strike plate.
The best method to fix this is to grease the latch. WD-40 and other dry lubricants will not perform as well as graphite pencil. You can also make use of a cotton swab in order to clean any dirt that has accumulated in the keyhole.
If lubricating the latch does not solve the problem it may be necessary to reposition the strike plate. If you've shimmied, expanded, or sanded the strike plate's hinges or holes and hinges, you'll need to move the strikeplate to the correct position relative to the lock. After you've moved your strike plate and adjusted the latch to a proper position, test the lock to ensure it's functioning properly. If your latch remains stuck it is possible to employ a wood filler fill any old screw gaps or holes that were created by moving the strike plate or sanding the hinges. You can then paint or stain your frame to finish the repair.
Leaks
A serious issue can result from French doors that leak. Water can get inside the French doors and cause damage to the wood or growth of mold. This can result in expensive repairs later on. The good news is, the majority of French door leaks can be easily repaired with a little effort and a few tools.
One of the main causes of leaking from French doors is the poor weatherproofing. This is due to the unique design of French doors, which consist of large areas of glass and frames. It is essential to check your French doors frequently for signs of wear that could lead to leaks. It is also essential to ensure that the seals are in good working order and haven't deteriorated over time.
If you notice your French doors leak when it rains, it's an ideal idea to conduct an in-depth inspection to determine the cause of the leak. Find visible evidence of water intrusion such as damaged seals on window frames or around windows. Also the presence of rusty threshold sealants could be an indication. It is also essential to ensure that the threshold is properly sealed and insulated.
A French door can leak during rain when there is a blockage within the lock mechanism. It is necessary to clean the lock using the spray of silicone when this happens. This will allow the lock to be lubricated and prevent the lock from becoming stuck. If you are having trouble opening the lock it could be due to the key being damaged or worn out. It will need to replaced. Hardware stores typically offer keys to replace. If your key is long or is worn out, it may be time to install a new lock.