How to Fix Common French Door Repair Problems
French doors can give an air of elegance to any house. They are also perfect for homes with a period.
Also, they're easy to maintain. It is recommended to clean them often using an mild soap solution.
However, they can be damaged over time like any other door. However, there are a number of ways to repair them.
Broken or cracked window
A broken or cracked glass window is not only ugly, but also compromises the security of your home and its insulation. While it's impossible to stop a crack from spreading indefinitely however, you can slow it down by making quick and simple fixes.
Wear safety glasses and gloves when working with glass. It is easy to break glass shards when you're not careful. To remove dirt and debris, use a damp cloth to scrub the area around the crack. This will ensure that the glue you use to fix the crack stays well and doesn't leak or cause further damage.
Decide if you'd like to use a temporary solution, like tape or film, to cover the hole, or if a permanent solution is what you'd prefer. If you choose to opt for the latter option, make sure to use a glass glue designed specifically for glass and windows such as Loctite’s Super Glue Glass. This glue has a strong hold and can be applied to the inside or outside of your glass windows making it ideal for quick repairs.
A clear nail polish may also be used to temporarily fill cracks. This is particularly useful for stress cracks that form when temperatures change dramatically from hot to cold. Keep in mind that nail polish was never designed to stand up against water so it won't last for long. You can also protect the windows with a plastic sheet, that will protect the windows and keep out bugs, rain and winds.
Sagging Hinges
A door that is sagging can be an eyesore and can also affect the overall stability of your home. Fortunately, most times, it's simple to fix. If your door begins to move, it's crucial to fix the issue right away. In the event that it is not addressed, small issues could escalate into bigger ones, such as squeaks or other serious misalignments.
Begin by inspecting the hinges. The loose screws are often the cause. If tightening the screws doesn't solve the problem replacement of them with longer screws may help. The longer screws will help support the weight of your door and keep it from sagging.
You might also need to introduce shims to fine-tune the hinge's positioning. These thin strips of material can be placed between the hinge and the frame or jamb, spreading the weight of the door evenly and preventing sagging in the future. Use a door stopper or a person to hold it in place while you remove screws from the hinge. Then, carefully lift the doors off the hinges.
It is crucial to remember that an uneven floor can cause the door to slide. This could lead you to inspect the floor for any issues and correct them, which will allow you to solve the problem of sagging without focusing on the door itself. In some cases the sagging might be due to the condition of the hinge components, like the knuckle or pin. If this is the situation, you'll need to replace the hinges, a job that can be difficult for homeowners without significant carpentry skills. In some instances, sagging hinges can also be a sign that the door's construction is too heavy for the frame or jamb.
Doors that are not aligned
If your doors are sagging, scratching against the frame, or are difficult to latch, they may be incorrectly aligned. A door that is not aligned properly can be a nuisance, but it also can contribute to energy inefficiency and loud, scratchy sounds throughout your home. Luckily, there are several easy ways to fix this issue without calling in a professional.
If the gap around your doors is uneven, it could mean that the hinges must be tightened. If, however, the gap isn't excessive, it might be due to the door frame shifting or settling with time. In this case, shims can be used to reset the frame.
A high level of humidity in the air is another common cause of misalignment. This can cause the wood to swell and cause your doors not to shut properly. This isn't a long-term issue and usually disappears when the humidity decreases.
Many people find that their doors are not aligned after a rainstorm however the solution is easy: just tighten the hinge screws to correct the alignment. If this isn't working, you can make use of longer screws to fix your hinges. This will provide them with more support and stop the hinges from loosing again in the near future.
Another possibility is an incorrectly aligned strike plate. Typically, the strike plate will need to be relocated lower to make room for the latch. This is also an easy fix, but you'll have to remove the current strike plate and drill new holes for it. Use a dowel made of wood with the same diameter as the screwhole to fill the old hole, and then anchor it in the new position.
Broken Latch
If the latch doesn't retract when you push it manually or use the handle, it is likely that the internal mechanism has broken. Checking where the latch contacts can help you determine the reason for it to fail. A lipstick test can help you identify if the problem is caused by sagging hinges, misaligned latch bolts, a narrow strike plate hole or a combination of issues. To test the lipstick, place a strip of lipstick (or similar marking material) on 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 a lack of contact between the latch and the strike plate.
The best option is to grease your latch. WD-40 and other dry lubricants don't perform as well as graphite pencil. You can also use a cotton swab to remove any dirt from the keyhole.
If lubricating the latch does not solve the issue, you may need to reposition the strike plate. If french doors glass replacement shimmied or sanded, or enlarged the strike plate's hinges or holes and hinges, you'll need to move the strikeplate to the correct position relative to the lock. Test the lock after having adjusted the latch and moved the strike plate to the proper position. If the latch is not working, you can use wood filler to fill any old screwholes or gaps created by moving the strikeplate or sanding hinges. Then you can paint or stain the frame to complete the repair.
Leaks
Leaky French doors can cause serious problem. Water can leak through French doors and cause mold or wood damage. This can lead to expensive repair bills in the future. The good news is that the majority of French door leaks can be easily repaired with a little effort and the use of a few basic tools.
Poor weatherproofing is one of the most common reasons for leaks from French doors. This is due to French doors distinctive design, which consists of large areas of tempered glass as well as a frame. It is important to inspect your French doors on a regular basis for signs of wear, which could lead to leaks. It is essential to ensure that all seals haven't changed and are in good shape.
If you notice that your French doors leaking when it rains it is recommended to conduct an extensive inspection to pinpoint the source of the leak. Find visible signs of water intrusion, for example, damaged seals on window frames or around window panes. Also the presence of rusty threshold sealants could be an indication. It's also crucial to verify that the threshold is sealed and insulated.
A French door may leak during rain when there is a blockage within the lock mechanism. It is necessary to clean the lock using an oil containing silicone if this is the situation. This will lubricate the lock and prevent it from becoming stuck. If you have trouble opening the lock, it might be that the key is worn out or damaged and must be replaced. You can get keys to replace them at many hardware stores. If you have a key that's too long or worn, it may be time to get a new lock.