How to Fix Common French Door Repair Problems
French doors can give an air of sophistication to any home. They're also an excellent choice for homes that are built in the past.
They're also simple to maintain. They should be cleaned regularly with a mild soap.
Nevertheless, they can be damaged over time as any other door. However, there are a number of ways to repair them.
Broken or damaged window
A broken or cracked glass window is not only visually unattractive, but also compromises the security of your home and its insulation. It is impossible to stop the crack from spreading forever, but you can slow down the process with a few simple and quick fixes.
First, make sure to wear protective glasses and gloves when working with glass, since it is very easy to break shards of glass when you're not careful. To remove dirt and debris, use a damp cloth to scrub the area surrounding the crack. This will ensure that the adhesive you use to fix the crack adheres well and doesn't leak or cause additional damage.
Decide if Repair My Windows And Doors 'd like to make use of a temporary solution like tape or film, to cover the hole or if a more permanent solution is what you would prefer. If you decide to opt for the latter option, make sure to use a glass glue specifically designed for glass and windows, like Loctite's Super Glue Glass. This product is strong and can be used on the inside or outside your glass and windows. It's great for quick repairs.
A clear nail polish can also be used to temporarily fill in cracks. This is particularly useful for stress cracks which develop when temperatures change dramatically from cold to hot. Be aware, however, that nail polish was never made to stand up to water and therefore it won't last for a long time. In addition, you can cover your windows with an opaque plastic sheet that will protect the glass and keep out wind, rain, bugs, and other pests.
Sagging Hinges
A door that is sagging can be a source of displeasure and also impact the overall stability of your house. Luckily, the problem is usually fixable. If your door starts to sag, it's important that you address the issue right away. Otherwise, minor problems can turn into more serious issues like squeaks, or other more serious misalignments.
Start by checking the hinges. Often loose screws are the culprit. If tightening screws do not solve the problem of sagging replacing them with screws that are larger could aid. Longer screws can support the weight of the door and stop it from sliding over time.
You may also need to add shims to adjust the hinge's location. Thin strips of material can fit between the hinge and the frame or jamb, spreading the weight evenly and preventing sagging in the future. Use a doorstop, or have someone hold the door while you remove the screws from the damaged hinge, and then carefully lift the door off the hinges.
It is important to recognize that a door that is creaking can be caused by uneven floor levels. This could lead you to inspect the floor for any problems and then fix the issues, which can help resolve the issue of sagging without looking at the door. In some instances the sagging could be due to the condition of the hinge components, like the pin or knuckle. In this scenario you'll need to replace your hinges. This can be an intimidating task for those with no the skills of a carpenter. In some cases, sagging door hinges may also indicate that the structure of the door is too heavy for its frame or jamb.
Misaligned Doors
If your doors are sagging or scraping against the frame or are difficult to latch, they may be misaligned. A door that is not aligned properly can be a nuisance however, it can also contribute to energy inefficiency and loud, scratchy sounds throughout your home. Luckily, there are several simple ways to address this problem without having to call in a professional.
If the gap around your doors is uneven, it could be a sign that your hinges need to be tightened. If the gap isn't excessive, it could be due to your door frame has shifted or settled over 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 could cause the wood to swell and cause your doors not to shut properly. However, this is not an issue for long and usually clears up as the humidity decreases.
After a rainstorm that is heavy there are many who discover that their doors are not aligned properly. The solution is simple tighten the hinge screws. If this isn't working, you can employ longer screws to fix your hinges. This will give the hinges more support and stop them from falling off again.
Another issue that could be a problem is an unaligned strike plate. The strike plate will need to be moved lower to make space for the latch. This is also an easy fix, but you'll need to remove the existing strike plate and drill new holes for it. Use a wood dowel with the same diameter as the screwhole to fill the hole that was previously drilled and then fix it in its new location.
Broken Latch
If the latch doesn't retract when you push it manually or turn the handle, it is likely that the mechanism has broken. The location of the latch's contact will help you identify what is causing it to fail. The lipstick test can be used to determine if the issue stems from sagging hinges or a misaligned bolt for the latch. It can also be used to determine whether it is a mix of problems, such as sagging hinges and a narrow strike plate. To conduct the test, place a strip of lipstick (or another marking material) over the latch. Close and open the latch. If the latch is in contact with the lipstick beneath or above the strike plate's hole, it means that there is a lack of contact between the latch and strike plate.
The best option is to lubricate your latch. WD-40 and other dry lubricants will not perform as well as a graphite pencil. You can also use a cotton swab to remove any dirt from the keyhole.
If lubricating the latch does not solve the problem, you may need to reposition the strike plate. If you've sanded or shimmied the hinges or widened the strike plate's hole you'll need to move the strike plate to its appropriate position relative to the latch. Test the lock after having adjusted the latch and moved the strikeplate to the correct position. If your latch is still 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. Then you can paint or stain the frame to complete the repair.
Leaks
Leaky French doors can cause serious issue. Water can leak through French doors and cause damage to the wood or growth of mold. This could result in costly repairs in the near future. The good news is that most French door leaks can be repaired with a little effort and a few simple tools.
One of the main reasons for water leaking from French doors is poor weatherproofing. This is due to French doors' unique design, which is comprised of large areas of tempered glass and a frame. It is important to check all components of your French doors for signs of wear and tear that could cause leaks. It's important to check whether all seals haven't deteriorated and are in good condition.
If you find that your French doors leak when it rains it's a good idea to do a thorough inspection to determine the cause of the leak. Look for visible evidence of water intrusion for example, damaged seals on window frames or around windows. Also rusty threshold sealants may be a sign. Make sure the threshold is properly sealed and insulated.
A French door may leak when it rains if there is an obstruction within the lock mechanism. It is necessary to clean the lock with a silicone spray in the event of this. This will help lubricate the lock and prevent it from getting stuck. If you're having trouble opening the lock, it could be because the key is worn out or damaged. It's time to get it replaced. You can get a replacement key at most hardware stores. If you have a key that is too long or worn, it might be time to have a new lock.