How to Fix Common French Door Repair Problems
French doors can give an air of sophistication to any house. They are also great for homes with a period.
They're also simple to keep. It's best to clean them regularly with mild soap solutions.
However, they can be damaged over time, just like any other door. Fortunately, there are many ways to fix them.
Broken or cracked window
A window that is damaged or cracked does more than just look ugly, it compromises the security and insulation of your home. It's impossible to stop the crack from extending for a long time but you can slow the process with a few simple and quick fixes.
First, ensure that you wear safety glasses and gloves while working with glass, since it is very easy to break glass shards in the event of negligence. To get rid of dirt and other debris, use a damp cloth to clean the area around the crack. This will ensure that the adhesive that you're using to fix the crack is held properly and doesn't leak or cause further damage.
Decide whether you'd like to employ a temporary solution, like tape or film to cover the hole or if a more permanent solution is what you prefer. If you opt for the latter option, make sure to purchase a special glass glue specifically designed for glass and windows such as 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.
A clear nail polish can also be used to temporarily fill cracks. This is particularly useful for stress cracks which develop when temperatures change dramatically from hot to cold. Be aware that nail polish was not made to stand up to water so it won't last for a long time. Lastly, you can also cover your windows with the use of a plastic barrier that will shield the glass and help keep out rain, wind, bugs, and other pests.
Sagging Hinges
A door that is sagging can be an eyesore and can affect the overall stability of your house. Luckily, the problem is usually easy to fix. It is crucial to address the issue immediately if your door starts to slide. Minor issues can escalate into serious, such as noises, or other issues.
Begin by inspecting the hinges to find out what's causing the problem. Screws that are loose are usually the reason. If tightening the screws doesn't solve the problem and sagging, replacing the screws with longer ones could aid. Longer screws will assist in supporting the weight of your door and prevent it from sagging.
You may also have to use shims in order to refine the hinge's position. Thin strips of material can be inserted between the hinge and frame or jamb, spreading the weight of the door evenly and preventing sagging in the future. Use a doorstop or let someone hold the door in place while you remove the screws from the affected hinge, and then lift the door off the hinges.
It is important to keep in mind that a floor that is uneven could cause the door to sag. This could lead you to examine the floor for any issues and then fix them, which will allow you to solve the sagging problem without focussing on the door itself. The door's sagging could be due to the condition of hinge components such as the knuckle or pin. In this case you'll need to replace the hinges. This can be a difficult task for those who do not have the skills of a carpenter. In some instances the sagging hinges could be a sign that the door's construction is too heavy for the frame or jamb.
Doors that are not aligned
Doors that aren't aligned properly may cause them to sag, scrape against the frame, or be difficult to latch. A door that is not aligned properly or is sagging can be a nuisance however it could also contribute to energy waste and scratchy, squeaky noises in your home. There are many simple solutions to this issue without the need to call a professional.
If the door's gap is uneven, the hinges may need to be tightened. If the gap is not too large, it could be that the frame of your door has settled or moved over time. In this case you can use shims to reset the frame.
Another common cause of misalignment is a lot of moisture in the air. This can cause the wood to swell and cause your doors not to close properly. This isn't a permanent issue, and usually goes away once the humidity decreases.
After a rainstorm that is heavy there are many who discover that their doors aren't properly aligned. The solution is simple: tighten the hinge screws. If this does not work, you could use longer screws to fix your hinges. This will give the hinges a greater amount of support and stop them from falling off again.
A misaligned strikeplate is a different possible issue. Typically, the strike plate needs to be relocated lower to allow for more space for the latch. This is a simple fix however, you'll need to remove the old strike plate, and drill holes for it. Then, french doors glass replacement can make use of a dowel made of wood that's the same diameter as the screw hole to fill in the old holes, and then secure the strike plate in its new location.
Broken Latch
If the latch doesn't retract when you manually push it or use the handle, it is likely that the internal mechanism is broken. You can determine the cause of the problem by examining where the latch contacts are placed. The test for lipstick can be used to determine if the issue originates from sagging hinges, or a misaligned latch bolt. It will also reveal if it is a combination of issues, such as sagging hinges and a narrow strike plate. To test apply a lipstick strip (or other marking material) over the latch. Close and open the latch. If the latch is in contact with the lipstick below or above the strike plate hole it means that there is a lack of contact between the latch and the strike plate.
The best solution is to lubricate the latch. Lubrication can be accomplished using graphite pen which is superior to WD-40 or other dry fluids. You can also make use of a cotton swab in order to remove any dirt from the keyhole.
If lubricating the latch does not solve the issue, you may need to move the strike plate. If you've sanded, shimmied or pushed the hinges, or enlarged the strike plate hole, you'll need to move the strike plate to its correct position in relation to the latch. Test the lock after having adjusted the latch and moved the strike plate to the proper position. If the latch is not working then you can use wood filler to fill any old holes or gaps caused by moving the strike plate or sanding hinges. You can then stain or paint your frame to finish the repair.
Leaks
A serious issue can arise from French doors that leak. Water can seep through the French doors and cause damage to the wood or growth of mold. This can result in expensive repair costs in the future. The good news is, the majority of French door leaks can be fixed with a little work and some basic tools.
Inadequate weatherproofing is among the main causes of leaks from French doors. This is due to the unique design of French doors, which are made up of large areas of glass and a frame. It is essential to check your French doors on a regular basis for signs of wear that could cause leaks. It's also crucial to make sure that the seals are in good shape and haven't deteriorated over time.
If you find that your French doors leak during rain, it's a good idea for you to conduct a thorough inspection in order to pinpoint the source of the leak. Look for visible evidence of water intrusion for example, damaged seals on the frames of windows or around window panes. Also rusty threshold sealants may be an indication. It's also crucial to verify that the threshold is properly sealed and insulated.
A French door may leak during rain if there is an obstruction within the lock mechanism. If this is the case, you'll need to clean out the lock with a silicone spray. This will make the lock more lubricated and will help prevent it from getting stuck. If you are having difficulty opening the lock, it could be that the key is worn out or damaged and needs to be replaced. Hardware stores typically offer keys that can be replaced. If you have a lock that is too long or worn, it might be time to have a new lock.