How to Fix Common French Door Repair Problems
French doors can add a touch of sophistication to your home. They're also an excellent choice for homes built in the past.
They're also an easy addition to keep. It is recommended to clean them frequently, using an mild soap solution.
But, just like any other door, they are susceptible to damage over time. There are a variety of ways to repair them.
Broken or cracked windows
A damaged or cracked window doesn't just look unattractive, it compromises the security and insulation of your home. It is impossible to stop the crack from spreading forever, but you can slow down the process with some quick and easy solutions.
The first step is to wear safety glasses and gloves while working with glass, as it is easy to break glass shards if you aren't careful. Then, thoroughly clean the area around the crack with the help of a damp cloth to eliminate any dirt or debris. This will ensure the adhesive you apply to fix the crack is bonded correctly and does not leak or cause further damage.
Then, you must decide if you'd prefer to go with the temporary route and use tape or plastic film, or if you prefer to go with a permanent solution that will last longer. If you choose to opt for the latter option, make sure you use a glass glue that is specifically designed for glass and windows, like Loctite's Super Glue Glass. This product has a strong hold and can be used on the inside or outside of your windows and glass making it ideal for quick repairs.
Another alternative is to use a clear nail polish to fill in the crack, which can be particularly effective in stress cracks that occur when there's a dramatic temperature change from cold to hot or vice versa. However, keep in mind that nail polish isn't made to withstand moisture, so it isn't able to last for an indefinite period of time. Lastly, you can also protect your windows by putting up the use of a plastic barrier that will shield the glass and keep out rain, wind bugs and other insects.
Sagging Hinges
A sliding front door can be a snore and can affect the stability of your home. Fortunately, the majority of the time, it's simple to correct. It is crucial to address the issue as soon as your door begins to move. Minor issues can escalate into serious, like squeaks and other misalignments.
Begin by looking at the hinges to determine what's causing the problem. Screws that are loose are usually the reason. If tightening screws doesn't solve the problem, replacing them with longer screws may help. The longer screws will help assist in supporting the weight of your door and prevent it from sagging.
It is also possible to use shims in order to refine the hinge's location. These thin strips of material can be inserted between the hinge and frame or jamb, distributing the door's weight evenly and preventing any future sagging. Use a doorstop or have someone else hold the door in place while you remove the screws from the affected hinge, and then lift the door off the hinges.
replacing french door glass is important to recognize that a door that is creaking can be caused by uneven floor level. This could lead you to check the floor for any problems and then fix the issues, which can help solve the problem of sagging without focussing on the door itself. In some cases, the sagging may be due to the condition of the hinge components, such as the pin or knuckle. In this instance, you will need to replace your hinges. This is a difficult task for homeowners who lack carpentry experience. In some cases, sagging door hinges may also mean that the construction of the door is too heavy for its frame or jamb.
Doors that aren't aligned
Doors that are not aligned properly can cause them to bow, scratch against the frame, or become difficult to latch. A door that is not aligned properly or is sagging can be annoying however it could also contribute to energy waste and squeaky, scratchy noises in your home. There are a few easy ways to fix the issue without contacting a professional.
If the gap between your doors is uneven, it could indicate that the hinges must be tightened. If the gap is not excessive it could be because your door frame has shifted or settled over time. In this scenario, shims can be used to reset the frame.
Another common cause of misalignment is a lot of humidity in the air. This can cause the wood to expand and cause your doors not to close properly. But, this isn't a long-term issue and usually is resolved when humidity decreases.
Many people find that their doors aren't aligned following a storm, but the solution is quite simple: simply tighten the hinge screws to correct the alignment. This will usually solve the issue however, if it does not think about using longer screws for your hinges. This will give the hinges more strength and prevent them from losing again.
A misaligned strikeplate is a different potential problem. The strike plate must be moved lower to make space for the latch. This is a simple fix, but it requires you to take off the old strike plate and then drill holes for it. You can then make use of a dowel made of wood that's the same diameter as the screw hole to fill in the holes, and then secure the strike plate in the new position.
Broken Latch
If the latch does not retract when you push it manually or use the handle, it is likely that the internal mechanism has broken. You can determine the cause of the problem by examining the location of the latch's contacts placed. The lipstick test can be used to determine if the problem stems from sagging hinges or a misaligned bolt for the latch. It can also be used to determine if it is a combination of problems, such as sagging hinges and a narrow strike plate. To test, place a lipstick strip (or any other marking material) over the latch. Close and open the door. If the latch touches the lipstick below or above the strike plate hole it indicates that there is no contact between the latch and the strike plate.
The best way to fix this is to lubricate the latch. WD-40 and other dry lubricants will not perform as well as graphite pencil. You can also try inserting an swab of cotton into the keyhole to remove any dirt that has accumulated in the keyhole.
If lubricating the latch doesn't solve the issue, it might be necessary to relocate the strikeplate. If you've sanded or shimmied the hinges, or enlarged the strike plate's hole you'll need to move the strike plate into the correct position in relation to the latch. Test the lock after having adjusted the latch and moved the strikeplate to the proper position. If the latch is not working, you can use wood filler to fill in any holes or gaps caused by moving the strikeplate or sanding hinges. Then, you can paint or stain the frame to complete the repair.
Leaks
Leaky French doors can pose a serious issue. Water can seep through the 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, most French door leaks are easily repaired with a little effort and some basic tools.
One of the primary causes of leaking from French doors is the poor weatherproofing. This is due to French doors' unique design, which comprises large areas of tempered glass and frames. It is essential to check your French doors regularly for signs of wear that could lead to leaks. It's also important to make sure that all seals are in good working order and haven't deteriorated over time.
If you notice 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. Examine for any visible indications of water intrusion like damaged seals around frames or window panes or damaged threshold sealants. It's also crucial to verify that the threshold is sealed and insulated.
A French door can leak during rain when there is a blockage within the lock mechanism. If this is the case, you'll need to clean out the lock using the use of a silicone spray. This will lubricate and prevent the lock from getting stuck. If you're having difficulty opening the lock, it could be due to the key being worn out or damaged. It will need to replaced. You can purchase a replacement key at most hardware stores. If your key is long or is worn out, it could be time to install a new lock.