How to Fix Common French Door Repair Problems
French doors can bring a touch of class to your home. They are also great for period homes.
They're also an easy addition to maintain. It's best to clean them regularly with a mild soap solution.
However, they can be damaged over time like other doors. Fortunately, there are many ways to fix them.
Broken or damaged window
A window that is damaged or cracked does more than just look ugly, it compromises the security and insulation of your home. While it's impossible to stop a crack from spreading indefinitely but you can slow it down with some easy and quick solutions.
Wear safety glasses and gloves when working with glass. It's easy to break glass shards if you're not cautious. After that take the time to thoroughly clean the area around the crack with the help of a damp cloth to eliminate any dirt or debris. This will ensure that the adhesive you are using to fix the crack stays properly and doesn't leak or cause further damage.
Decide whether you'd like to use a temporary solution, such as tape or plastic film to cover the hole, or if a permanent solution is what you prefer. If you choose to choose 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 applied to the inside or outside of your glass windows, making it perfect for quick fixes.
Another alternative is to apply clear nail polish to fill in the crack, which can be particularly effective in stress cracks that occur when there's a sudden temperature change from hot to cold or vice versa. But, remember that nail polish isn't designed to withstand moisture, which means it isn't able to last for an indefinite period of time. You can also protect the windows with a plastic film, which will protect them from insects, rain and wind.
Sagging Hinges
A sliding front door can be a snore and could affect the stability of your home. Fortunately, most of the time, it's easy to fix. If your door starts to slide, it's imperative to fix the issue as soon as you notice it. If not, small problems could turn into more serious issues like squeaks, or other major misalignments.
Begin by inspecting the hinges to determine the root of the issue. The loose screws are often the reason. If tightening the screws doesn't resolve the sagging replacement of them with longer screws could aid. Longer screws can help support the door's weight and prevent it from sagging over time.
You may also have to install shims to adjust the hinge's position. Thin strips of material can be inserted between the hinge and the jamb or frame, distributing the weight of the door evenly and preventing future sagging. Use a door stopper or ask someone to hold it in place while you remove screws from the hinge. Then, carefully lift the doors off the hinges.
It is important to recognize that a sagging door can sometimes be caused by uneven floor level. This could lead you to examine the floor for any problems and correct them, which will allow you to solve the sagging problem without focussing on the door itself. In some instances the sagging might be due to the condition of hinge components, like the knuckle or pin. In this case, you will need to replace your hinges. This is a difficult task for those who do not have carpentry experience. In certain cases the hinges that are sagging may suggest that the door's frame is too heavy for the frame or jamb.
Doors that aren't aligned
Misaligned doors can cause them to sag, scrape against the frame, or be difficult to latch. A door that isn't aligned correctly can be a nuisance however, it can also cause energy inefficiency as well as squeaky, scratchy noises throughout your home. There are a variety of easy ways to fix this issue without the need to call a professional.
If the door's gap is uneven, the hinges might need to be tightened. If the gap is not excessive it could be because your door frame has settled or moved over time. In this scenario, you can use shims to reset the frame.
Another common cause of misalignment is the presence of moisture in the air. This could cause the wood to expand and cause your doors not to shut properly. However, this isn't an issue that lasts long and typically clears up as the humidity decreases.
Many people notice that their doors aren't aligned after a rainstorm, but the solution is simple: simply tighten the hinge screws to correct the alignment. This will usually solve the problem, but if it doesn't you should consider using a longer screw for your hinges. This will give them more strength and prevent the hinges from loosing again in the near future.
Another issue that could be a problem is an unaligned strike plate. Typically, the strike plate will need to be moved lower to allow for more space for the latch. replacing glass in french door is also an easy solution, but you'll have to remove the current strike plate and drill new holes for it. Use a wood dowel with the same diameter as the screwhole to fill the old hole and then secure it in its new location.
Broken Latch
If the latch does not retract when you manually push it or turn the handle, it is likely that the internal mechanism has broken. You can identify the cause of the issue by examining where the latch contacts are located. A lipstick test can help identify if the problem is caused by sagging hinges misaligned latch bolt, narrow strike plate hole or a combination of issues. To perform the lipstick test put a strip of lipstick (or similar marking material) on the latch. Close and then open the door. If the latch is in contact with the lipstick beneath or above the strike plate's hole, it indicates that there is no contact between the latch and strike plate.
The best method to fix this is to lubricate the latch. Lubricating can be done with graphite pens, which works better than WD-40 or other dry oil lubricants. You can also try inserting a cotton swab in the keyhole to get rid of any dirt that has accumulated in the keyhole.
If lubricating the latch doesn't solve the issue, it might be necessary to reposition the strike plate. If you've sanded, shimmied or pushed the hinges or widened the strike plate hole, you'll need to move the strike plate to the proper position in relation to the latch. Test the lock after having adjusted the latch and moved the strikeplate to the proper position. If your latch remains stuck you can employ a wood filler fill any old screw holes or gaps that were caused by moving the strike plate or sanding the hinges. Then, you can stain or paint your frame to complete the repair.
Leaks
A serious problem can arise from French doors that leak. They could allow water to seep into the home which can cause wood damage and the growth of mold. This can lead to costly repairs later on. The good news is that most French door leaks are easily repaired with a little effort and some basic tools.
One of the main reasons for water leaking from French doors is the poor weatherproofing. This is due to French doors distinctive design, which consists of large areas of tempered glass as well as a frame. It is essential to regularly check every part of your French doors for signs of wear and tear that could lead to leaks. It is essential to ensure that all seals have not changed and are in good working order.
If you notice that your French doors are leaking when it rains, it's best to conduct a thorough inspection to determine the source of the leak. Examine for any visible indications of water intrusion like damaged seals around frames or window panes, or rusty threshold sealants. Verify that the threshold is properly insulated and sealed.
In certain situations it is possible that a French door may leak when it rains, because there is an obstruction in the lock mechanism. You will need to clean the lock using a silicone spray in the event of this. This will allow the lock to be lubricated and stop the lock from getting stuck. If you have trouble opening the lock, it might be that the key is worn or damaged and must be replaced. Most hardware stores offer replacement keys. If you have a key that's too long or worn, it might be time to have a new lock installed.