What's The Current Job Market For French Door Repair Professionals Like? How to Fix Common French Door Repair Problems

French doors can add an air of sophistication to any home. They are also great for homes with a period.

They're also an easy addition to maintain. It is recommended to clean them frequently with a mild soap.

Like any door, they can get damaged over time. There are many ways to fix these doors.

Broken or cracked windows

A window that is damaged or cracked doesn't just look unattractive but it also affects the security and insulation of your home. While it's impossible to stop the spread of a crack, you can slow the process down with a few easy and quick solutions.

First, ensure that you wear safety glasses and gloves when working with glass, as it is easy to break shards of glass when you're not careful. To remove dirt and debris, use a damp cloth to clean the area surrounding the crack. This will ensure that the glue you use to fix the crack stays properly and doesn't leak out 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 decide to go with the latter, be sure to purchase a special glass glue specifically made for glass and windows like Loctite's Super Glue Glass. This glue has a strong hold and can be applied to the exterior or interior of your glass windows, making it perfect for quick repairs.

replacing french door glass for temporary relief is to use clear nail polish to fill in the crack, which is particularly effective for stress cracks that form when there's a drastic temperature change from cold to hot or in reverse. Be aware that nail polish isn't made to withstand moisture, so it will not last for a long period of time. You can also cover windows with a plastic film, which will shield the windows and keep out bugs, rain and wind.

Sagging Hinges

A sagging front door can be an eye sore and affect the stability of your home. Fortunately, the issue is usually easy to fix. If your door is beginning to slide, it's imperative to fix the issue as soon as you notice it. Small issues can turn into serious, such as noises, or other issues.

Begin by looking at the hinges to find out the root of the issue. Most often loose screws are the culprit. If tightening screws doesn't resolve the sagging replacement of them with longer screws could aid. Longer screws can support the weight of the door and stop it from sagging over time.

You may also have to add shims to adjust the hinge's location. These thin strips of metal can fit between the hinge and frame or jamb, distributing the weight of the door evenly and preventing sagging in the future. 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 of the hinges.

It is important to recognize that a door that is sagging could be due to uneven floor level. Knowing this may prompt you to examine the floor and address any issues that could help solve the sagging issue without focusing solely on the door itself. In some cases the sagging might be due to the condition of hinge components, such as the knuckle or pin. In this instance you'll have to replace your hinges. This can be difficult for those who do not have experience in carpentry. In some cases the sagging hinges could be a sign that the door's construction is too heavy for the frame or jamb.

Misaligned Doors

If your doors are sagging and scratching against the frame, or are difficult to latch, they may be not aligned correctly. A door that is not aligned properly or is sagging can be annoying and can contribute to energy waste and squeaky, scratchy noises in your home. There are a few easy solutions to the issue without calling a professional.

If the gap around the door is uneven, the hinges could require tightening. If the gap is not excessive, it could be due to your door frame has settled or moved over time. In this case you can employ shims to reset the frame.

A high humidity in the air is another common reason for misalignment. This can make wood swell, causing your doors to become stuck. But, this isn't an issue for long and usually is resolved when humidity decreases.

After a rainstorm that is heavy there are many who discover that their doors aren't properly aligned. The solution is simple to tighten the hinge screws. This usually resolves the problem, but if it doesn't think about using longer screws for your hinges. This will give them more strength and stop the hinges from loosing again in the future.

Another possibility is a misaligned strike plate. The strike plate will need to be relocated lower to make room for the latch. This is a simple fix, however, you'll need to remove the old strike plate and drill holes for it. Make use of a wooden dowel that has the same diameter as the screwhole to cover the hole that was previously drilled, and then anchor it in the new position.

Broken Latch

If the latch does not retract when you manually push it or turn the handle, then it is likely that the internal mechanism is broken. You can determine the cause of the issue by examining the location where the latch contacts are located. The lipstick test can be used to determine if the issue is due to sagging hinges or a latch bolt that is not aligned properly. It can also be used to determine if it is a combination of problems, such as hinges that are sagging and a narrow strike plate. To perform the test apply the strip of lipstick (or other marking material) over the latch. Close and open the door. If the latch touches either the lipstick below or the lipstick above the strike plate this means that the latch and strike plate are not in contact.

The best option is to lubricate your latch. WD-40 and other dry lubricants don't perform as well as graphite pencil. You can also try putting an unwrapped cotton swab into the keyhole to get rid of any dirt that may have accumulated in the keyhole.

If lubricating the latch does not resolve the problem, it may be necessary to relocate the strikeplate. If you have shimmied, sanded, or enlarged your strike plate's hinges or holes to the point that you need to move the strikeplate to the proper position in relation to the lock. Check the latch after you've adjusted the latch and moved the strike plate to the proper position. If your latch remains stuck, you can use a wood filler to repair any gaps or holes that were caused by moving the strike plate or sanding the hinges. You can then paint or stain your frame to finish the repair.

Leaks

Leaky French doors can pose a serious problem. Water can leak through French doors and cause wood damage or mold growth. This could result in costly repair bills in the future. The good news is that the majority of French door leaks can be fixed with just a bit of effort and a few basic tools.

One of the most common reasons for water leaking from French doors is poor weatherproofing. This is due to French doors their unique design, which comprises large areas of tempered glass as well as frames. It is crucial to examine your French doors regularly for signs of wear, which could lead to leaks. It is crucial to make sure that all seals have not deteriorated and are in good condition.


If you notice your French doors leaking during rain, it's a good idea for you to conduct an extensive inspection to determine the cause of the leak. Look for any visible signs of water ingress, such as damaged seals around frames and window panes, or rusty threshold sealants. Check that the threshold is properly insulated and sealed.

In some cases it is possible that a French door might leak during rainy days because there is an obstruction in the mechanism of the lock. If this is the case, you'll need to clean out the lock with an oil spray of silicone. This will allow the lock to be lubricated and stop the lock from getting stuck. If you're having difficulty opening the lock, it could be because the key is damaged or worn out. It's time to get it replaced. You can get an alternative key from most hardware stores. If your key is short or worn out, it may be the right time to replace it with a new lock.