You Will Meet With The Steve Jobs Of The French Door Repair Industry How to Fix Common French Door Repair Problems

French doors can add a touch of sophistication to your home. They're also a great choice for homes that are built in the past.

They're also easy to maintain. It is recommended to clean them often with an mild soap solution.

But, just like any other door, they are prone to being damaged over time. There are a variety of ways to fix these doors.

Broken or cracked windows

A damaged or cracked window does more than just look ugly it also 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 it down with a few simple and quick fixes.

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. Next clean the area around the crack using a a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris. This will ensure that the glue you use to fix the crack sticks well and doesn't leak or cause further damage.

Next, decide whether you'd prefer the temporary route using plastic film or tape or if you prefer to try a more permanent solution that will last longer. If you decide to go with the latter option, be sure to purchase a glass glue specifically designed for glass and windows such as Loctite's Super Glue Glass. This product is strong and can be used outside or inside of your glass and windows. It's perfect for quick fixes.

Another temporary option is to apply a clear nail polish to fill in the crack, which can be particularly effective for stress cracks that form when there's a sudden temperature shift from hot to cold or in reverse. However, keep in mind that nail polish wasn't created to withstand water, so it will not last for a long 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 sagging front door can be a snore and can affect the stability of your home. Luckily, the problem is usually fixable. If your door is beginning to slide, it's imperative to address the issue immediately. Minor issues can escalate into serious, such as noises, or other issues.

Start by examining the hinges to determine what's causing the problem. Screws that are loose are usually the reason. If tightening replace window with french doors does not solve the problem of sagging, replacing them with screws that are longer could aid. Longer screws will be able to support the weight of your door and stop it from sagging.

You may also have to use shims in order to refine the hinge's location. These thin strips of material can be placed between the hinge and jamb or frame, distributing the weight evenly and preventing future sagging. Use a door stop or have someone hold it in place while you remove screws from the hinge. Then, gently lift the doors off the hinges.

It's important to note that a door that is sagging can be caused by an uneven floor. This can lead you to examine the floor for any problems and fix the issues, which can help solve the problem of sagging without focussing on the door. The sagging of the door may be caused by the condition of hinge components like the knuckle or the pin. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the hinges, which is a task that can be difficult for those with no carpentry skills. In some cases, sagging hinges can also indicate that the door's structure is too heavy for the frame or jamb.

Misaligned Doors

If your doors are sagging or scraping against the frame or difficult to latch, they may be not aligned correctly. A sagging or misaligned door can be a nuisance and can contribute to energy waste and scratchy, squeaky noises in your home. Luckily, there are several simple solutions to this issue without the need to call an expert.

If the gap around your doors is uneven, it could be a sign that the hinges must be tightened. If the gap is not too large, it could be that your door frame has shifted or settled over time. In this case you can use shims to adjust the frame.

A high humidity in the air is a common reason for misalignment. This can make wood swell, causing your doors to stick. This is not a permanent issue and usually disappears once the humidity drops.

Many people notice that their doors are misaligned after a rainstorm however the solution is simple: simply tighten the hinge screws to fix the alignment. If this isn't working, you can make use of longer screws to fix your hinges. This will give the hinges more support and prevent them from losing again.

A misaligned strikeplate is another potential problem. Typically, the strike plate must be relocated lower to allow for more room for the latch. This is a simple fix, but you'll need to remove the existing strike plate and make new holes for it. Then, you can use a wooden dowel of exactly the same size as the screw hole to fill in the old holes, and then fix the strike plate in the new position.

Broken Latch

If the latch doesn't retract when you push it manually or operate the handle, then it is likely that the mechanism has broken. Examining the location where the latch contacts can help determine the reason for it to fail. A lipstick test can help you determine if the issue caused by sagging hinges, misaligned latch bolt, small strike plate hole, or a combination of issues. To conduct the test put the strip of lipstick (or similar marking material) on the latch. Close and open the door. If the latch touches either the lipstick below or above the strike plate this means that the latch and the strike plate are not in contact.

The most effective way to fix this is to make sure that the latch is lubricated. Lubrication can be accomplished using a graphite pen, which works better than WD-40 or other dry fluids. You can also try putting a cotton swab in the keyhole to clean out any dirt that has built up in the keyhole.

If lubricating the latch does not solve the issue it may be necessary to relocate the strike plate. If you've shimmied or expanded, or sanded your strike plate hinges or holes, you will need move the strike plate to the correct position in relation to the lock. After you've moved the strike plate and adjusted the latch to a proper location, test the latch to make sure it's functioning correctly. If your latch is still stuck it is possible to employ a wood filler make holes or gaps created by moving the strike plate or sanding the hinges. You can then paint or stain your frame to finish the repair.


Leaks

A serious problem can arise from French doors that leak. They can let water be able to seep into your home which can cause wood damage and the growth of mold. This can result in expensive repair costs later on. The good news is, most French door leaks can be easily fixed with a little work and a few basic tools.

Inadequate weatherproofing is among the most common causes of leakage from French doors. This is due to the unique design of French doors, which are made up of large glass areas and a frame. It is essential to regularly check every part of your French doors for signs of wear and tear that could result in leaks. It's also important to make sure that all seals are in good working order and have not changed over time.

If you notice that your French doors leak when it rains, it's a good idea to conduct a thorough inspection to identify the source of the leak. Check for any obvious indications of water intrusion, such as damaged seals around frames and window panes, or the rusty sealants for thresholds. Check that the threshold is properly sealed and insulated.

In certain situations, a French door might leak when it rains, because there is an obstruction in the lock mechanism. It is essential to clean the lock using an oil containing silicone in the event of this. This will lubricate the lock and help keep 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 going to need to be replaced. Most hardware stores sell keys that can be replaced. If you have a key that is too short or worn, it might be time to get a new lock installed.