10 Things You Learned In Kindergarden That Will Help You Get French Door Repair How to Fix Common French Door Repair Problems

French doors can give an air of elegance to any house. They are also ideal for homes built in the past.

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

But, just like any other door, they are susceptible to damage over time. There are a variety of methods to repair these doors.

Broken or cracked windows

A damaged or cracked window isn't just 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 the process down by making simple and quick solutions.

Wear safety glasses and gloves when working with glass. It is easy to break glass shards when you're not careful. To remove dirt and debris, use a moist cloth to clean the area around the crack. This will ensure that the glue that you're using to fix the crack is held properly and doesn't leak or cause further damage.

Then, consider whether you'd prefer to go with the temporary route using plastic film or tape or if you want to test a more permanent solution that lasts longer. If you decide to go with the latter option, make sure to use a glass glue that is specifically designed specifically for glass and windows like Loctite's Super Glue Glass. It has a sturdy hold and can be applied to the inside or outside of your glass and windows making it ideal for quick fixes.

Another option for temporary relief is to use a clear nail polish to fill in the crack, which is particularly effective for stress cracks that occur when there's a drastic temperature change from cold to hot or vice versa. Remember that nail polish wasn't designed to withstand water so it won't last forever. You can also cover the windows with a plastic film, which will protect them from bugs, rain and wind.

Sagging Hinges

A sagging front door can be a source of irritation and affect the stability of your home. Luckily, the problem is usually simple to fix. If your door starts to sag, it's important to fix the issue as soon as you notice it. Minor problems can become more serious, like noises, or other issues.

Begin by inspecting the hinges to find out the root of the issue. In most cases, loose screws are the culprit. If tightening screws doesn't fix the issue of sagging, replacing them with screws that are more long might aid. Longer screws can help support the door's weight and stop it from sagging over time.

It is also possible to introduce shims to fine-tune the hinge's positioning. These thin strips of metal can be inserted between the hinge and the jamb or frame, distributing the weight evenly and preventing future sagging. Use a doorstop or let someone else hold the door while you remove the screws from the damaged hinge, and then carefully lift the door off of the hinges.


It is important to recognize that a sagging door could be due to an uneven floor. Knowing this may prompt you to examine the floor and fix any issues, which could help you solve the problem of sagging without focusing solely on the door itself. The sagging of the door could be due to the condition of hinge components like the pin or the knuckle. In this instance you'll need to replace your hinges. This is difficult for homeowners who lack the skills of a carpenter. In certain cases, sagging hinges can also 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 slide, scrape against the frame, or become difficult to latch. A misaligned or sagging door is a source of frustration, but it can also contribute to energy waste and scratchy, squeaky noises in your home. There are a few easy solutions to the issue without contacting an expert.

If the door's gap is uneven, the hinges may require tightening. If, however, the gap isn't too large, it might be due to your door's frame shifting or settling with time. In this scenario you can employ shims to reset the frame.

Another reason for misalignment is a lot of moisture in the air. This can make wood swell, causing your doors to become stuck. This isn't a permanent issue, and usually goes away when the humidity decreases.

In the aftermath of a storm, many people find that their doors are not properly aligned. The solution is simple: tighten the hinge screws. If this doesn't work, you can employ longer screws to fix your hinges. This will give them more support and stop the hinges from becoming loose in the future.

A misaligned strikeplate can be another possibility. The strike plate is usually moved lower to allow room for the latch. This is also a simple fix, but you will need to remove the existing strike plate and make new holes for it. Make replace window with french doors of a wooden dowel that has the same diameter as the screwhole to fill in the hole in the previous one, and then fix it in its new location.

Broken Latch

If the latch fails to retract when you operate the handle or manually push it, it's most likely that something within the internal mechanism is broken. Examining the location where the latch contacts will help you identify what is causing it to fail. A lipstick test can help you identify if the problem is caused by sagging hinges or a misaligned latch bolts, a small strike plate hole, or a combination of issues. To conduct the test put an area of lipstick (or similar marking material) on the latch. Close and open the latch. If the latch touches the lipstick beneath or above the strike plate's hole, it means there is a lack of contact between the latch and the strike plate.

The best solution is to lubricate your latch. Lubricating can be done with graphite pen, which works better than WD-40 or other dry oil lubricants. You can also try placing an unwrapped cotton swab into the keyhole to get rid of any dirt that may have accumulated in the keyhole.

If lubricating your latch does not solve the issue, it could be necessary to reposition the strike plate. If you've sanded, shimmied or pushed the hinges or widened the strike plate's hole, you will need to move the strike plate into the proper position in relation to the latch. After you've moved your strike plate and adjusted the latch to a suitable location, test the latch to ensure that it's working properly. If the latch is not working you can use a wood filler to fill in any holes or gaps caused by moving the strike plate or sanding hinges. Then, you can stain or paint your frame to finish the repair.

Leaks

A serious issue can result from French doors that leak. They could allow water to seep into the home which can cause wood damage and mold growth. This can result in expensive repairs in the near future. The good news is that most French door leaks can be fixed with just a bit of effort and a few basic tools.

One of the primary reasons for leaks from French doors is the poor weatherproofing. This is due to the unique design of French doors, which comprise of large glass areas and a frame. It is essential to check your French doors on a regular basis for signs of wear that could lead to leaks. It's also crucial to ensure that all seals are in good working order and have not deteriorated over time.

If you notice that your French doors leaking during rain, it's recommended to conduct an in-depth inspection to determine the cause of the leak. Find visible evidence of water intrusion like damaged seals on window frames or around windows. Also, rusty threshold sealants can be an indication. It's also important to check that the threshold is sealed and is properly insulated.

A French door may leak during rain if there is an obstruction within the lock mechanism. It is essential to clean the lock using the spray of silicone if this is the situation. This will lubricate the lock and prevent it from becoming stuck. If you are having difficulty opening the lock, it could be due to the fact that the key is worn or damaged and must be replaced. You can purchase keys to replace them at many hardware stores. If you have a lock that is too short or damaged, it could be time to have a new lock installed.