10 Things You Learned In Kindergarden That'll Help You With French Door Repair
How to Fix Common French Door Repair Problems
French doors can bring an air of elegance to any home. They're also a great fit for period homes.
They're also easy to maintain. It is recommended to clean them often using an mild soap solution.
However, they are susceptible to being damaged over time like other doors. Fortunately, there are many ways to repair them.
Broken or cracked windows
A window that is damaged or cracked isn't just ugly but it also affects the security and insulation of your home. While it's impossible to stop the spreading of cracks for a long time but you can slow the process down with a few simple and quick fixes.
Wear protective glasses and gloves when working with glass. It is easy to break glass shards when you're not careful. Then take the time to thoroughly clean the area around the crack using a a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris. This will ensure that the adhesive you use to fix the crack is held well and doesn't leak or cause further damage.
Then, you must decide if 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 opt for the latter option, be sure to buy a glass glue that is made for glass and windows such as Loctite's Super Glue Glass. This glue is strong and can be used inside or outside your glass and windows. It's perfect for quick fixes.
A clear nail polish may also be used to temporarily fill in cracks. This is especially useful for stress cracks that form when the temperature changes dramatically from hot to cold. However, keep in mind that nail polish isn't made to withstand moisture, so it won't last for an indefinite period of time. You can also cover the windows with a plastic film that will protect the windows and keep out bugs, rain and wind.
Sagging Hinges
A door that is sagging can be an eyesore and can impact the stability of your home. Fortunately, the majority of the time, it's simple to correct. It's important to address the issue immediately if your door begins to move. Small issues can turn into serious, like noises, or other issues.
Start by checking the hinges. Often, loose screws are the cause. If tightening screws doesn't resolve the sagging and sagging, replacing them with longer screws could aid. Longer screws will be able to support the weight of the door and stop it from sagging over time.
You may also need to install shims to alter the hinge's location. Thin strips can be positioned between the frame or jambs to distribute the door's weight evenly. This will prevent any future sliding. Use a doorstop or have someone 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 an uneven floor. This could lead you to inspect the floor for any problems and correct the issues, which can help resolve the issue of sagging without focussing on the door. The door's sagging could be due to the condition of hinge components such as the knuckle or the pin. In this case, you will have to replace your hinges. This is an intimidating task for those with no carpentry experience. In some instances, sagging hinges can also indicate that the door's structure is too heavy for the frame or jamb.
Doors that are not aligned
Doors that are not aligned properly can cause them to sag, scrape against the frame, or become difficult to latch. A door that is not aligned properly can be a nuisance however, it can also contribute to energy inefficiency and the sound of scratchy, squeaky noises throughout your home. There are several easy ways to fix the issue without contacting a professional.
If the gap around your doors is uneven, it could mean that the hinges need to be tightened. If the gap isn't excessive, it might be due to your door frame shifting or settling over time. In this scenario, you can use shims to adjust the frame.
Another reason that causes misalignment is a high level of humidity in the air. This can make wood swell, causing your doors to become stuck. However, this isn't a long-term issue and usually clears up as the humidity decreases.
Many people are aware that their doors are misaligned following a storm, but the solution is quite simple: simply tighten the hinge screws to fix the alignment. If this does not work, you could use longer screws to fix your hinges. This will provide them with more support and prevent the hinges from loosing again in the future.
A misaligned strikeplate can be another possibility. The strike plate is typically moved lower to make space for the latch. This is a simple fix however, you must 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 fill the old hole and then anchor it in the new location.
Broken Latch
If the latch doesn't retract when you push it manually or turn the handle, it is likely that the internal mechanism has failed. You can determine the root of the problem by examining the location of the latch's contacts situated. A lipstick test can help determine if the issue is caused by sagging hinges or a misaligned latch bolts, a small strike plate hole, or a combination of problems. To test apply a strip of lipstick (or other marking material) over 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 method to fix this is to make sure that the latch is lubricated. Lubricating can be done using graphite pens, which works better than WD-40 or other dry lubricants. You can also try placing an swab of cotton into the keyhole to get rid of any dirt that has accumulated in the keyhole.
If lubricating the latch does not resolve the issue, it might be necessary to reposition the strike plate. If you've sanded, shimmied or pushed the hinges, or enlarged the strike plate's hole, you will need to move the strike plate to the proper position in relation to the latch. Check the latch after you've adjusted the latch and moved the strikeplate to the correct position. If the latch is not working, you can use wood filler to fill in any old gap or screw holes that were created by moving the strikeplate or sanding hinges. You can then paint or stain your frame to complete the repair.
Leaks
A serious problem can arise from French doors that leak. They can allow water to be able to seep into your home which can cause wood damage and mold growth. This can result in expensive repair costs later on. Repair My Windows And Doors is that most French door leaks can be repaired with a little effort and a few simple tools.
One of the most common reasons for leaks from French doors is poor weatherproofing. This is due to the unique design of French doors, which consist of large areas of glass and a frame. It's important to regularly inspect the entire structure of your French doors for signs of wear and tear that could result in leaks. It is essential to ensure whether all seals haven't deteriorated and are in good condition.
If you notice that your French doors are leaking when it rains, it's best to conduct a thorough examination to determine the source of the leak. Find visible evidence of water intrusion for example, damaged seals on the frames of windows or around windows. Also, rusty threshold sealants can be a sign. Verify that the threshold is properly insulated and sealed.
In some instances the French door can leak when it rains, because there is an obstruction in the mechanism of the lock. You will need to clean the lock with the spray of silicone in the event of this. This will help lubricate the lock and stop the lock from becoming stuck. If you're having trouble opening the lock, it might be because the key is worn out or damaged and will need to be replaced. You can purchase an alternative key from most hardware stores. If you have a key that is too long or worn, it may be time to have an entirely new lock installed.