This Week's Top Stories About French Door Repair
How to Fix Common French Door Repair Problems
French doors can add an air of elegance to any home. They are also great for period homes.
Additionally, they're easy to maintain. It's best to clean them regularly using an mild soap solution.
However, like any door they are susceptible to damage over time. Fortunately, there are many ways to fix them.
Broken or cracked window
A window that is damaged or cracked isn't just ugly it also compromises the security and insulation of your home. While it is impossible to stop the spread of a crack but you can slow it down with some 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. To get rid of dirt and other debris, use a damp cloth to scrub the area surrounding the crack. This will ensure that the adhesive that you're using to fix the crack sticks well and doesn't leak or cause further damage.
Then, consider whether you want to go the temporary route and utilize plastic film or tape, or if you prefer to test a more permanent solution that lasts longer. If you decide to go with the latter option, be sure to purchase a glass glue that is made for glass and windows like Loctite's Super Glue Glass. This glue is strong and can be used on the outside or inside your windows and glasses. It's ideal for quick fixes.
A clear nail polish may also be used to temporarily fill in cracks. This is especially useful for stress cracks that develop when the temperature fluctuates from hot to cold. But, remember that nail polish isn't designed to withstand water, so it isn't able to last for an indefinite period of time. Additionally, you can cover your windows with the use of a plastic barrier that will shield your glass and help keep out rain, wind, bugs, and other pests.
Sagging Hinges
A door that is sagging is a snare and could also impact the overall stability of your home. Luckily, the problem is usually fixable. It's important to address the issue as soon as your door begins to move. Minor problems can become more serious, such as noises, or other issues.
Start by looking over the hinges. Loose screws are often the cause. If tightening screws does not fix the issue of sagging, replacing them with screws that are more long may help. Longer screws can help support the door's weight and prevent it from sagging over time.
You might also need to install shims to adjust the hinge's location. These thin strips of metal can be inserted between the hinge and the frame or jamb, spreading the door's weight evenly and preventing any future sagging. Use a door stop or ask someone to hold it in place while you remove screws from the hinge. Then, gently lift the doors off the hinges.
It is important to keep in mind that an uneven floor can cause the door to sag. Knowing this may prompt you to examine the floor and fix any issues, which could help solve the sagging issue without focusing on the door itself. In some instances the sagging could be due to the condition of hinges, for instance the knuckle or pin. In this scenario you'll need to replace the hinges. This can be difficult for homeowners who lack carpentry experience. In some cases the sagging hinges could indicate that the door's structure 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 become difficult to latch. A door that isn't aligned correctly is a source of frustration however it could also contribute to energy inefficiency and the sound of scratchy, squeaky noises throughout your home. There are a few simple ways to fix the problem without contacting an expert.
If the gap around the door is uneven, the hinges may require tightening. If the gap isn't too large, it could be that your door frame has shifted or settled over time. In this scenario, shims can be used to reset the frame.
Another reason for misalignment is a lot of moisture in the air. This could cause the wood to swell and cause doors to shut properly. This isn't a long-term issue, and usually goes away as soon as the humidity drops.
Many people notice that their doors are misaligned after a rainstorm The solution is easy: just tighten the hinge screws to correct the alignment. If this isn't working, you can make use of longer screws to fix your hinges. This will provide them with more support and stop the hinges from becoming loose in the future.
Another issue that could be a problem is a misaligned strike plate. Typically, the strike plate will need to be relocated lower to make space for the latch. This is also a simple fix, but you'll have to remove the current strike plate and drill new holes for it. Make use of a wooden dowel that has the same diameter as the screwhole to fill in the old hole, and then fix it in its new location.
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 failed. You can identify the cause of the issue by examining the location where the latch contacts are located. The test of lipstick can be used to determine if the problem stems from sagging hinges or a latch bolt that is not aligned properly. It can also be used to determine whether it is a mix of issues, like hinges that are sagging and a narrow strike plate. To conduct the test, place an area of lipstick (or similar marking material) on the latch. Close and then open the latch. If the latch touches the lipstick below or the lipstick above the strike plate this indicates that the latch and the strike plate are not in contact.
The best method to fix this is to make sure that the latch is lubricated. Lubrication can be accomplished using graphite pen that is more effective than WD-40 or other dry oil lubricants. You can also use a cotton swab to remove any dirt from the keyhole.
If lubricating the latch doesn't solve the issue, it could be necessary to reposition the strikeplate. If you've shimmied or expanded, or sanded your strike plate hinges or holes, you will need move the strikeplate to the correct position relative to the lock. Once you have moved the strike plate and adjusted the latch to a suitable location, test the latch to ensure it's functioning correctly. If your latch is still not working you can use a wood filler to fill in any holes or gaps caused by moving the strikeplate or sanding hinges. Then, you can paint or stain the frame to complete the repair.
Leaks
A serious issue can arise from French doors that leak. They could allow water to be able to seep into your home and cause wood damage as well as mold growth. This could result in costly repair costs in the future. The good news is, the majority of French door leaks are easily repaired with a little effort and a few tools.
One of the main causes of leaking from French doors is the poor weatherproofing. This is due to the unique design of French doors, which are made up of large glass areas and frames. It is important to inspect your French doors frequently for signs of wear that could cause leaks. It is also essential to ensure that all seals are in good condition and haven't deteriorated over time.
If you notice that your French doors leak when it rains it's a good idea conduct a thorough inspection to identify the source of the leak. Look for visible signs of water intrusion, for example, damaged seals on window frames or around window panes. Also, rusty threshold sealants can be a sign. Check that french door repairs rochester is properly sealed and insulated.
A French door can leak during rain in the event of an obstruction within the lock mechanism. It is essential to clean the lock with an oil containing silicone if this is the situation. This will make the lock more lubricated and help keep 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 will need to be replaced. Most hardware stores sell keys to replace. If you have a lock that is too long or worn, it might be time to have a new lock.