How to Fix Common French Door Repair Problems French doors can give an air of elegance to any home. They're also a great choice for period homes. They're also an easy addition to keep. You should clean them regularly with mild soap. But, just like any other door, they are susceptible to damage over time. However, there are a number of ways to fix them. Broken or cracked window A damaged or cracked window doesn't just look unattractive but it also affects the security and insulation of your home. It is impossible to stop the crack from growing for ever but you can slow down the process with some quick and easy fixes. Wear protective glasses and gloves when working with glass. It's easy to break glass shards if you're not cautious. Then clean the area around the crack using a an abrasive cloth to get rid of any dirt or debris. This will ensure that the glue you are using to fix the crack stays well and doesn't leak or cause further damage. Next, decide whether you'd prefer to go with the temporary route and utilize tape or plastic film, or if you'd like to go with a permanent solution that will last longer. If you opt for the latter option, make sure to buy a glass glue designed for glass and windows, like Loctite's Super Glue Glass. This product 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 can also be used to temporarily fill cracks. This is particularly beneficial for stress cracks which develop when the temperature fluctuates from hot to cold. However, keep in mind that nail polish isn't made to withstand moisture, which means it won't last for an indefinite period of time. You can also cover windows with a plastic film, which will shield them from bugs, rain and wind. Sagging Hinges A door that is sagging can be a source of irritation and can affect the stability of your home. Fortunately, the majority times, it's easy to fix. If your door is beginning to slide, it's imperative to fix the issue as soon as you notice it. If not, small problems could turn into more serious issues such as squeaks or other serious misalignments. Start by inspecting the hinges. In most cases loose screws are the cause. If tightening screws doesn't fix the issue of sagging, replacing them with screws that are more long may help. Longer screws can help support the weight of the door and prevent it from sagging over time. You might also need to use shims in order to refine the hinge's position. These thin strips can be put between the frame and hinge or jambs to distribute the weight of the door equally. This will stop future sliding. Use a doorstop or have someone hold the door while you remove the screws from the damaged hinge, and then carefully lift the door off the hinges. It is crucial to remember that a floor that is uneven can cause the door to slide. This knowledge can lead you to examine the floor and correct any issues that may help solve the sagging issue without focusing on the door itself. The door's sagging may be caused by the condition of hinge components like the knuckle or pin. If this is the scenario, you'll have to replace the hinges, a task that isn't easy for homeowners without significant carpentry skills. 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 If your doors are sagging, scratching against the frame, or are difficult to latch, they could be misaligned. A misaligned or sagging door can be a nuisance and can cause energy waste and squeaky, scratchy sounds in your home. There are a few simple solutions to the issue without calling an expert. If the gap around your doors is uneven, it could indicate that your hinges need to be tightened. If the gap isn't too large, it might be due to your door's frame shifting or settling over time. In this instance you can use shims to adjust the frame. Another reason that causes misalignment is a lot of moisture in the air. This could cause the wood to expand and cause doors to not to close properly. However, this is not an issue that lasts long and typically disappears when humidity decreases. After a heavy rainstorm there are many who discover that their doors aren't properly aligned. The solution is simple to tighten the hinge screws. This will usually solve the issue however if it doesn't think about using longer screws for your hinges. This will give them more support and stop the hinges from becoming loose in the future. A misaligned strikeplate is a different potential problem. The strike plate needs to be relocated lower to make room for the latch. This is a straightforward fix, but it requires you to remove the old strike plate and drill holes for it. Use a dowel made of wood with the same diameter as the screwhole to cover the hole in the previous one, and then fix it in its new location. Broken Latch If the latch doesn't retract when you use the handle or manually push it, it's a sign that something within the mechanism inside is damaged. You can identify the cause of the failure by checking the location where the latch contacts are located. 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 lipstick strip (or other marking material) over the latch. Close and open the door. If the latch touches the lipstick beneath or above the strike plate hole, it indicates that there is no contact between the latch and the strike plate. The best solution is to lubricate your latch. Lubricating can be done with graphite pens which is superior to WD-40 or other dry lubricants. You can also employ a cotton swab to remove any dirt from the keyhole. If lubricating the latch does not resolve the issue, it could be necessary to relocate the strikeplate. If you have shimmied, made sanding, or increased the size of your strike plate's hole or hinges and hinges, you'll need to move the strike plate to the proper 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 properly. If your latch remains stuck it is possible to make use of a wood filler to fill any old screw holes or gaps that were created by moving the strike plate or sanding the hinges. You can then stain or paint your frame to complete the repair. Leaks Leaky French doors can cause serious issue. Water can get inside the French doors and cause wood damage or mold growth. This can result in expensive repairs later on. The good news is, most French door leaks are easily fixed with a little work and a few tools. One of the main reasons for water leaking from French doors is poor weatherproofing. This is due to French doors' unique design, which consists of large areas of tempered glass and frames. It is essential to regularly check every part of your French doors for signs of wear and tear that could cause leaks. It's also important to make sure that all seals are in good condition and have not changed over time. If repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk notice that your French doors leaking when it rains, it's a good idea for you to conduct a thorough inspection in order to find the source of the leak. Examine for any visible signs of water ingress for example, damaged seals around frames and window panes, or rusty threshold sealants. Check that the threshold is properly insulated and sealed. A French door can leak when it rains in the event of an obstruction within the lock mechanism. If this is the case, you'll have to wash the lock using an oil spray of silicone. This will allow the lock to be lubricated and stop the lock from becoming stuck. If you have trouble opening the lock, it might be due to the fact that the key is worn out or damaged and needs to be replaced. You can buy an alternative key from most hardware stores. If you have a key that is too long or worn, it may be time to have a new lock.
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