How to Fix Common French Door Repair Problems
French doors can add an air of elegance to any house. They're also a great fit for homes that are built in the past.
They're also easy to maintain. It's best to clean them regularly, using a mild soap solution.
However, like any door they are prone to being damaged over time. There are a variety of ways to repair them.
Broken or Cracked Window
A cracked or broken glass window is not only visually unattractive, but can also affect your home's security and insulation. Although it's impossible to stop a crack from spreading indefinitely however, you can slow it down with a few quick and simple fixes.
Wear safety glasses and gloves while working with glass. It's easy to break glass shards if you're not cautious. Next, thoroughly clean the area around the crack with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris. This will ensure that the glue you are using to fix the crack stays properly and doesn't leak out or cause further damage.
Choose if you'd prefer to make use of a temporary solution such as tape or plastic film, to cover the hole or if a permanent solution is what you would prefer. If you decide to choose the latter option, be sure to use glass glue that is specifically designed for glass and windows, such as Loctite’s Super Glue Glass. It has a sturdy hold and can be used on the outside or inside of your glass windows, making it perfect for quick fixes.
A clear nail polish can also be used to temporarily fill cracks. This is especially useful for stress cracks which develop when the temperature fluctuates from hot to cold. However, keep in mind that nail polish wasn't created to withstand moisture, which means it will not last for a long period of time. You can also cover windows with a plastic sheet, which will protect them and keep out insects, rain and wind.
Sagging Hinges
A door that isn't in good shape can be an eyesore and can impact the stability of your house. Fortunately, the majority of the time, it's simple to fix. If your door starts to sag, it's important that you address the issue right away. Minor issues can escalate into serious, like squeaks and other misalignments.
Begin by looking at the hinges to determine the root of the issue. The loose screws are often the cause. If tightening screws does not solve the problem of sagging, replacing them with screws that are more long might help. Longer screws can help support the door's weight and prevent it from sagging over time.
You may also need to install shims to alter the hinge's position. These thin strips of metal can be placed between the hinge and frame or jamb, spreading the weight of the door evenly and preventing future sagging. Use a doorstop, or have someone hold the door in place while you remove the screws from the affected hinge, and then carefully lift the door off of the hinges.
It is important to remember that a sagging door can sometimes be caused by uneven floor level. This can cause you to inspect the floor for any problems and correct them, which will allow you to resolve the issue of sagging without focusing on the door itself. In some cases the sagging might be due to the condition of the hinge components, such as the knuckle or pin. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the hinges, a job that can be difficult for those with no carpentry skills. In some instances the hinges of your door are sagging. This could also indicate that the structure of the door is too heavy for its frame or jamb.
Doors that aren't aligned
Doors that aren't aligned properly may cause them to slide, scrape against the frame, or be difficult to latch. repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk misaligned or sagging door can be annoying, but it can also contribute to energy waste and squeaky, scratchy sounds in your home. There are many simple ways to address this problem without calling in a professional.
If the gap that surrounds your doors is uneven, it could mean that the hinges must be tightened. If, however, the gap is not excessive it could be due to your door's frame shifting or settling over time. In this scenario you can use shims to reset the frame.
A high humidity in the air is a common cause of misalignment. This could cause the wood to swell and cause doors to not to close properly. However, this is not an issue that lasts long and typically disappears when humidity decreases.
Many people are aware that their doors are misaligned following a storm The solution is easy: just tighten the hinge screws to correct the alignment. This usually resolves the problem, but if it doesn't think about using longer screws for your hinges. This will give the hinges more support and stop them from loosing again.
A misaligned strikeplate is a different potential problem. The strike plate needs to be moved lower to make room for the latch. This is a simple fix however, you'll need to take off the old strike plate, and drill holes for it. Use a wood dowel with the same diameter as the screwhole to fill the old hole and then secure it in its new location.
Broken Latch
If the latch does not retract when you press the handle or manually push it, it's a sign that something in the internal mechanism is broken. You can determine the cause of the failure by checking the location where the latch contacts are placed. A lipstick test can help you determine if the issue is caused by sagging hinges an improperly aligned latch bolt, a narrow strike plate holes or a combination of problems. To conduct the test apply the strip of lipstick (or similar marking material) on the latch. Close and open the door. If the latch is in contact with either the lipstick below or above the strike plate, this means that the latch and the strike plate are not in contact.
The best way to fix this is to make sure that the latch is lubricated. WD-40 and other dry lubricants will not work as well as a graphite pencil. You can also try placing an unwrapped cotton swab into the keyhole to clean out any dirt that may have accumulated in the keyhole.
If lubricating your latch does not resolve the problem, it may be necessary to reposition the strike plate. If you've sanded, shimmied or pushed the hinges, or increased the strike plate hole, you will need to move the strike plate to its proper position in relation to the latch. After you've moved the strike plate and adjusted the latch to a proper position, test the lock to ensure it's functioning correctly. If your latch remains stuck it is possible to use a wood filler to make gaps or holes that were caused by moving the strike plate or sanding the hinges. Then you can stain or paint the frame to complete the repair.
Leaks
Leaky French doors can pose a serious problem. They can allow water to be able to seep into your home, causing 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 easily repaired with a bit of effort and a few tools.
Poor weatherproofing is among the most common causes of leaks from French doors. This is due to French doors distinctive design, which is comprised of large areas of tempered glass as well as a frame. It is important to inspect your French doors frequently for signs of wear, which could lead to leaks. It is also essential to make sure that the seals are in good shape and have not deteriorated over time.

If you find that your French doors are leaking when it rains, it's a good idea conduct a thorough examination to determine the source of the leak. Check for obvious evidence of water intrusion like damaged seals on window frames or around window panes. Also, rusty threshold sealants can be a sign. Make sure the threshold is properly insulated and sealed.
In certain situations it is possible that a French door might leak during rainy days because there is a blockage in the mechanism of the lock. It is essential to clean the lock with the spray of silicone when this happens. This will help lubricate the lock and help keep it from becoming stuck. If you are having difficulty opening the lock, it might be that the key is worn or damaged and must be replaced. You can purchase an alternative key from most hardware stores. If your key is short or worn out, it might be the right time to replace it with a new lock.