French Doors Repair
French doors can be stunning additions to any home. They do require regular maintenance to function effectively and avoid future problems.
If your French door latch gets stuck or doesn't lock, it may be due to an obstruction in the lock mechanism itself. Lubricating the lock is a an easy fix.
Cracks and Chips
Wooden doors can serve many functions in the home, such as the ability to separate rooms, ensuring privacy and letting natural light into a house. However, even the most well-constructed door is susceptible to physical damage like cracks, dents and chips. In some instances, the damage can be enough that the frame of the door has to be replaced.
In other instances the issue is small enough to be repaired without tearing the entire door off. The majority of cracks are caused due to the natural swelling and shrinking of the wood in response to changes in temperature and humidity or from a physical impact such as the door slamming shut. In most cases, cracks can be repaired using wood putty or filler.
For french doors that are painted it is recommended to apply a wood filler that is paintable that is the same color as your door. The product is fast drying and allows for quick and simple repainting so that your door appears as good as new.
To apply the filler or putty first clean the area around the crack and then lay an untidy towel or a large clean rag on the floor to shield it from spilled filler and glue. Make sure to lay the rag close to the door as well to make it easy to remove it once the filler is dry and you're ready to sand and repaint your door.
After you have selected your filler of choice, use a putty blade to smooth out the inside ridges of each crack. Let the filler dry before sanding down and painting it again.
If the cracks are larger and extend from the hinge to the jamb, you might also have to repair the frame of the door. If the wood in this area is rotting, you may have to remove the damaged section of the frame and replace it with a fresh piece. After replacing the damaged section of the frame with a new one, sand the damaged area and repaint it to match the rest of the frame.
Fog
French doors (also called double doors) have a beautiful style that adds elegance and value to any house. Like all doors, they can develop problems over time that could affect their security or function. Many of these issues can be easily fixed by a little knowledge and effort.
French doors are often plagued by fogginess due to temperature fluctuations or humidity. These changes could cause the window seal to fail which can cause moisture to build up between the glass panes of your French doors. Glass that is stained by moisture may need to be replaced or repaired, based on the severity of the problem.
For minor issues You can usually resolve the issue by de-fogging windows or doors using a commercial product such as windows cleaning spray. But, this is a short-term solution and will need to be repeated on a regular basis. To find a more long-term solution, you could hire a professional to remove the moisture from the glass unit. They will disassemble and clean the glass unit and seal it up to prevent fogging in the future.
If your French doors don't latch The most likely reason is that they are misaligned on their hinges. This could be due to wear and tear or because your home's foundation has shifted over time. This can be easily repaired by tightening and loosening the hinge screws until they are equally distributed.
If your French doors are becoming more difficult to close and open, you can often correct this by altering the latching bolts on each door. They are found inside and outside the door. They are held in place with two screws, which must be removed to gain access to the bolts. The bolts can be adjusted or tightened with a standard screwdriver if they are loose. If the bolts aren't latching it's worth checking that there's nothing blocking them, like furniture or a mat. In this situation, you should contact a French door repair specialist for assistance.
Water Leaks
French doors are a popular feature that enhances the beauty of any home while creating a seamless outdoor and indoor space. However, they are susceptible to being damaged due to a variety of factors including aging, inclement weather, or even improper installation. If your French doors show signs of damage, it is important to repair them immediately to avoid the ingress of water and costly repair costs in the near future.
If your French doors leak during rainy times, it's likely because of a problem with the seal around the door frame or windowpanes. Inspect the area for signs of wear and tear, like cracks in the sealant, and make sure that your installer adhered to the correct sealing guidelines. If the leaks are extensive, it may be necessary to replace the components involved in the leakage.
Another reason for leaks in French doors is a lack of ventilation. A gap in the weather strip can let warm air escape in winter, and cool air to enter during summer, resulting in drafty rooms and expensive energy bills. Examine your French doors for indications of air gaps and if necessary, add additional weather strips to provide an effective barrier against moisture.
You may also have problems with your French doors when they are not able to close or open properly. This can be caused by humidity, or it could be a sign that the door is not in alignment. This issue can be fixed by checking the hinges and sanding any areas in which the door sags.
uPVC replacements may not be appropriate for all homes, particularly listed or period homes. Chameleon can fix your existing French doors and windows to improve the appearance of your home while making sure that the integrity of your home is maintained. They will also guide you on how to maintain your French doors to avoid further damage and ensure that they continue to function smoothly. If you require repairs for your doors that are in use or like a quote on replacements, call Chameleon today. They have more than 20 years' experience in the restoration and upkeep of wooden windows, doors, and other features of period London homes.
Energy Efficiency
Inefficient or broken French doors means your house will lose warmth and cold air through the glass, affecting the temperature inside. In certain cases, based on the extent of damage, it may be necessary to replace them to get the most efficient efficiency in energy usage.
In this situation, it is more cost-effective to replace the old doors than to try and repair or replace them. But, it's crucial to evaluate the extent of the damage to be sure that it's worth the expense.
The cost of replacing a set of French doors is contingent on the style and the quality chosen. A pair of French doors that are custom-made with double-paned glass may be more expensive than standard doors due to the extra insulation they provide. Double-paned doors also come with many options to improve energy efficiency. These include low-emissivity coats and argon filled between the panes of glass to block heat transfer. On the window labels, you'll find information on these options as well as energy performance ratings.
Re-caulking the frames is a way to increase energy efficiency. repair french doors helps seal gaps and prevents air leaks. This is a job best left to professionals, since shifting building weights and weather conditions that change can cause the caulking to break or break.
For those seeking a long-term solution, consider using drapes to provide a barrier between the doors and the outside elements. Drapes are a low-cost option to shield your home from extreme temperatures, and also help save on your energy bills. In most cases it's still more cost-effective to replace the doors with more energy-efficient models.