French Doors Repair
French doors are a beautiful addition to any home. However, they do require regular maintenance in order to function correctly and avoid any future issues.
If your door's latch gets stuck or doesn't lock, it could be caused by an obstruction in the lock mechanism itself. A simple fix may be as simple as lubricating your lock.
Chips and cracks
Doors made of wood can serve a variety of reasons in the home, including separating rooms, providing privacy and letting sunlight into a home. Even the best-made doors are susceptible to physical damage, like cracks and scratches. In some instances the damage may be so significant that it's time to replace the frame of the door.
In other instances the issue is small enough to be fixed without taking the entire door off. The majority of cracks are caused by the natural shrinking and swelling of the wood in response to temperature and humidity changes or a physical force like a door hitting shut. In the majority of cases, cracks can be repaired using either wood putty or filler.
For painted french doors It is recommended to apply a wood filler that is paintable that is the same color as your door. It is quick drying and allows for easy and quick repainting to ensure that your door appears like new.
To apply the putty, wash the area surrounding the area to apply the putty. Then, lay a large clean towel or rag on the floor to shield the floor from spilled filler or wood glue. Be sure to place the rag next to the door as well so that you are able to easily remove it once the filler is dry and you're ready to sand and repaint your door.
Once you have decided on the filler you prefer then use a putty blade to smooth out the inner ridges of each crack. Allow the filler to dry completely before sanding it to create a smooth surface, then painting it again.
For larger cracks that extend from the hinge side of the door to the jamb side of the door, you may need to repair a section of the frame in addition to the cracked panel itself. If the wood in this area is beginning to decay, you might need to cut away the damaged portion of the frame and replace it with a brand new piece. After replacing the damaged section of the frame with a brand new one, sand the area and repaint it to match the rest.
Fog
French doors (also known as double doors) have a beautiful style that adds elegance and value to any home. But, as with any kind of door, they can experience issues over time that may impact their function or safety. Many of these problems can be fixed by a little know-how and effort.
Foggy glass is a frequent problem with French doors. It can occur due to fluctuating temperatures or high humidity. replace window with french doors can cause the seal of your window to fail and moisture to accumulate between the glass panes. Glass that is stained by moisture may need to be replaced or repaired depending on the severity.
For minor problems You can usually resolve the problem by de-fogging your doors or windows with a commercial product such as a window cleaner spray. However, this is only a short-term solution and will need to be repeated frequently. It is possible to hire a professional for a permanent solution to remove moisture from the unit. They will take it apart and clean the glass unit and seal it again to avoid fogging in the future.
If your French doors aren't latching, the most likely reason is that they're misaligned on their hinges. This can be caused by wear and tear, or due to the fact that your home's foundation has shifted over time. A quick and easy fix for this is to loosen and tighten the hinge screws until they are evenly distributed.
If your French doors are becoming more difficult to close and open it is possible to fix this by adjusting the latching bolts on each door. They can be found both on the inside and outside of the door. They are secured by two screws, which must be removed in order to gain access to the bolts. If bolts are loose, they can be loosen and tightened with a standard screwdriver. However, if the bolts aren't latching it's worth checking that there's nothing blocking them, for example, a piece of furniture or a doormat. In this instance you should call a French door repair specialist for assistance.
Water Leaks
French doors can enhance the appeal of a house by blending indoors and outdoors. They are susceptible to damage due to various factors, including aging bad weather, or improper installation. If your French doors are showing signs of damage, it's crucial to address them quickly to avoid water intrusion and expensive repair costs in the near future.
If your French doors are leaking during rainy periods it's most likely due to an issue with the seal around the frame or windowpanes. Check the area for signs of wear and tear, for instance cracks in the sealant, and make sure that your installer followed the correct sealing procedures. If the leaks are extensive it could be necessary to replace the components responsible for the leakage.
Lack of ventilation is another reason of French doors that leak. A gap in the weather strip permits warm air to escape in winter and cool air enters in summer. This can lead to drafty rooms and costly energy bills. Examine your French doors for signs of air gaps and if necessary, add additional weather strips to provide an effective barrier against moisture.
Lastly, you can also have issues with your French doors if they are unable to shut and open correctly. This could be due to humidity or a door that isn't aligned properly. This problem can be resolved by checking the hinges and sanding the areas where the door sticks.
uPVC replacements aren't suitable for every home particularly in listed or period properties. Chameleon can repair or replace your existing French doors and windows to restore the look of your home whilst ensuring that the integrity of your home is preserved. They can even advise you on how to keep your French doors in good working order in the future, avoiding further damage and ensuring they function efficiently. Contact Chameleon If you are looking to repair your existing doors, or if you would like a quote on replacements. They have over 20 years of experience in the restoration and maintenance of doors, windows and other wooden elements in period homes across London.
Energy Efficiency
If you have damaged or inefficient French doors means that your house will lose warmth and cold air through the glass, which can affect the temperature inside. In certain cases, based on the severity of the damage, it may be necessary to replace them in order to get the most efficient energy efficiency.
In this case it's cheaper to replace the old doors than to try and repair or replace them. It is important to determine the extent of the damage in order to make sure that it's worth the expense.
The cost of replacing a set of French doors is also contingent on the style and the quality chosen. A pair of custom-made French doors with double-paned glass may be more costly than a standard model due to the extra insulation they provide. Double-paned doors also come with various options to boost efficiency in energy use. They include low-emissivity coatings and argon filled between the panes of glass to block heat transfer. Check for these options and other details about energy efficiency ratings on window labels.
Re-caulking around the frames is another method to improve energy efficiency. It helps to seal gaps and prevents air leaks. But, this is a task best left to experts as the shifting weight of a building and the fluctuating weather conditions can cause caulking to crack and fall off.
Consider using drapes as a barrier to shield your doors from the elements. Drapes are a low-cost way to protect against hot and cold temperatures, and they can help save on your energy costs. It's usually cheaper, however, to replace the doors.