French Doors Repair
French doors are a stunning addition to any home. They do require regular maintenance to function properly and prevent future problems.
It's possible that the lock mechanism is blocked when your french door latch gets stuck or isn't locking. An easy fix is as simple as lubricating your lock.
Cracks and Chips
Wooden doors can serve many purposes in the home, including the ability to separate rooms, ensuring privacy and letting light to enter a home. However, even the best-made door may suffer physical damage like cracks, dents and chips. In some cases, damage can be so severe that the door frame needs to be replaced.
In certain cases the damage is so minor that it can be repaired without the removal of the door. Cracks are usually caused by the natural expansion and contraction of wood due to changes in humidity and temperature or a physical force like the door slamming closed. In most cases, the cracks can be repaired using either filler or wood putty.
It is recommended that you apply a paintable filler to match the color of your painted french doors. This product dries quickly and allows for quick and simple repainting to ensure that your door will look as good as new.
To apply the filler or putty first, clean the area around the crack, and then place a towel or large clean rag on the floor to shield it from spilled filler and wood glue. Make sure to lay the rag close to the door, so that you are able to easily remove it when the filler has dried and you're ready to sand and paint your door.
After you've selected your filler, pour a small amount into the inside of each crack's ridges and smooth it using a putty knife. Allow the filler to dry completely before sanding it to create a smooth surface, then applying a new paint.
For more extensive cracks that extend from the side of the door that is hinged to the jamb, you may need to repair a section of the frame in addition to the cracked panel itself. If the wood in this area is decaying, you might need to cut away the damaged portion of the frame and then replace it with a brand new piece. After replacing the damaged portion of the frame with a brand 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 home. However, like any type of door they can develop issues over time which could affect their functionality or safety. Many of these problems can be fixed with a bit of expertise and time.
Foggy glass is a frequent issue with French doors that can occur due to fluctuating temperatures or high humidity. These changes can cause the seal of your window to fail and moisture to build up between the glass panes. Glass that is smudgey may need be replaced or repaired depending on its severity.
You can solve minor issues by de-fogging your windows or doors with a commercial spray such as window cleaner spray. However, this is only a temporary solution that will need to be repeated regularly. For a more permanent solution, you can engage an expert to eliminate the water from the glass unit. They will disassemble the door glass, scrub it clean, and reseal the unit to avoid any further fogging.
The most likely cause of your French doors not latching is that the hinges aren't aligned correctly. This could be due to wear and tear, or simply because your home's foundation has shifted over time. An easy and quick fix is to loosen and tighten the hinge screws until they are equally distributed.
You can adjust the latching bolts of each door if your French doors are becoming harder to open and close. They can be found on the inside and outside of the door, and are typically secured by two screws, which need to be removed to gain access to the bolts. The bolts can be tightened or loosened with a standard screwdriver if they are loose. If the bolts do not latch, it is worthwhile to check whether anything is blocking them, like furniture pieces or a doormat. In this instance, it's a good idea to contact a specialist French door repair company to seek assistance.
Water Leaks
French doors are a common feature that enhances the beauty of any house while blending indoor and outdoor spaces. They can be damaged by a number of factors, including aging bad weather, or incorrect installation. If your French doors are showing signs of damage, it's essential to fix them immediately to stop water from entering and costly repairs in the future.
If your French doors are leaking during rainy seasons, it's likely due to an issue with the seal around the door frame or windowpanes. Examine the area for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks in the sealant, and make sure that your installer followed the correct sealing instructions. If the leaks have spread the area, it could be necessary for the component to be replaced.
Lack of ventilation is another cause of French doors that leak. A gap in the weather strip may let warm air escape during winter and cool air to enter during summer, leading to drafty rooms and high energy bills. If you notice air gaps in your French doors, install more weather strips to create an airtight barrier against moisture.
There could be problems with your French doors if they're unable to open or close correctly. This could be due to humidity or an indication that the door isn't in alignment. This problem can be resolved by examining the hinges and sanding the areas where the door is stuck.
uPVC replacements aren't suitable for all homes particularly in historic or listed properties. Chameleon can help restore your home's appearance and preserve the integrity of your home by fixing your French doors and existing windows. They can also advise you on how to keep your French doors in good shape in the future, avoiding further damage and ensuring that they continue to operate smoothly. Contact repair french doors if you need to repair your doors, or would like a quote on replacements. They have more than 20 years' experience in the repair and maintenance of wooden doors, windows and other features in period London homes.
Energy Efficiency
If your French doors are damaged or inefficient, they'll allow cold and heat to escape through the glass. This will affect the temperature in your home. In some cases, depending on the severity of the damage, it might be necessary to replace them to get the most efficient efficiency in energy usage.
In this scenario it's cheaper to replace the old doors rather than repair or replace them. However, it's important to evaluate the extent of the damage in order to make sure it's worth the investment.
The cost of replacing a pair of French doors will depend on the style and the quality of the doors. A pair of custom-made French doors with double-paned glass may be more expensive than a standard model due to the additional insulation they offer. In addition, double-pane windows are available with a range of options to improve energy efficiency, including low-emissivity coatings as well as argon gas that fills the space between the panes, which helps to block heat transfer. On the window labels, you will find information about these options as along with energy performance ratings.
Another method to improve the efficiency of your doors is to re-caulk around the frames, which helps seal off gaps and prevent air leaks. This job should be left to professionals, as shifting weights on the building and weather conditions that change can cause the caulking to crack or break.
You can consider using drapes as a barrier to protect your doors from the elements. Drapes are a cost-effective option to shield your home from cold and heat, and can also help you save money on energy bills. In many cases however, it's more cost-effective to replace the doors with more energy efficient models.