French Doors Repair
French doors are a beautiful addition to any home. However, they do require regular maintenance to function properly and avoid any future issues.
If your door's latch is stuck or won't lock, it could be due to an obstruction in the mechanism of the lock itself. Lubricating the lock is a a simple fix.
Cracks and Chips
Wooden doors can serve many functions in the home, such as creating privacy between rooms and letting light into a house. Even the best-constructed doors can be damaged by physical damage, such as cracks and scratches. In some instances, the damage can be so severe that the door frame has to be replaced.
In some cases the damage is minor that it can be repaired without the removal of the door. The majority of cracks are caused due to the natural shrinking and swelling of the wood due to changes in temperature and humidity or a physical force such as the door slamming shut. Most cracks can be repaired using wood putty or filler.
For french doors that are painted it is recommended to make use of a paintable wood filler that matches the color of your door. It is quick drying and allows for easy and quick repainting so that your door can look as good as new.
To apply the filler or putty first, clean the area around the crack, and then lay a large clean towel or rag on the floor to protect it from spilled filler and wood glue. Place the rag next to the door so you can take it off easily after the filler is dry and you are ready to sand it down and repaint the door.
Once you have decided on your filler of choice, use a putty blade to smooth out the inner ridges of each crack. Allow the filler to dry before sanding down and re-painting.
For larger cracks that extend from the side of the door that is hinged to the jamb, you may need to fix a portion of the frame in addition to the cracked panel itself. If the wood is rotting in this region you might need remove the damaged portion of the frame before replacing it with a brand new one. After replacing repairmywindowsanddoors damaged portion of the frame with a brand new one, sand it and repaint it to match the rest.
Fog
French doors (also called double doors) have a beautiful style that can add elegance and value to any house. Like any door there are issues that can arise over time that could affect their security or function. Many of these issues can be resolved with a little bit of expertise and time.
Foggy glass is a frequent issue for French doors that can occur because of changes in temperature or humidity. These changes could cause the window seal to fail and moisture to accumulate between the glass panes. Foggy glass can be repaired or replaced based on the severity of the problem.
You can fix minor problems by de-fogging your windows or doors with a commercial spray like window cleaning spray. This is a temporary solution that will need to be repeated on a regular basis. You can engage an expert for a permanent solution to remove moisture from the unit. They will take it apart and clean the glass unit and reseal it to avoid fogging in the future.
If your French doors aren't latching the most likely cause is that they're not aligned 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 fixed by loosening and tightening the hinge screws until all are equally distributed.
If your French doors are becoming increasingly difficult to close and open, you can often correct this by changing the latching bolts that are on each door. They are located on both sides of the door, and are typically held in place by two screws, which need to be removed in order to access the bolts. If the bolts are loose they can be loosen and re-tightened using a standard screwdriver. If the bolts are still unable to not latch, it's worthwhile to check if anything is blocking them, such a furniture piece or doormat. In this instance you must contact a French door repair expert for assistance.
Water Leaks
French doors can add to the aesthetics of a home by blending indoors with outdoor. 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 take action quickly to prevent water ingress and costly repairs in the future.
If your French door leaks when it rains it could be a problem in the seal around windowspanes or the frame. Look for signs of wear, such as cracks in the sealant. Also, ensure your installer followed the correct sealing guidelines. If the leaks are extensive, it may be necessary to replace the parts involved in the leakage.
Another reason for leaks in French doors is the lack of ventilation. A gap in the weather strip permits warm air to escape in winter and cool air enters during summer. This can result in drafty rooms and expensive energy bills. If you notice air gaps in your French doors, install additional weather strips to create a barrier against moisture.
Lastly, you can also experience problems with your French doors if they're not able to close and open properly. This could be due to humidity or a door that isn't aligned properly. Inspecting the hinges to ensure they are tight and sanding the areas where the door is stuck could resolve this problem.
uPVC replacements aren't suitable for every home, especially in listed or period homes. Chameleon can fix your existing French doors and windows to restore the look of your home while ensuring that the integrity of your home is preserved. They can also advise you on how to keep your French doors in good shape in the future, avoiding any further damage and making sure that they continue to operate smoothly. Whether you need repairs to your doors that are in use or like a quote for replacements, contact Chameleon today. They have more than 20 years of experience in the repair and maintenance of wooden windows, doors and other elements in historic London homes.
Energy Efficiency
If you have damaged or inefficient French doors means that your house will lose warmth and cold air through the glass, affecting indoor temperatures. In some cases, depending on the extent of damage, it might be necessary to replace them to get the most efficient energy efficiency.
In this situation, it is more cost-effective to replace the doors rather than repair or replace them. It is important to determine the extent of damage prior to making the decision.
The cost of replacing a set of French doors is contingent on the design and quality selected. A pair of custom-made French doors featuring dual-paned glass could be more costly than standard doors due to the extra insulation they provide. Double-paned doors are also equipped with numerous options to increase efficiency in energy use. These include low-emissivity coats and argon bonded between the panes of glass to block heat transfer. Check for these options as well as other information regarding energy efficiency ratings on window labels.
Re-caulking the frames is a different way to increase the efficiency of your energy usage. It helps seal gaps and prevents air leaks. However this is an activity best left to professionals since shifting building weight and changing weather conditions can cause caulking to break and fall off.
For those seeking a long-term solution, consider using drapes to create an enclosure between your doors and the elements outside. Drapes are an affordable method of protecting your home from cold and heat, and can also assist in reducing your energy costs. In many cases, it's still more cost-effective to replace the doors with more energy-efficient models.