French Doors Repair
French doors are a gorgeous addition to any home. However, they do require regular maintenance to function properly and avoid future issues.
If your French door latch gets stuck or doesn't lock, it may be caused by an obstruction in the mechanism of the lock itself. french doors repair is as easy as lubricating the lock.
Cracks and chips
Wooden doors serve a variety of home needs that include separating living spaces, ensuring privacy, and supplying a home with natural light. Even the most well-constructed doors are susceptible to physical damage, like cracks and scratches. In some cases, damage can be enough that the frame of the door has to be replaced.
In other situations the issue is small enough that it can be fixed without taking the entire door off. Cracks are typically caused by the natural expansion and contracting of wood as a result of changes in temperature and humidity, or a physical impact such as the door slamming shut. Most cracks can be repaired with wood putty or filler.
For french doors that are painted it is recommended to use a paintable wood filler that matches the color of your door. It is quick drying and allows for easy and quick repainting your door to make it appear brand new.
To apply the putty, clean the area surrounding it. Then lay a large clean rag or towel on the ground to protect the floor from spilled filler or wood glue. Make sure to lay the rag next to the door as well so that you can easily remove it when the filler is dry and you're ready to sand and repaint your door.
Once you've chosen your filler, pour small amounts into the inside of each crack's ridges and smooth it using a putty knife. Allow the filler to dry before sanding down and repainting.
If the cracks are larger and extend from the hinge to the jamb, you might also need to repair the door's frame. If the wood is beginning to decay in this region you might need remove the damaged portion of the frame and replace it with a new one. Once you've changed the section of the frame, sand and repaint the area to be in line with the rest of the door.
Fog
French doors (also called double doors) provide a stunning design that can add style and value to any home. Like all doors there are issues that can arise in time, which could compromise their safety or even function. Fortunately, a lot of these issues can be easily resolved with a little knowledge and a bit of effort.
Glass that is cloudy is a common problem with French doors. It can happen because of temperature fluctuations or humidity. These changes can cause the window seal to break and allow moisture to enter between the glass panes of your French doors. Glass that is cloudy can be repaired or replaced depending on the severity of the problem.
For minor problems, you can usually fix the issue by de-fogging your doors or windows with commercial products such as a window cleaning spray. However, this is only a short-term solution and will need to be repeated regularly. To find a more long-term solution, you can hire an expert to eliminate the water from the glass unit. They will take it apart and clean the glass unit, then reseal it to prevent fogging in the future.
If your French doors won't latch the most likely cause is that they're misaligned on their hinges. This could be due wear and tear or simply due to the fact that your house has shifted over the years. This can be corrected by loosening and tightening the hinge screws until they are evenly distributed.
You can alter the latching bolts of each door if you notice that your French doors are becoming more difficult to open and shut. They can be found on the inside and outside of the door. They are usually held in place by two screws, which need to be removed in order to get access to the bolts. The bolts can be adjusted or tightened with a standard screwdriver if they are loose. If the bolts are still unable to not latch, it is important to determine if anything is blocking them, like furniture pieces or a doormat. In this instance, it's a good idea call a professional French door repair service to seek assistance.
Water Leaks
French doors are a popular feature that adds to the beauty of any home while creating a seamless outdoor and indoor space. However, they can be damaged by a variety of reasons, such as aging, inclement weather, or even incorrect installation. If your French doors are showing signs of damage, it's important to fix them immediately to prevent water ingress and expensive repair costs in the future.
If your French door leaks when it rains The issue could be with the seal around windowspanes or the frame. Inspect the area for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks in the sealant, and ensure that your installer adhered to the correct sealing guidelines. If the leaks have spread it could be necessary for the component to be replaced.
Another cause of leaking French doors is a inadequate ventilation. A gap in the weather strip allows warm air to escape during winter and cool air enters in summer. This can result in drafty rooms and expensive energy bills. If you find air gaps in your French doors, you can add additional weather strips to create a barrier against moisture.
You may also have problems with your French doors if they are not opening or closing properly. This could be due to humidity or an indication that the door isn't in alignment. Checking the hinges for tightness and sanding areas where the door sticks can resolve this problem.
uPVC replacements aren't suitable for every home especially listed or period properties. Chameleon can restore the appearance of your home and also maintain the integrity of your property by repairing your French doors and existing windows. They can also advise you on how to maintain your French doors to avoid further damage and ensure that they continue to operate smoothly. If you require repairs for your existing doors or would want a quote for replacements, call Chameleon today. They have more than 20 years of experience in the restoration and maintenance of windows, doors and other wooden features in period homes throughout London.
Energy Efficiency
If your French doors are broken or inefficient, they'll allow cold and heat to escape through the glass. This will affect the temperature of your home. In some cases, depending on the extent of damage, it might be necessary to replace them to achieve maximum efficiency in energy usage.
In this case it's more cost-effective to replace the doors rather than repair or reseal them. It is important to evaluate the extent of the damage in order to make sure it's worth the investment.
The cost to replace a pair of French doors depends on both the style and the quality of the doors. A pair of custom-made French doors featuring dual-paned glass can be more costly than standard doors due to the additional insulation they offer. In addition, double-pane windows have a range of options that improve efficiency in energy use, such as low-emissivity coatings and argon gas filling the space between the panes, which helps to block heat transfer. On the window labels, you'll find information on these options as along with energy performance ratings.
Another way to increase your doors' energy efficiency is to re-caulk around the frames that helps seal gaps and reduce air leaks. This is a job best left to professionals, as shifting building weights and changes in weather conditions could cause the caulking to break or fall out.
For those seeking a long-term solution, consider using drapes to provide an enclosure between your doors and the elements outside. Drapes are an affordable method of protecting your home from heat and cold, and can also help you save money on energy costs. In many cases it's still more cost-effective to replace the doors with more energy-efficient ones.