French Doors Repair
French doors can be stunning additions to any home. They require regular maintenance in order to function properly and avoid future issues.
If your French door latch is stuck or won't lock, it could be due to a blockage in the lock mechanism itself. Lubricating the lock could be an easy solution.
Cracks and Chips
Doors made of wood can serve a variety of functions in the home, for example the ability to separate rooms, ensuring privacy and letting light into a house. Even the most well-constructed doors can be damaged by physical damage, like cracks and dents. In some cases the damage could be so extensive that it's time to replace the frame of the door.
In other instances, the problem is just minor enough that it can be repaired without tearing the entire door out. Cracks are typically caused by the natural expansion and contracting of wood due to changes in temperature and humidity or by a physical force like the door slamming closed. In most cases, the cracks can be repaired with either filler or wood putty.
For french doors that are painted it is recommended to make use of a paintable wood filler that matches the color of your door. The product is fast drying and allows for easy and quick repainting to make your door appear new.
To apply the putty, clean the area surrounding it. Then lay a large clean towel or rag on the ground to protect the floor from spilled wood glue or filler. Be sure to place the rag close to the door so that you can easily remove it once the filler has dried 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. Allow the filler to dry completely before sanding it to create a smooth finish and then applying a new paint.
If the cracks are more extensive and extend from the hinge to the jamb, you might be required to repair the frame of the door. If just click the next article in this region is rotting, you may need to cut away the damaged section of the frame, and then replace it with a fresh piece. Once you've replaced the section of the frame, sand it and repaint the area to be in line with the rest of the door.
Fog
French doors (also known as double doors) have a beautiful style that adds elegance and value to any house. Like all doors they may face issues in time, which could compromise their security or function. Fortunately, many of these issues are easily solved with some know-how and some effort.
Foggy glass is a frequent issue with French doors that can occur due to temperature fluctuations or humidity. These changes can cause your window seal to fail, and moisture to build up between glass panes. Foggy glass can be repaired or replaced based on the severity of the issue.
It is possible to fix minor issues by de-fogging your windows or doors using a commercial spray such as window cleaning spray. This is a temporary fix that must be repeated on a regular basis. To find a more long-term solution, you could hire an expert to remove the moisture from the glass unit. They will remove and clean the glass unit, then seal it again to prevent fogging in the future.
If your French doors won't latch, the most likely reason is that they're not aligned on their hinges. This could be due wear and tear or simply because your home has shifted over the years. This can be fixed 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 usually fix this by changing the latching bolts that are on each door. They are located inside and outside the door. They are held in place with two screws, which need to be removed to gain access to the bolts. If bolts are loose, they can be tightened and re-tightened using the standard screwdriver. If the bolts still do not latch, it is worth checking to see what is blocking them, like a furniture piece or doormat. In this case it's best to contact a specialist French door repair service to get help.
Water Leaks
French doors can add to the aesthetics of a home by blending indoors with outdoor. They are susceptible to damage due to a number of factors, including aging, bad weather, or improper installation. If your French doors are showing signs of damage, it's essential to take action quickly to avoid water intrusion and costly repair costs in the future.
If your French door is leaking during rain, the problem may be with the seal around the window panes or the frame. Look for signs of wear, such as cracks, in the sealant. Also, ensure that your installer followed the correct sealing instructions. If the leaks are extensive, it may be necessary to replace the components that cause the leakage.
The lack of ventilation is a further cause of French doors that leak. A gap in the weather strip may let warm air escape in 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, add additional weather strips to create an obstacle to moisture.
You may also have problems with your French doors when they are not opening or closing correctly. This could be due to humidity or a door that isn't aligned properly. This issue can be fixed by examining the hinges, and sanding any areas where the door sticks.
uPVC replacements aren't suitable for all homes, especially in listed or period homes. Chameleon can restore the appearance of your home and also maintain the integrity of the property by fixing your French doors and existing windows. They can also provide advice on how to keep your French doors in good condition in the future, avoiding further damage and ensuring they function efficiently. Contact Chameleon if you need to repair your doors, or if you would like a quote on replacements. They have over 20 years of experience in the repair and maintenance of windows, doors and other wooden features in period homes across London.
Energy Efficiency
If your French doors are broken or inefficient, they will let cold and heat escape through the glass. This will affect the temperature in your home. In certain cases the extent of damage could require replacement to achieve the highest efficiency in energy use.
In this situation it's cheaper to replace the old doors than to try and repair or seal them. It is crucial to evaluate the extent of damage before making a decision.
The cost of replacing a pair of French doors will depend on the design and the quality of the doors. For instance, a set of custom-made doors with dual-pane glass can be more expensive than standard doors due to the additional insulation they offer. Additionally, double-pane doors have a range of options to improve efficiency in energy use, such as low-emissivity coatings as well as argon gas filling up the space between the panes to prevent heat transfer. Check for these options and other details regarding energy performance ratings on window labels.
Re-caulking around the frames is a method to improve energy efficiency. It helps seal gaps and minimizes air leaks. However this is a job best left to professionals since shifting building weight and fluctuating weather conditions can cause caulking to break and fall out.

Consider using drapes to protect your doors from the elements. Drapes are a cost-effective method of protecting your home from cold and heat and aid in saving money on energy costs. In many instances, however, it's more cost-effective to replace the doors with more energy-efficient ones.