The Top Reasons People Succeed With The French Door Frame Repair Industry
How to Repair a French Door Frame
French door frames are a popular choice in the field of home design. They are available in various styles, such as real-divided lites or simulated divided.
The effects of moisture damage can cause wood to shrink and swell. This can cause doors to become stuck or prevent them from latching properly.
This issue is usually resolved by tightening the hinge screws, or by adding shims to expand the jamb.
Hinges
Frames and doors can be damaged as they are subjected to a lot wear and tear. Cosmetic damage such as dents and gouges are easily fixed however structural damage may require the removal and replacement of parts of the frame. It is best to leave this work to a professional unless you're an professional in carpentry or get someone else to do it.
Often times, French doors will develop difficulties opening and closing due to the misalignment of the hinges or general wear and wear and tear. This can be due to either the hinges themselves or a poor installation. You should tighten the hinges if they are loose. This will help make the door easier to open and close.
You can also grease the hinges with silicone spray to ease the movement. If this doesn't work then you can take off the hinge pin prior to hammering an shim that is trimmed to create extra space. You can then re-attach hinges using screws that are longer than the hinges originally attached.
Another common problem is that the latch has become stuck, and you'll need to lubricate it using some silicone spray or take it off it completely and scrub the area surrounding the latch and latch hole using the help of a wire brush. You can also change the position by loosening the latch with an hammer, and then return it to the original position.
A door that is stuck may be an indication of moisture within the wood, so you should apply DPC strips to the rough opening and the frame prior to proceeding to try and widen it. This will stop moisture from getting into the frame and damaging the brickwork in your home.
Some doors can also be difficult to open due to a misalignment of the hinges and latch, or the latch could simply be installed incorrectly. It is a good idea to replace the latch and then reinstall it properly. This will not only fix the issue at hand but will prevent future issues with the latch.
Jambs
The door jamb is a vertical part of a frame which is used to secure a door. It is essential to the structural integrity of the frame and ensures that your door hangs correctly so that it can be closed and opened easily. The door jambs are also important to ensure the security and energy efficiency of your home.
If your door jamb is rotted, you'll need to replace it. First, take off french door glass replacement damaged portion of the door jamb. Dry-fit the new wood to make sure it is fit to the frame opening and that the grain runs in the same direction as the existing piece. Avoid pressure-treated wood as it will warp and twist after drying. Use a hammer that has an attachment set to fix the new wood to the existing jamb. Finally, use wood glue to put the adhesive in place. Then, hit two nails at the top and bottom of the wood to strengthen it.
After the repair is complete and you are able to sand the timber and cover it with spackling compound to fill any small holes or divots. Apply epoxy filler to cover more extensive gouges, nicks and dents. It is simple to sand after it has set.
Before you begin you begin, take a close look at the damage to your door jamb, and then determine the extent of it is. It is important to determine whether the damage is in one small area, or if it is spread out over a large area.
If the area affected by rot is small, you may be able to chisel off any loose wood and then apply epoxy wood filler to the divot. If the area that is rotten is larger, you'll need to remove and replace the damaged part of your door jamb.
Most home improvement stores sell door jamb repair kits which includes pre-cut pieces door jambs for an easy, quick repair to your damaged frame. These kits are very affordable and come with everything you need to finish the job quickly. You can also purchase a specialized kit that contains a chemical that will turn your old, soft wood into hard and solid wood, meaning you don't need to replace the whole frame.
Caulking
The first step in caulking is to clean any old caulk from the joint or gap. This can be done using an utility knife or scraper. After the caulk has been removed, it's recommended to clean the gap or joint with rubbing alcohol or an available disinfectant spray. This will ensure that the surface is free of grease, dirt and dust that may hinder the success of the caulking project.
It is not always necessary to use a primer to aid in making the caulk stick. It is essential to choose the right caulk for the job prior to applying it. When choosing the right caulk, considerations like durability and flexibility as well as resistance to mildew and mold are essential. It is also a good idea to select a caulk that is paintable.
After choosing the appropriate caulk for the job, the area should be thoroughly cleaned. You can use a rag, ruby alcohol, or any other cleaning solution that is available at the store to clean the area. After the surface has been cleaned it is a good idea to dry the area. Moisture can hinder caulking adhesion, and cause sealant to fail prematurely.
Once the surface is ready the masking tape can be applied to areas near the joint or in gaps where the caulk that was applied will not show. This will enhance the design of the project and provide an exact, clean edge. The tip of the tube should then be cut at 45 degrees to create the proper size opening for the intended application. The caulk is then loaded into the caulking gun and the plunger is used to push the caulk through the tube until it is ready to be dispersed.
Apply the caulk using an even, smooth motion. Stopping to smooth as you go. Make sure you fill in the entire gap, joint or seam. After the caulk has been completely dry it is able to be painted. Paint the exterior if you haven't already.
Paint
If the paint on your french door frame is fading or flaking there are a number of ways to fix it. You can take it off and place it on a pair of sawhorses. Be careful not to scratch the trim behind the door or the wall. You can use a hand plane to take away any bumps. Then sand it and paint it.
You can also match the color of the paint that you have already applied. Apply several thin coats and allow each to fully dry before applying the next.
Moisture can cause rot and decay in door frames. Wood fibers absorb and release water as a result of seasonal changes in relative humidity, causing it to expand or shrink. This motion can cause a swell or even remove the film of paint from the wood, resulting in peeling and blistering.