French Doors Repair
French doors can be a stunning addition to any home. However, they do require regular maintenance to function properly and avoid any future issues.
It's possible that the mechanism of the lock is blocked if your french door latch becomes stuck or isn't locking. A simple fix could be as simple as lubricating your lock.
Chips and cracks
Wooden doors can serve a wide range of functions for homes, including the ability to separate living spaces, as well as ensuring privacy, and supplying a home with natural light. Even the best-constructed doors can be damaged by physical damage, like cracks and scratches. In some cases, damage can be enough that the door frame needs to be replaced.
In certain cases, the damage is so minor that it can be fixed without removing the door. Most cracks occur due to the natural swelling and shrinking of the wood in response to changes in temperature and humidity or a physical force like the door being slammed shut. In most cases, cracks can be repaired by wood putty or filler.
For french doors that are painted It is recommended to apply a wood filler that is paintable that is matched to the color of your door. This product dries fast and allows for easy and quick repainting to make your door appear new.
To apply the putty, wash the area around it. Then, place a clean towel or rag on the ground to protect the floor from spilled wood glue or filler. Lay the rag close to the door so you can remove it with ease once the filler has dried, and you are ready to sand down and repaint the door.
Once you've chosen your filler, pour tiny amounts of it into the inside of each crack's ridges and smooth it using a putty knife. Let the filler dry completely before sanding it down to create a smooth surface, then painting it again.
If the cracks are bigger and extend from the hinge to the jamb, you might also have to repair the door's frame. If the wood in this area is beginning to decay, you might require cutting away the damaged portion of the frame, and then replace it with a fresh piece. Once you've replaced the section of the frame, sand it and repaint it to be in line with the rest of the door.
Fog
French doors, also referred to as double doors, are a stunning design that adds value and elegance to any house. However, like any type of door, they can experience issues over time which could impact their function or safety. Fortunately, most of these issues can be resolved with some know-how and a bit of effort.
French doors can be plagued by foggy glass due to fluctuations in temperature or humidity. These changes can cause the seal of your window to fail and moisture to build up between glass panes. Foggy glass may need to be replaced or repaired based on the severity.
You can solve minor issues by de-fogging your windows or doors using a commercial spray such as window cleaning spray. This is a temporary solution that will need to be repeated on a regular basis. You can engage a professional for a permanent solution to remove moisture from the unit. They will take it apart and clean the glass unit, and then seal it up to prevent fogging in the future.
If your French doors won't latch the most likely cause is that they are 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. A quick and easy fix is to loosen and tighten the hinge screws until they are evenly distributed.
You can alter the latching bolts of each door if your French doors are becoming more difficult to open and close. They can be found on the outside and inside of the door, and are typically secured by two screws, which need to be removed in order to gain access to the bolts. The bolts can be tightened or loosen with a standard screwdriver if they are loose. However, if the bolts aren't latching, it's important to make sure that there is nothing blocking them, for example, furniture or a doormat. In this instance, you should contact an French door repair specialist for assistance.
Water Leaks
French doors can enhance the beauty of a home by blending indoors and out. 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 is important to take action immediately to prevent water intrusion and costly repair costs in the near future.
If your French doors leak during rainy times it's probably because of a problem with the seal around the frame or windowpanes. Examine replacement french door www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk for signs of wear and tear, like cracks in the sealant and ensure that the installer followed the correct sealing procedures. If the leaks are widespread it could be necessary to replace the parts that cause the leakage.
A lack of ventilation is another cause of French doors that leak. A gap in the weather strip permits warm air to escape in winter and cool air enters in summer. This can lead to drafty rooms and costly energy bills. If you find air gaps in your French doors, you can add additional weather strips to create an obstacle to moisture.
Lastly, you can also have issues with your French doors if they're not able to shut and open correctly. 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 places where the door sticks can solve this issue.
uPVC replacements aren't suited to all homes particularly in listed or period properties. Chameleon can repair your existing French doors and windows to bring back the look of your home, while ensuring that the integrity of your home is maintained. They can also provide advice on how to maintain your French doors to prevent further damage and ensure that they continue to operate smoothly. If you require repairs for your existing doors or would like a quote on replacements, call Chameleon today. They have more than 20 years of experience in the maintenance and restoration of wooden windows, doors and other elements in historic London homes.
Energy Efficiency
Inefficient or broken French doors means your house will lose heat and cold air through the glass, which can affect indoor temperatures. In some cases, depending on the severity of the damage, it might be necessary to replace them to achieve maximum efficiency in energy use.

In this situation, it is more cost-effective to replace the doors than to try and repair or reseal them. However, it's important to evaluate the extent of the damage to make sure that it's worth the expense.
The cost of replacing a pair of French doors will depend on the style and quality of the doors. A pair of French doors that are custom-made with double-paned glass may be more expensive than a standard model due to the additional insulation they provide. In addition, double-pane windows are available with a range of options that increase efficiency, including low-emissivity coatings as well as argon gas that fills the space between the panes to stop heat transfer. On window labels, you can find information on these options, as along with energy performance ratings.
Re-caulking around the frames is a way to increase energy efficiency. It helps seal gaps and reduces air leaks. However, this is a task that should be left to experts since the shifting weight of a building and the fluctuating weather conditions can cause caulking to break and fall out.
If you are looking for an option that lasts, think about using drapes to create an additional barrier between your doors and the elements outside. Drapes are an affordable option to shield your home from heat and cold and assist in reducing your energy costs. It's usually cheaper, however, to replace the doors.