Fixing repairmywindowsanddoors
When you lock your french doors, it is important to ensure that they're secure. This can be accomplished by selecting a lock that will ensure your door is secure without obstructing airflow or affecting the aesthetic look of your space.
French door locks are usually a three-point lock system that includes flush bolts at the lower and upper edges of each door panel and an operating door. This lockset is very hard to break.
How to fix an French door that won't lock
It can be a serious safety issue if your doors don't latch or lock properly. It could be an indication of a bigger issue like a cracked or damaged locking cylinder. But don't despair you can resolve the issue in a few simple steps.
The most common reason for a door that won't lock is because there is an obstruction that is blocking the latch. It could be just as simple as dirt accumulating in the latch, or the latch may be defective.
You can confirm if this is the case by examining the strike plate (the metal piece that rests against the frame on the side of the door). If you notice a tiny tab of metal protruding out from the strike plate, gently tap it with a screwdriver until it bends it. This will allow the bolt to drop in more easily.
A latch that has become stuck is usually caused by a poor alignment or installation. Lubricating the latch may help it work better, but it will not solve problems with the way it lines up with the strike plate.
If you don't have a strikeplate it's easy to install one. The lock body (the part that screws in the door frame) will need to be removed from the door and the lock assembly replaced. You will need a phillips-head screwdriver and a power drill for this, but it is not a difficult job.
It is recommended to lubricate the new lock, especially the cylinder, regularly to make sure it works as well as possible. You can use graphite or silicone-based oil to do this. Apply the lubricant to the key, and then turn it several times until the cylinder can move freely.
A double-cylinder deadbolt can be more secure than an ordinary deadbolt when comes to French doors. A handle twist lock will not be enough to deter burglars and the standard deadbolt for doors that has a thumb-turn can be ruined if you break the glass.
How to fix the problem of a French door that isn't latching
The problem is often caused by the latch of the door not engaging properly with the hole of the strike plate. It is usually caused by the hinges being sagging. However, it could also be due to an issue with the position of the latch or the latch itself. To determine which of these is the culprit you can apply a lipstick or similar marker to pinpoint where the latch makes contact with the strike plate. This mark will help you identify the root of the problem. For example If the mark is below the strike plate, then it's likely the hinges. If it's higher, then it could be the latch position.
When installing handles or a new lock mechanism on an external French Door it's important that the latch and strike plate hole locations are correctly aligned. This is particularly true if a door has been closed for an extended period of time. During this time the door could have moved slightly. This is most common for doors made of timber and composite, because they are prone to expansion or contraction depending on the weather or environment.
To fix this issue, remove the latch on the edge of the active door and unscrew it from the handle. Utilizing a sharp chisel the hammer and a chisel make a larger hole for the strike plate in the door frame. This will permit the latch to be placed in a more suitable position for the door and when the door is opened and closed it will close smoothly without catching or rubbing on the frame.
Once the hole for the latch has been increased, insert the new latch into the strike plate and screw it in. Then, adjust the strike plate with the screw, hammer and nut until it is in the correct position. Test the door. Make any adjustments you need to make.
The lock cylinder on external French Doors will not turn. This could be due to wear and tear or debris. However, it's usually a simple fix. Most of the time, the lock is blocked or the pins within the cylinder are worn. It's worth trying to see if a simple cleaning can help. If the problem persists, it may be necessary to replace the lock cylinder.
How to fix a French Door that won't open
If your French door won't lock due to dirt or other debris it's likely that the mechanism is blocked. Checking that the door frame is clear and that there is nothing obstructing the locking system is the first thing to do. There could also be an issue with the alignment of the French door and its frame. This can cause the door to sway over the frame, which can eventually cause jamming.
The lock mechanism is straightforward. A key rotates a spindle, which then moves the bolt up and down on the rail. If the handle moves but the bolt doesn't, then something is stuck. There could be a problem with the mechanics of the lock itself or it might just need some lubrication. Use a silicone spray. It comes with a nozzle you can use to direct the lubricant directly to the mechanism. Spray generously and then rotate the handle to ensure the lubricant is reaching all parts of the mechanism.
You may also have to adjust the position of the latch on the French door. It is usually possible to do this from outside. If your French doors are new and brand new, you'll be capable of screwing the latch and handle into the right position without a problem. If they're older then you'll have to mark the locations of the holes for the handles on the door and the latch on the frame of the door using an outline provided by the lock kit. The hole to install the knob/handle at the correct height. This is usually about 36 inches above the floor. Then, drill smaller holes around the edges of the door to install the latch.
Once the hole is dug, you must ensure that the latch plate is positioned over the strike plate of the door frame. If it doesn't the deadbolt, it may not retract into the strike plate when you push the lever for locking. In the end, you'll need to screw the latch plate into the correct position.
Fixing a French Door that isn't closing
Sometimes the latch on a French door can become stuck, and it isn't able to close, making the doors effectively unusable. There's usually a simple fix for this but it can involve taking down one of the doors, in particular if they are heavy. In the majority of cases, the issue is that the latch is misaligned or with the strike plate, or with the door jamb or both. The dead bolt might not be fully extended or retractable. Misalignment can occur over time due to weather or settling.
It can be difficult to open the door if it is stuck. To resolve this issue, loosen the screws holding the hinge to the frame, and then add some shims so the door is raised or reduced. This will make the latch closer to lock mechanism and resolve the issue.
In the same way, if the latch isn't able to get into the strike plate's hole on the door jamb, you can usually fix the issue by loosing a screw that holds the strike plate and using an electric or a metal planer to cut away some of the edge of the plate until the latch is able to fit. If needed, you may have to take off the strike plate to chisel out the hole.
Another common problem with French doors is that the locks don't engage correctly. This could indicate a problem in the locking cylinder, especially if you're using a newer lock system. If the lock isn't functioning properly, you'll need remove it and look for obvious damage.
Replace the old weatherstripping on the outside of a door that is older If you notice a draft coming in. This will create a secure seal and stop the doors from catching. You can also install door sweeps to ensure that all the gaps you might encounter are sealed. Install the sweeps on the top and bottom of the door.