Fixing French Door Locking Mechanism Replacement
When you lock your french doors, it is important to ensure they're secure. This can be accomplished by choosing locks that keep your door secure without blocking airflow or affecting the aesthetics of your room.
French door locks are usually an all-point lock system that includes flush bolts at the upper and lower edges of each door panel and an operable door. This system isn't easy to break into.
How to fix a French Door that isn't Locking
It could be a major security risk if your doors don't lock or latch correctly. This could be a sign of a major issue such as a broken locking cylinder. But don't worry about it, the issue can be solved with a few easy steps.
A door that won't latch is usually because of an obstruction blocking it. This can be something as simple as a piece of dirt that is stuck in the lock, or it could be a problem with the latch itself.
If you examine the strike plate (the metal piece that is on the inside of the doors which sits against frame) It is possible to determine the truth. 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 due to poor alignment or improper installation. Lubricating the latch will allow it function better, but will not fix problems with alignment.
If Repair My Windows And Doors do not have a strike plate, it is easy to install one. The lock body (the part that screws into 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.
To make sure that the lock operates effectively, it is a good practice to lubricate it frequently especially the cylinder. Use a silicone or graphite lubricant to do this. Apply the lubricant on the key, then turn it several times until the cylinder moves freely.
A double-cylinder deadbolt can be more secure than the standard deadbolt when it is used on French doors. A handle twist lock is not enough to deter intruders and a door deadbolt that has a thumb turn can be defeated if you break the glass.
How to fix an French door that isn't latching
Most often, the issue is caused by the door latch not properly connecting to the strike plate hole. It is often caused by the hinges being sagging. However, it can be caused by 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 is in contact with the strike plate. This mark will help identify the root of the issue. For instance If the mark is below the strike plate it's most likely to be the hinges. If it's higher the strike plate, then it could be the latch position.
When installing handles or the 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 a prolonged period of time. During this time the door might have moved slightly. This is most common for composite or timber doors as they are prone to contraction or expansion depending on the weather and the conditions.
To correct this, first remove the lock latch from the active door's edge and unscrew the locking strip from the handle. Then with a chisel that is sharp and hammer, you can increase the strike plate hole in the door frame. This will allow you to place the latch in a more suitable position for the door. When the door is closed it will shut without catching the frame.
Once the latch hole has been enlarged, carefully place the new latch inside the strike plate hole and screw it into. Next, re-adjust the strike plate with the screw and hammer until it is in a more appropriate position, and then check the door. Make any necessary adjustments.
Another common problem with external French Doors is that the lock cylinder won't turn. This can be due to wear and tear or debris. However, it's usually a simple fix. The lock could be blocked or the pins of the cylinder are worn. It's worth a try to see if a quick cleaning can result in a change. If the issue persists it might be necessary to replace the lock cylinder.
How to fix a French Door that isn't opening
If your French doors won't lock the way you want, the issue is most likely due to debris and dirt blocking the lock mechanism. Checking that the door frame is clean and there's nothing blocking the locking system is the first thing you need to do. There might also be an issue with the alignment of the French door and its frame. This could cause the door to slide over the frame, which can eventually result in jamming.
The lock mechanism is simple. A key turns the spindle, which moves a bolt up and down on the rail. If the handle moves, but the bolt does not it means that something is stuck. It could be that the lock's mechanics are faulty or it might need lubricating. Try using a silicone spray - it will come with a pipe which can be used to direct the lubricant to the mechanisms of the lock. Spray liberally and rotate the handle until the lubricant has gotten to all parts of the mechanism.
You may also have to alter the position of the latch on the French door. This is a simple task and is typically done from the outside of the door. If you're French doors are brand new, you will most likely be in a position to screw the handle and latch in place without any problem. If your French doors are older, you'll need to use the templates that comes with the lock kit to mark where the holes for the handle on the door and the latch on the frame need to be. Then, drill the hole for the handle/knob at the proper height (commonly about 36 inches from floor) and then make a smaller hole along the door's edge for the latch.
Once the hole is drilled, it's important to check that the latch plate is properly placed over the strike plate on the door frame. If the latch plate doesn't fit properly the deadbolt won't retract into the strike plate when you push the lock lever. In the end, you'll need to screw the latch plate into the correct position.
How do fix an French door that won't close
The latch on a French door can become stuck and won't close. This renders the doors unusable. This is usually a simple problem to fix, however it could require removal of one of the doors that are heavy. In the majority of cases, the issue is that the latch isn't aligned or with the strike plate or with the jamb on the door, or both. The dead bolt may not be fully extended or retractable. It is possible to have misalignment as time passes because of weather or settling.
If the latch is stuck, it may be difficult to open, but it's usually easy to solve the issue by loosening the screws that secure the hinge to the frame, and then inserting shims to make the door a bit higher or lower. This will get the latch closer to the lock mechanism, and will solve the problem.
If the latch isn't able to fit in the strike plate hole you can repair it by loosening the screw that holds the strike plate, and then using a metal planer or electric file to cut off some of the edges until the latch fits. If you need to, you might have to take off the strike plate in order to chisel out the hole.
Another issue that is common to French doors is that locks don't engage properly. If you have a newer lock it could be an indicator of an issue with the locking cylinder itself. It is necessary to remove the lock and check it for visible obstructions or damages and if it's not functioning properly, you might require replacing it.
Replace the weatherstripping that was installed on the exterior of a door if you notice drafts entering. This will create a tight seal and prevent the doors from sagging. You can also add door sweeps to ensure that all of the possible gaps are closed. Install the sweeps on top and bottom of the door.