Fixing French Door Locking Mechanism Replacement
(Image: https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/French-Door-Repairs.png)You want to lock your french doors securely. This can be done by choosing a lock that keeps your door secure without restricting airflow or affecting the aesthetics of your room.
French door locks are generally an all-point lock system that has flush bolts on the upper and lower edges of each door panel and an operating door. This type of lock is difficult to crack.
How do you fix a French door that isn't locking
It can be a significant security risk if your doors don't lock or latch properly. It could also be an indication of a serious problem such as a cracked locking cylinder. But don't worry, the issue can be solved with a few easy steps.
A door that doesn't latch is usually because of obstructions that block it. It could be as simple as dirt stuck in the latch, or the latch may be defective.
You can confirm if this is the situation by looking at the strike plate (the metal piece that is placed against the frame on the inside of the door). If there is a small metal tab protruding from the strike plate, tap it gently using a screwdriver and hammer to bend it slightly, this will make the hole in the plate and allow bolts can slide into it more easily.
A latch that has become stuck is usually caused by poor alignment or incorrect installation. Lubricating the latch can help it to function better, but it will not solve problems with how it aligns with the strike plate.
Installing the strike plate is easy in the event that you don't have one. The lock body (the part that screws in the door frame) must be removed from the door and the lock assembly replaced. You'll need a Phillips-head screwdriver and a power drill for this, but it is not a difficult job.
It is a good idea to lubricate the new lock particularly the cylinder frequently to ensure it functions as efficiently as it can. You can use silicone or graphite oil to do this. Apply the lubricant onto the key, then rotate it several times until the cylinder is able to move freely.
A double-cylinder deadbolt is more secure than a standard deadbolt when it is used on French doors. A simple handle twist lock will not be enough to stop intruders from entering, and a standard deadbolt with an internal thumb-turn of the door could be defeated by breaking the glass and then reaching in through it.
How to fix the problem of a French door that won't latch
The issue is usually caused by the door latch not properly connecting to the strike plate hole. This is typically caused by sagging hinges however it could also be due to the location of the latch or the latch itself. You could use a marker, such as lipstick, or another similar marker, to identify which is the culprit. The position of the mark will help identify the cause of the issue If, for instance, it makes contact below the strike plate's hole, hinges could be the probable cause, but If it's above, the latch's position could be the cause.
When installing handles or an entirely new lock mechanism for an external French Door it's important that the strike plate and latch holes are properly aligned. This is especially important if a door has been closed for a long period of time. In this period, the door may be a little shifted. This is most common for composite or timber doors as they are prone to expand or contract depending on the weather and the conditions.
To correct this, first remove the latch from the active door's edge. Then, remove the locking strip from the handle. Utilizing a sharp chisel with a hammer, expand the strike plate hole within the door frame. This will allow you to put 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 expanded, carefully place the new latch inside the strike plate hole and screw it in. Then, adjust the strike plate using the hammer and screw until it is in the correct position, then test the door. Make any necessary adjustments.
The lock cylinder on the external French Doors will not turn. This can be caused by dirt or wear and tear, but it's usually simple to resolve. Often the lock is simply obstructed or the pins inside the cylinder are worn. It's worth trying to see if a quick cleaning can make a difference. If the issue persists, it's often necessary to replace the entire lock cylinder.
How to fix a French Door that isn't opening
If your replacing french door glass door won't lock because of dirt or debris it's likely that the lock mechanism is blocked. The first thing you need to take is to ensure that the frame of the door is free of obstructions and that nothing is blocking the mechanism that locks. There could be an issue replacing window with french doors uk the alignment of the french door replacement door and its frame. This could cause the door to drag on the frame and eventually result in jamming.
The mechanism for locking is simple. A key turns the spindle, which moves a bolt up and down on a 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 may just require to be lubricated. Make use of a silicone spray. It will come with a nozzle you can use to spray the lubricant directly into the mechanism. Spray generously and then rotate the handle to ensure that the lubricant has reached all of the mechanisms.
There is also the possibility of having to adjust where the latch is located on the French door. This is simple to do and is usually done from the outside of the door. If your French doors are brand new, you will most likely be in a position to screw the latch and handle in place without difficulty. If they're older then you'll need to mark the positions of the holes for the handles on the door and the latch on the door frame using an outline provided by the lock kit. Make the hole for the handle or knob at the proper height. This is usually about 36 inches above the floor. Then, drill smaller holes around the edges of the door for the latch.
Once the hole is drilled, you need to ensure that the latch plate is correctly placed over the strike plate of the door frame. If it doesn't then the deadbolt might not retract into the strike plate when you push the lock lever. The latch plate will then require to be screwed into the correct position.
Fixing a French Door that isn't closing
The latch on a French Door may become stuck and won't close. This can render the doors inoperable. This is usually a simple problem to fix, but it could require the 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 of the door or both. The dead bolt may not be fully extended or retracted. The misalignment could occur as time passes because of weather or settlement.
If the latch is stuck, it can be difficult to open, however it's usually easy to solve the issue by loosening the screws that hold the hinge to the frame, and then adding shims to make the door a bit higher or lower. This will allow the latch to be closer to lock mechanism and resolve the issue.
In the same way, if the latch isn't getting into the strike plate's hole on the door jamb typically, you can fix it by loosening the screw that is holding 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 you need to, you might also have to remove the strike plate in order to chisel out the hole.
The locks on French doors often fail to engage properly. This could be due to an issue with the locking cylinder, especially if you have a more recent lock system. It is necessary to remove the lock and inspect it for visible obstructions or damages, and if it's not functioning properly, you may require replacing french door glass it.
(Image: https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/French-Door-Repairs.jpg)Replace the old weatherstripping on the exterior of an older door if you notice drafts coming in. This will form a tight seal and stop the doors from sticking. You can also install door sweeps to ensure that all of the possible gaps are closed. Install the sweeps on both the top and bottom of the door.
