Fixing Repair My Windows And Doors want to lock your french doors securely. You can accomplish this by selecting a lock system that will secure your door without obstructing airflow and affecting the aesthetic look of your room.
French door locks are typically a three-point lock system which includes flush bolts at the lower and upper edges of each door panel, and an operable door. This lockset is very difficult to break.
How to fix a French Door that isn't Locking
It can be a significant safety risk in the event that your doors do not lock or latch correctly. It could be a sign of a larger issue like a cracked or broken locking cylinder. Don't worry you can resolve the issue in just a few simple steps.
The most common reason for a door that won't lock is due to an obstruction that blocks the latch. It could be as simple as dirt stuck in the latch, or the latch may be defective.
If you examine the strike plate, (the metal piece on the inside of the doors that sits against frame) You can determine the truth. If there is a tiny metal tab protruding from the strike plate, gently tap it with a screwdriver to bend it. This will allow the bolt to drop in more easily.
A latch that is seized could be the result of improper installation or an improper alignment. Lubricating the latch can help it to function better, but it will not solve issues with how it aligns with the strike plate.
Installing a strike plate is straightforward in case you don't have one. The body of the lock (the part that screws in the door frame) will need to be removed from the door, and the lock assembly replaced. You'll need a Phillips-head screwdriver and an electric drill for this, but it is not a major task.
It is a good idea to keep the lock lubricated especially the cylinder regularly to ensure that it functions as efficiently as possible. You can use graphite or silicone-based lubricant to do this. Apply the lubricant to the key and then turn it slowly several times until the cylinder can move freely.
A double-cylinder deadbolt is more secure than an ordinary deadbolt when is used on French doors. A simple lock that twists the handle isn't enough to keep intruders out and a standard deadbolt that has an internal thumb-turn of the door could be defeated by breaking the glass and reaching into the door.
How do fix an French door that isn't latching
Most often, the issue is caused by the door latch not properly engaging with the strike plate hole. It is usually caused by sagging hinges. However, it can be due to a problem with the latch position or the latch itself. To help determine which of these is the cause, apply a lipstick or similar marker to determine where the latch is in contact with the strike plate. This mark will help you determine the cause of the problem. For instance If the mark is below the strike plate, then it's likely the hinges. If it's above it could be the latch position.
It is important to align the strike plate and latch holes when installing handles or the lock mechanism on the French Door. This is particularly true when a door has been closed for an extended period of time. In this period, the door may have moved a bit. This is particularly common with composite or timber doors as they are susceptible to expand or contract according to the weather and the surrounding.
To correct this issue, first take the latch from the active door's edge and unscrew the locking strip from the handle. Then, using a sharp chisel and hammer, you can increase the strike plate hole on the door frame. This will allow you to put the latch in a more ideal position for the door. When the door is closed it will close without catching on the frame.
After the hole for the latch has been expanded, carefully place the new latch inside the strike plate hole and screw it in. Then, adjust the strike plate using the screw, hammer and nut until it is in the proper position. Test the door. Make any adjustments you need to make.
Another issue with external French Doors is that the lock's cylinder isn't able to turn. This could be caused by obstructions or wear and tear, but it is usually easy to fix. The lock may be blocked or the pins of the cylinder wear. It's worth a shot to see if a simple clean can make a difference. If the issue persists it could be necessary to replace the lock cylinder.
How do you fix the problem of a French door that isn't opening
If your French doors won't lock the way you want, the issue is most likely caused by debris and dirt blocking the mechanism of the lock. Checking that the door frame is free of debris and there is nothing obstructing the locking mechanism is the first thing to do. There could be an issue with the alignment of the French door and its frame. This can cause the French door to drag against the frame, resulting in jamming.
The lock mechanism is simple. A key turns the spindle, and then moves the bolt upwards and downwards on a rail. If the handle moves but the bolt does not, then something is stuck. It could be that the lock's mechanics aren't working, or it may just require lubrication. Make use of a silicone spray. It comes with a nozzle you can use to spray lubricant directly into the mechanisms. Spray liberally then turn the handle to make sure that all the parts of the lock mechanism are lubricated.
It is also possible to adjust where the latch is located on the French door. This is easy to do and is typically done from the outside of the door. If you're French doors have just been installed and you are able to put the handle and latch in place with no problem. If they're old then you'll have to mark the locations of the holes for the handles on the door and the latch on the door frame using a template provided with the lock kit. Then, drill the hole for the handle or knob at the right height (commonly about 36 inches from the floor) and then drill a smaller hole on the edge of the door for the latch.
Once the hole is drilled, it's important to make sure that the latch plate fits correctly over the strike plate that is on the door frame. If the latch plate doesn't fit properly the deadbolt won't retract into the strike plate if you pull the lever to lock. Finally, you will have to screw the latch plate in place.
Repairing a French Door That Won't Close
The latch on a French Door can get stuck and not close. This renders the doors unusable. This is usually a simple problem to fix, however it may require the removal of one of the heavy doors. In the majority of cases, the issue is that the latch is misaligned either with the strike plate or with the door jamb or both. The dead bolt may not be fully extended or retracted. It is possible to have misalignment over time because of weather or settling.
If the latch is stuck, it can be difficult to open, however it's generally simple to fix the issue by loosening the screws that secure the hinge to the frame and then inserting shims to make the door higher or lower. This will make the latch closer to the lock mechanism, and fix the problem.
If the latch does not fit into the strike plate hole you can repair it by loosening the screw holding the strike plate and using an electric or a metal file to trim the edge until the latch fits. If you need to, you might have to take off the strike plate to cut out the hole.
Another common issue with French doors is that the locks don't engage properly. This could be a sign of a problem in the locking cylinder, especially if you have a more recent lock system. You'll need to take off the lock and check it for visible obstructions or damage and, if it's working properly you may need to replace it.
If you have an older door with a draft coming in, try replacing the weatherstripping on the exterior of the door. This will create a tight seal, and prevent the doors from catching. You can also add door sweeps to ensure that all the gaps you might encounter are sealed. If you do this, make sure that you place the sweeps on both sides of the door and that they overlap with each other at the bottom.