Bi-Fold Door Repair
If they are either external or internal, bi-fold doors provide a certain amount of flexibility that can be customized to meet the needs of any homeowner. Like all fixtures and fittings they can be subject to wear and tear.
Thankfully, it's not hard to get them back in good shape. With a bit of patience and basic woodworking skills, you can tackle a couple of easy bi-fold door repair projects.
Cracked Corners
Bifold doors are typically lightweight and may crack near the pivot points on the top and bottom. This is usually due to the natural decay of wood. Fortunately, this can be repaired by gluing and clamping the affected wood. The procedure is fairly simple and will reduce the cost of hiring a professional do the job for you.
Bifold doors are typically not able to close or open smoothly. The most likely reason for this is a misalignment of the doors or their guides and pivot pins. This can be caused either by a slipping door or pins and guides that are loose. It's an easy fix.
It is important to first inspect the tracks and runners for any obstructions or obstructions. Leaves, dirt, sand fur, pet hair and everything else that can get into the running track can cause problems with bifold doors. Cleaning and lubricating the tracks regularly will keep them in good working order.
If you notice that a door is leaning when closed, it probably needs to be trimmed. You should make use of circular saws since doors aren't very strong. When trimming the door's veneer, you must be careful not to break or chip it. Place the door on a stable table and mark a line using pencil. Cut the door with a circularsaw to follow the line.
Another problem that often arises when bifold doors are that the doors scratch against carpeting whenever they're opened or shut. This can lead to the seals degrading, allowing draughts into your home and reducing its energy efficiency. This is a straightforward issue to resolve. All you need to do is clean the seals with an non-abrasive solution like vinegar or mild dishwashing detergent, then apply a silicone sealant over the affected area. After the sealant is dry, the problem should be solved. This will also prolong the longevity of your seals as well as the doors in general.
Misaligned Doors
If your bifold doors are sticking or squeezing when you try to open them or slide them closed, it is an indication that they are not in alignment. This can also cause a serious threat to your home's security. As soon as you see this problem, it is essential to take action. Delaying repairs could lead to damage that will require more extensive and expensive repair work.
Fortunately that adjusting your bifold door is easy. First, ensure that the track is free of obstructions. It is possible to use a brush or cloth to get rid of dirt or debris that has accumulated over time. After the track is cleaned, you can apply the spray of silicone to lubricate the track and smooth out the door's movement.
Then, you'll need to adjust the pivot brackets to get your doors in the right position. They are situated on the top and bottom of the door frame and are secured with screws. You can raise your door when it is sliding across the floor by loosening and tightening the screws after. If your door is pulling away from the walls, you can lower it if you loosen the screws and tighten them again. Continue making small adjustments until the doors are perfectly aligned.
Also, it's important to make sure that the door frames have been secured. If the frame moves slightly it can cause gaps between the doors, which will allow air and water to be able to enter your home. This could cause the hinges to move out of alignment and result in uneven doors. If this happens, you will need to re-secure the frame.
Finally, you should also make sure that the doors are aligned with the floor. You will have to adjust your hinge bolts if they are not in the right position. This can be accomplished by opening and shutting the doors. Then, use the spirit level and screwdriver until the panels are level.
Shag Carpeting
Bi-fold doors are made to slide up and down, however they may scratch the floor or wall. This is usually the result of one or more pivot pins being misaligned.
This is usually simple to fix. On the bottom of your bi-fold door there is pivot pins that are encased in a floor bracket and an attached spring at the top of the door, which is connected to an adjustable bracket that locks into the track. If your bifold door gets scratched on the floor, you can raise it by turning the pivot pin at the bottom counterclockwise.
Another reason you might be experiencing a shagging issue with your bi-fold doors could be that the track that they slide on isn't level. This can be due to changing weather conditions as well as settling or moving. If this is the situation you can adjust your tracks by loosening the screws which hold the upper track bracket. Slide it up or downward until it is at the same level as the lower track bracket.
Bi-folding doors can be a problem if wood around the pivot pins has cracked. This is a problem most doors face and includes bifolds. You'll need C-clamps and a small amount carpenter's adhesive to solve this. First, take down the door and pry the pivot pin off using a screwdriver or pliers. Spread the glue using a toothpick over the crack, then clamp the door and allow it to dry for 3 to 4 hours.
It is recommended that you have your bi-fold doors repaired by an expert, no matter how minor or serious the issue is. This will prevent any further damage to the door and ensure it is functioning properly. To find bi-fold door repairs near me in your area, search at the website of your door's manufacturer for a list of installers who have attended their own certification for installation of their products. Then contact them to set up your bifold repair appointment.
Broken Slats
Louvered closet doors allow air to circulate, discourage mildew and make your clothes easy to see. Although they can be a beautiful feature of a home, repairing or replacing these doors can be a challenge.
Louver doors are made of slats that open and close to let in light, rain or wind. They're typically constructed from wood or polyurethane plastic molding and are often used in windows, doors or even walls. Some bifold doors do not have louvered slats. However, those that do have louvered slats may be misaligned over time or break.
It is possible to think that you must replace the door when a slat breaks. But, it's not necessary. Instead, you can fix the damaged slat by using a piece of fabric and carpenters glue.
Begin by removing the closet door from the track and placing it on the floor or a set of saw horses in a way that the slats face upwards. You'll want to work on the door while having it positioned in this way to avoid damaging or bending the tracks or hinges.
To take a broken slat from the doorway put a claw-type hammer under each slat. Then, jerk the slat in order to separate it. Once the slat has been removed, measure the area where it was taken out to determine the width and length of the replacement slat. Once you have the measurements then cut a piece foam board or cork to the same dimensions as the area where the damaged slat was removed.
Apply a thick line of carpenters' glue to one side of the foam/foam board. Then place the fabric on the side of the board, smoothing out wrinkles and wrinkles as you move. Place the slat carefully into the slot in the door and secure it with nails, if required. When the glue is dry it is possible to rehang your bifold closet door.