French Door Handle Replacement - Upgrade the Look of Your French Doors
Door handles play a vital role, protecting your home from the elements outside. They're also a prominent design element that sets the tone for your interior aesthetic.
Most French doors are equipped with two handles, one that is functional and the other is purely decorative. The non-functional handle is commonly called a fake.
Replacement
If you're looking to improve the look of your French doors, a new handle is a great way to do so. If you are remodeling or replacing your doors it is essential to choose high-quality handles that can withstand repeated use and the elements. The best handles are constructed from stainless steel, which has antibacterial properties and is easy to clean. The handles feature a brushed surface that is resistant to fingerprints, and less likely to become rusty or show scratches as time passes.
Handle sets are available in a wide variety of styles and finishes. You'll surely find something that will complement your style and decor. Some handle styles are more attractive, while others come with an integrated lock to provide additional security. Key-operated handles are available which are perfect for homes with small children. Some handles are more expensive than others, and it is important to be aware of your budget when choosing a set.
Before you buy a handle, consider what design will best suit your French doors. If you have interior door that open independently and you want to have two handles. One handle will lock and the other won't. This will determine if need a rotating handle or a fixed one. It's also necessary to determine whether you want the door to to be locked from both the inside and outside.
You'll need a lock to unlock external doors that require a key. You can select a standard Yale lock or a multipoint locking system to secure your French doors. Certain systems let you lock the top and bottom of the door at once and some require that you unlock both the top and bottom.
Locate the actuator slot before installing your new handle. french door repair near me Repair My Windows And Doors 's a circular insert that connects to the latch. You can usually find holes in the door frame to do this, however it's essential to measure with care and make use of a spirit-level to ensure the holes are straight and uniform. You should also receive a hole-boring template with your handle to assist you make the correct measurements.
Installation
While door handles might seem like minor accessories, they play a critical part in your french doors' functionality and security, as well as aesthetics. It's important to select high-quality handles that will endure regular use and don't need to be replaced or maintained often.
Depending on the design you prefer and the purpose of your doors, you could need to install different types of handles. But regardless of your preferred style and function the process of installation is similar. The first step is to remove the existing handles and clean the area where the new ones will be installed. The next step is to drill holes in the door in which you intend to install the new set of handles. Follow the instructions included with your hardware so that you can bore the holes in a way that allows the lock mechanism fit.
After that, you should insert the lock bolt through the hole in the side of the door and then connect it to the actuator. The actuator is a cylindrical piece with a slot that the bolt can go through. Some handle designs may require you to insert the bolt prior to the actuator, so make sure to follow the instructions if you're not sure regarding the order in which you should assemble.
Once you've done that, screw the plate into place to cover the latching and locking mechanisms on the side that is active on the door. You must then test the lock and latch to make sure that they work properly. Once you're satisfied you're satisfied, repeat the procedure on the dummy side of the door, and install the handle that is not functional.
During the process, you need to take your time and be careful. You might end having handles that are not functional or do not look great if you rush the process. You should always seek out an expert to ensure best outcomes. In the end, you'll be enjoying your beautiful french doors for many years to come!
Compatibility
The kind of handle you select for your french doors will be contingent on the way you plan to make use of them. If you're using them for storage, you might choose to use decorative handles instead of locking hardware. If you're using them for a dining room or bedroom, however, you will require locking hardware that permits to be used with ease while providing security against forced entry. The handle you select for your french doors should also be able to work with the type of locks that are already installed. Consult a professional to make sure the lock is easy to use. CD Windows has experts who can assist you in selecting the appropriate handle.
There are a myriad of choices when it comes to French Door Handles. Certain French door handles come with integrated locking systems, removing the requirement for an additional locking system. Others come with deadbolts and latches that can be controlled by a handle for extra security. You'll want to make sure that the handles you select will work with your existing hardware and will also be compatible with the style and design of the door.
You should also think about whether you want your handle sets to lock on one or both sides. This is due to the fact that French doors are made of two doors that are linked to one another, which means they require a completely different method of locking unlike single-doors. If you're seeking a solution that locks both sides, you'll require an entire set of handle sets with a lock specifically designed to work with double doors.
In the majority of cases, the handles you put on the active French Door will have openings in the plates that can accept the latch and lock bolt. The dummy handles are non-functional and are only decorative. These handles are typically used in areas that aren't used often, like bedrooms and bathrooms.
Maintenance
Door handles are one of the most used parts of your doors, so it's important to look after them. They can over time get discolored, tarnished, or even lose their shine completely. The correct cleaning solution will bring them back to their previous glory. In general, the safest and gentlest cleaner is a mild soap solution however, you must wash and dry off any moisture afterward to avoid damage and corrosion.
Brass handles are particularly prone to tarnishing. You can minimize this risk if you keep them clean. To remove dust and dirt, first rinse the brass surface with warm tap water. Then use a soft cloth. Then, make a mixture of baking soda and lemon to scrub away any tarnish. After you have removed the tarnish, you can polish the handle using a stainless-steel-specific cleaner. Making use of the right cleaner for your material will guarantee an even and smooth finish that lasts for years.
It can be annoying to have a noisy or stiff door handle, however, this issue is typically fixable. First, you should check whether there aren't any tiny objects or debris entangled in the door's locking mechanism which could be the reason for your issue. If this is not the case, you might have to grease the inside of your door handle to fix the problem.
WD-40 is an all-purpose product that has an exclusive formula that performs quickly to help you lubricate your equipment. Applying a liberal amount of the liquid to your door handle will assist it move easily and stop squeaking. Use a Flexible Straw or a brush to get into all the crevices and nooks of your French door handle.
While replacing the handle of a French door is relatively simple however, you must be careful when drilling holes to install new handles. This is because different designs for doors have a variety of holes in the frame and door, so it's important to match up the holes when putting on the new handles. It's also worth checking that the cylinder pin is fitted correctly and is the metal piece that runs through the whole lock mechanism on your door.