French Door Handle Replacement - Upgrade the Look of Your French Doors
Door handles play an essential function, shielding your home from the elements outside. They're also a popular design element that can set the tone for your home's style.
Most French doors have two handles: one functional and one decorative. The non-functional handle is commonly known as a"dummy.
Replacement
If you're looking to improve the appearance of your French doors, a new handle is a great option to achieve this. Whether your doors are older and in need of replacement or you're constructing the look of your doors, you should choose high-quality handles that can be able to withstand repeated use and withstand the elements. The best handles are made of stainless steel as it is antibacterial and easy to clean. They also feature a brushed finish that wards off fingerprints and is less likely to show scratches or rust over time.
Handle sets are available in a broad selection of styles and colors. You'll be able to you'll find something that matches your style and decor. Some handle styles have a more decorative look and others have an integrated lock to give added security. You can get key-operated handles which are perfect for homes with young children. Some handles are more expensive than others, and it is important to take your budget into consideration when selecting the right set.
Choose the best configuration for your French door prior to buying a handle. If you have interior doors that open in a separate manner and you want to have two handles. One handle can be locked and the other will not. This will help you decide if you require a rotating handle or a fixed one. It is also important to decide whether you'd like your door to be able to lock from both sides.
The majority of exterior doors require a key to open them, therefore you'll require locks that allow you to accomplish this. You can pick a basic Yale-style lock or an advanced multipoint locking system that can keep your French doors secure. Certain locks allow you to lock the top of the door and the bottom simultaneously while others require you to open both the top and bottom.
If you're ready to put in your new handle, first find the slot for actuator. It's a cylindrical slot that connects to the latch. It is possible to locate holes for this in the door frame but you should measure carefully and use the spirit level to ensure that the holes are straight. It is also recommended to get a hole-boring template with your handle to help you to make the correct measurements.
Installation
While door handles might seem like a minor accessory but they play a crucial part in your french doors' functionality, security and even aesthetics. It's important to select high-quality handles that will be used regularly and won't require replacement or maintained frequently.
Based on the design you prefer and the intended use of your door, you may need to install different handles. However regardless of your preferred design and function the process of installation is almost identical. First, you need to take off the handles that are currently in place and clean the area where the new ones will be put. Make holes in the door where you plan to install the handle set. Follow the directions that came along with your hardware so that you can bore the holes properly to allow the lock mechanism fit.
After that, you should put the lock bolt in the hole in the side of the door and then connect it to the actuator. The actuator is a cylindrical part with a slot that the bolt can pass through. Certain handle designs might call for you to place the bolt before the actuator, so make certain to read the instructions if you're not sure about the order of assembly.
Then, screw the plate in place to protect the latching mechanisms and locking mechanisms of the active side. Check the latch and lock. Repeat the process on the door with a dummy to install the handle that is not functional.
It is essential to be patient and attentive throughout the process. You could end having handles that aren't functional or look great if you rush the process. This is why you should employ a professional who can provide you with the best possible outcomes. Then, you'll be enjoying your beautiful french doors for many years to be!
Compatibility
The type of handle that you pick for your French doors will depend on the purpose you intend to use them for. If you're using them to create closets, for example, you may not want them to lock and decorative handles will suffice. If you're using them to bedrooms or dining areas, however, you will require locking hardware that allows to be used with ease while providing security against forced entry. The handle you pick for your french doors must be able to handle the locks already installed. If you choose the wrong handle could make the lock difficult or impossible to operate, which is why it is essential to consult with a professional before making your shop. An experienced expert such as the ones at CD Windows will be able to assist you in finding the perfect handle for your doors.
There are many alternatives when it comes down to French Door Handles. Certain handles for French doors have integrated locking systems, removing the need for a separate locking system. Others come with deadbolts and latches that can be controlled by a handle to provide additional security. In any case, you'll need to ensure that the handles you pick are compatible with the hardware you already have and will fit well with the door's style and design.
Another factor to consider is whether you would like the handle sets to lock on both sides or just one side. 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 totally different method to secure them than single-doors do. If you're looking for an option that locks on both sides, you'll require handles with a lock designed to work with double doors.
In most instances, the handles you put on the active French Door will have openings in the plates that accept the latch and lock bolt. The dummy handles are non-functional and are purely decorative. These handles are typically used in areas that don't require frequent opening, like bedrooms and bathrooms.
Maintenance
It is essential to take care of the handles on your doors, as they are the most commonly used element of your doors. They can over time become tarnished, discoloured or even lose their shine entirely. Using the correct cleaning solution can restore them to their original glory. In general, the safest and gentlest cleaner is an mild soap solution but you should rinse and dry off all water afterward to avoid damage and corrosion.
Brass handles are particularly prone to tarnishing. It is possible to reduce the risk by keeping them clean. To remove dirt and dust, first rinse the brass surface with warm tap water. Then, you can use a soft cloth. Prepare a mixture of baking soda and lemon juice to get rid of any tarnish. After you have removed the tarnish, you can finish off by polishing the handle using a stainless steel-specific cleaner. Selecting the right product for your particular material will ensure a smooth and shiny finish that lasts for a long time.
A stiff or squeaky door handle can be incredibly annoying, but it's a problem which is usually fixable. Examine whether there are any small objects or debris stuck in the locking mechanism. This could be the reason for the issue. If this isn't the case it could be that you simply have to grease the inner workings of the door handle in order to fix it.
WD-40 is multi-purpose product with a specialist formula that works quickly to aid in lubricating your hardware. Applying a generous amount of the liquid on your door handle will assist it to move smoothly and stop squeaking. Use a flexible swivel or a brush to get in all the crevices and nooks of your French door handle.
While replacing the handle of a French door is fairly simple, you will need to be careful when drilling holes for the new handles. french door repair near me is because different designs for doors come with a variety of holes in the frame and door and frame, making it crucial to ensure that the holes are matched when fitting the new handles. Check that the cylinder pin, the metal piece that runs through your entire lock mechanism, is fitted perfectly.