Bi-Fold Door Repair
Whether they are external or internal, bi-fold doors provide a certain amount of flexibility that can be tailored to meet any need. However, as with all fixtures and fittings, they may suffer from the occasional wear and wear and tear.
It's not that difficult to get them back in good condition. Repair your bi-fold doors with a bit of patience and basic woodworking skills.
Cracked Corners
Bifold doors are typically lightweight and can break near the pivot points on the top and bottom. This is typically caused by the natural deterioration in wood. Fortunately, it can be repaired by gluing and clamping the affected wood. It's a fairly simple process that will save you money when hiring an expert.
Often, the most common problem with bifold doors is that they simply won't open or close smoothly. This is usually caused by a misalignment between the guides or pivot pins of the bifold doors. This can be caused by an unbalanced door or loose pivot pins or guides and is easy to fix with a bit of effort.
First, you must examine the runners or tracks for any blockages or obstructions. Sand, dirt and leaves could cause problems for a bifolding door. Cleaning and lubricating your tracks regularly should keep them in good order.
If you notice that a door is leaning when closed, it probably needs to be trimmed. You should use a circular saw since doors aren't that thick. Also, you must be cautious to avoid damaging or chipping the door veneer when trimming it. Put the door on a solid table and mark a line using pencil. Cut the door with circular saw along the line.
Another issue that is often encountered with bifold doors is that the doors rub against carpeting when they're opened or shut. This can lead to seals deteriorating, allowing drafts into your home, and decreasing its energy efficiency. This is a simple issue to solve. It is necessary to clean the seals with an non-abrasive cleaning solution, such as vinegar or mild dish detergent, and then apply silicone sealant to the damaged area. After the sealant is dry the issue should be resolved. This will also prolong the longevity of the seals and doors.
Doors that aren't aligned
If your bifold doors are squeezing or jamming as you try to slide them open or closed, it's an indication that they are out of alignment. This could cause a serious threat to the security of your home. If you spot this issue, it's important to take action. Refusal to fix it can result in more extensive and costly repair work.
Adjusting the bifold door can be done relatively easily. First, make sure that the track is clean and free of obstructions. It is possible to use a cloth or brush to get rid of dirt or debris that has accumulated over time. After the track is clean then you can lubricate the track with a silicone spray or other type of oil to ease the movement of doors.
Then, you'll need to adjust the pivot brackets in order to put your doors in the correct position. The brackets are situated at the top and bottom corners of the door frame and are attached by screws. If your door is sliding on the floor, you can raise it by loosening the screws and tightening them later. If it is moving away from the wall, you can lower it by loosening the screws, then tightening them. Continue making small adjustments until your doors are perfectly aligned.
It's also crucial to make sure that the doors' frames are secure. If the frame is moved slightly, it can create gaps between the doors, which will allow air and water to get into your home. It can also cause hinges to be misaligned and uneven doors. If this happens you'll require resecuring the frame.
It is also important to ensure that the doors are on the same level as the floor. You will need to adjust your hinge bolts if they are not in the proper position. This can be done by opening and shutting the doors. Then, you can use a spirit level and a screwdriver until the panels are all level.
Shag Carpeting
Bi-fold doors are made to slide up and down, but they may scratch the floor or wall. This is usually the result of one or more pivot pins not aligned properly.
This issue is usually easy to solve. A pivot pin is located at the bottom of the bi-fold doors and engages with the floor bracket. On top an retaining pin that is mounted on a spring engages a sliding bracket which locks into the track. If your bi-fold door rubs against the carpet, simply raise it by rotating the pivot pin on the bottom counterclockwise until it's at the right level.
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 could be due shifting weather conditions and settling, or even moving. If this is the situation you can adjust your tracks by loosening screws that support the upper track bracket. Slide it up or down until it is at the same level as the lower track bracket.
Another issue that could be affecting your bi-fold door is the wood has cracked around one or more pivot pins. This is a common issue with a variety of doors, including bi-folds. 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 either pliers or a screwdriver. Spread bifold door repairs near me using a toothpick across the crack, then clamp the door and allow it to dry for 3 to 4 hours.
It is recommended that you repair your bifold doors by an expert, no matter how minor or serious the issue. This will stop any further damage to your door and ensure that it is functioning properly. To find a specialist in your area, search on the website of your door's company for a list of installers who have taken their own certification for installation of their products. Then contact them to schedule your bi-fold door repair appointment.
Broken Slats
Louvered doors to closets let air circulate, prevent mildew from growing and make your clothes easier to see. While they are an attractive feature of a home, repairing or replacing them isn't easy.
Louver doors are composed of slats, which can be closed and opened to let air, light, or rain into the space. They can be made from polyurethane or wood moldings and used for doors, windows, or even walls. Bifold doors don't all have louvered slats however those that do could become misaligned or break in time.
You may believe that you should replace the door after a slat is broken. However, this is not required. Instead, you can repair the broken slat using a piece of fabric and carpenters glue.
Begin by removing the closet door from the track and placing it on the ground or a set of saw horses in a way that the slats face upwards. You'll need to work on the door while having it placed in this way to avoid damaging or breaking the tracks or hinges.
To take a broken slat from the door you need to place a claw-type Hammer under each slat. Then, jerk up the slat to separate it. After the slat is removed, measure the area in which it was removed to determine the width and length of the new slat. Once you have the measurements then cut a piece foam board or cork to the same dimensions as is the area in which the broken slat was removed.
Apply a thick layer of carpenters' glue on the foam/foamboard. Then place the fabric on the side of the board and smooth out wrinkles and creases as you go. Make sure to place the slat in the door's opening and secure it with nails, if needed. When the glue is dry, you'll be able to hang your bifold closet door.