French Door Handle Replacement - Upgrade the Look of Your French Doors
Door handles are important for protecting your home against outside elements. They're also a prominent design element that can set the tone for your home's design.
The majority of French doors have two handles, one functional and one decorative. This non-functional hand is often known as a dummy.
Replacement
A new handle is an affordable option to improve the look of French doors. If your doors are older and in need of replacement or you're planning to remodel, it's important to choose top quality handles that can be able to withstand repeated use and withstand the elements. The most durable handles are made of stainless steel since it is antibacterial and easy to clean. The handles feature a brushed surface that is resistant to fingerprints and less likely to become rusty or show scratches over time.
Handle sets are available in a vast variety of styles and finishes. You're sure find something to match your style and decor. Certain styles of handles are more decorative than others, while others come with a lock that is integrated for added security. Key-operated handles are available which are perfect for homes with children. Some handles are more expensive than others, but it's important to consider your budget when choosing the right set.
Determine the best configuration for your French door before you buy the handle. If you have an interior doors that open on their own it is possible to install two handles. One handle can be locked and the other won't. This will determine if you require a turning handle or a fixed handle. You'll need to decide if you would like to to lock the door from the inside and the outside.
Most external doors require keys to unlock the door, so you'll need locks that allow you to do this. You can choose a simple Yale-style lock or an sophisticated multipoint locking system that will ensure that your French doors safe. 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.
When you're ready to install your new handle, first find the slot for actuator. This is a cylindrical insert that connects the latch. You can usually find a hole in the door frame for this, however it's essential to measure carefully and make use of a spirit-level to ensure that the holes are straight and uniform. It is also recommended to get an e-boring template along with your handle to assist you to make the correct measurements.
Installation
Although door handles may appear as if they're just a few accessories however they play an important role in the functionality of your french doors as well as security, and even aesthetics. It is important to select high-quality handles that can endure regular use and don't need to be replaced or maintained often.
Depending on the design you prefer and the function of your doors, you may require different kinds of handles. But, regardless of your preferred style and function, the installation process is similar. First, you must remove the existing handles and clean the area where the new ones will be put. The next step is to drill holes in the door where you plan to place the new set of handles. Be sure to follow the directions that came with the hardware to ensure that you bore the holes in a way that allows the lock mechanism to fit correctly.
Then, you need to insert the lock bolt through the hole in the edge of the door, and connect it to the actuator. The actuator is a cylindrical component that has a slot which the bolt passes. Some handle designs may require you to insert the bolt prior to the actuator, so be sure to consult your instructions if you're not sure about the correct order to put it together.
Then, screw the plate in place to protect the latching mechanisms and locking mechanisms of the active side. You should then test the latch and lock to make sure that they function properly. Repeat the process on the dummy door side to install the handle that isn't functional.
During the process, you need to take your time and be cautious. If you rush through the process you may end with a set of handles that don't function correctly or look good. This is why you should employ a professional who will give you the best results. You'll then be able to enjoy your gorgeous french doors for many years to come.
Compatibility
The type of handle that you choose for your French doors will depend on what you plan to use them for. If you intend to use 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 need locking hardware that allows to be used with ease while providing security against forced entry. The handle you select for your French door must also be compatible with locks already in place. If you choose the wrong handle can make the lock difficult or impossible to operate, which is why it's essential to speak with a professional before making your shop. A knowledgeable expert like the ones at CD Windows will be able to help you find the correct handle for your doors.
There are a variety of choices when it comes to French Door Handles. Certain French door handles come with built-in locking systems, eliminating the need for an additional locking system. Others come with deadbolts and latches that can be controlled by a handle for extra security. You should ensure that the handles you select will work with your existing hardware and also will work with the type and design of the door.
Another factor to consider is whether you'd like the handle sets to be secured on both sides or just one side. French doors are two doors that are connected which means they require a different mechanism than single doors. If you're seeking an option that locks on both sides, you'll require a set of handle sets with a lock that's designed to work with double doors.
In most instances, the handles that you put on the active French Door will have openings in the plates to accept the latch and lock bolt. The fake handle, on the other hand, is only decorative. These handles are used in places that aren't opened frequently, such as bedrooms and bathrooms.
Maintenance
Door handles are one of the most frequently used components of your doors, which is why it is important to take care of them. As time passes, they may get discolored, tarnished, or lose their shine completely. Utilizing the right cleaning solution can bring them back to their original splendor. The most common and gentlest cleaning solution is a mild soap solution however, you must wash and dry off any moisture afterward to avoid corrosion and damage.
Brass handles are particularly prone to tarnishing. It is possible to reduce the risk by keeping them clean. To get rid of dust and dirt, first rinse the brass surface with warm tap water. Then, use a soft cloth. Next, prepare a mixture of lemon and baking soda to remove any tarnish. After removing the tarnish you can polish the handle with a stainless-steel-specific cleaner. Selecting the right product for your material will ensure an even and smooth finish that will last for many years.
A stiff or squeaky door handle can be incredibly frustrating, but it's something that is often easily fixed. First, make sure that there aren't any small objects or debris caught inside the door's locking mechanism which could be to blame for your problem. If it's not the case, it might be that you need to grease the internal workings of the door handle to resolve it.
WD-40 is a multipurpose product with a unique formula that helps you lubricate hardware quickly. Applying a generous amount the liquid on your door handle will assist it move easily and stop squeaking. You can also use a flexible Straw to reach all the tiny nooks and crevices on your French door handle, so you don't miss any area.
Although replacing a french door handle is relatively easy, you'll need take some care when drilling holes for the new handles. This is because different door styles have different holes in the frame and door. This is why it's important to match the holes when installing the new handles. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors 's also worth checking that the cylinder pin is fitted properly and is the metal piece that connects the entire lock mechanism on your door.