French Door Handle Replacement - Upgrade the Look of Your French Doors
Door handles play an essential function, shielding your home from outside elements. They're also a prominent design feature that can set the tone for your interior aesthetic.
The majority of French doors are equipped with two handles, one that's functional and one that's purely decorative. The non-functional handle is commonly known as a fake.
Replacement
A new handle can be an affordable way to update the appearance of French doors. If your doors are older and need to be replaced or you're constructing, it's important to choose high quality handles that will stand up to repeated use and withstand the elements. The best handles are constructed of stainless steel that is antibacterial and is easy to clean. The handles are brushed that is impervious to fingerprints, and less likely to become rusty or show scratches as time passes.
Handle sets are available in different styles and finishes, so you're sure to find something that complements your style and decor. Certain handle designs have a more decorative look, while others come with an integrated lock to give added security. You can even get key-operated handles, which are great for homes with young children. Certain handles are more expensive than others, which is why it is important to be aware of your budget when choosing the right set.
Before you purchase a handle, consider what type of handle will work best for your French doors. If you have interior doors that open independently of one another and you want one handle that locks, and one that does not. This will determine if you require a turn handle or a fixed handle. It is also important to decide whether you would like the door to be able to be locked from both the inside and outside.
The majority of exterior doors require a key to open the door, so you'll need locks that allow you to do this. You can choose a basic Yale lock or a multipoint locking system to secure your French doors. Some systems let you lock the top of the door and the bottom at the same time and some require you to open both the top and bottom.
If you're ready to put in your new handle, first find the actuator slot. It's a cylindrical slot that connects to the latch. It is possible to locate a hole for this in the door frame, but you must measure it carefully and use the spirit level to ensure that the holes are in a straight line. You should also receive a hole-boring template with your handle to assist you make the correct measurements.
Installation
Although door handles may appear like a minor accessory however they play an important role in the functionality of your french doors as well as security, and even 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 function of your doors, you could need to install different types of handles. However regardless of the style and purpose the process of installing them is similar. First, you must remove the existing handles and clean up the area where the new ones will be installed. The next step is to drill holes into the door in which you intend to place the new set of handles. Follow the directions included with your hardware so that you can bore the holes correctly to let the lock mechanism to fit.
Then, place the lock bolt into the hole at the edges of the doors and connect it to the actuator. The actuator is a cylindrical piece with a slot through which the bolt goes. Certain designs of handles may call for you to insert the bolt before the actuator, so make sure to consult your instructions if you're unsure about the correct order to put it together.
Once you've done that, screw the plate into place to cover the latching and locking mechanisms on the active side of the door. Then, check the latch and lock to make sure that they function properly. Repeat the process on the door with a dummy to install the handle that is not functional.
It's essential to be patient and cautious throughout the process. If you hurry through the process, you could end with a set handles that don't function correctly or look great. This is why you should seek out a skilled professional who will give you the best possible results. In the end, you'll be in a position to enjoy your gorgeous french doors for many years to be!
Compatibility
The kind of handle you select for your French doors will depend on the purpose for which you plan to use them for. If you are using them as closets, you may want to use decorative handles instead of locking hardware. If you're using them in 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 that you choose for your French door must also be compatible with the locks already in place. Consult a professional to make sure the lock is easy to use. CD Windows has experts who can assist you in choosing the right handle.
There are a variety of alternatives when it comes down to French Door Handles. Some have built-in locks which eliminate the requirement for a separate lock system. Others come with deadbolts and latches that are handle activated for extra security. You should ensure that any handles you choose will work with your existing hardware and will also be compatible with the type and design of the door.
You should also consider whether you would like your handle sets to lock on one or both sides. This is because French doors are made of two doors that are connected to each other, so they require a totally different mechanism to secure them as single-doors do. If you're looking for a solution that locks both sides, then you'll need a handle set with locks specifically designed for double doors.
In most instances, you'll find that the handles you install onto the active French Door have an opening in the plates that can accept the latch and the bolt for locking. The Dummy handle, on contrary, will be an unfunctioning handle that is purely decorative. These handles are used in places that aren't opened frequently, such as bathrooms and bedrooms.
Maintenance
It is essential to take care of your door handles since they are the most commonly used part of your doors. Over time they can get discolored, tarnished, or even lose their shine entirely. The right cleaning solution can restore them to their previous glory. Generally speaking, the safest and gentlest cleaner is a mild soap solution however, you must rinse and dry off all water afterward to avoid corrosion and damage.
Brass handles are especially susceptible to tarnishing. You can minimize this risk if you keep them clean. Start by rinsing the brass surface with warm water and a soft cloth to remove dust and dirt. Then, make a mixture of lemon and baking soda to remove any tarnish. After removing the tarnish you can polish the handle using a stainless-steel-specific cleaner. Using the right product for your material will ensure a smooth, shiny finish that will last for a long time.
It can be a hassle to experience a squeaky or stiff door handle, however, it's generally fixable. First, you should check that there aren't any small objects or debris caught inside the locking mechanism of the door, as this could be the reason for the issue. If it's not the case, it might be that you have to grease the inner workings of the door handle to resolve it.
WD-40 is multi-purpose product with an exclusive formula that performs quickly to aid in lubricating your equipment. Applying a generous amount of the liquid on the door handle will allow it to move smoothly and stop squeaking. french door handle repairs can also use a Flexible Straw to get into all the little nooks and crannies on your French door handle, ensuring that you don't miss a place.
While the process of replacing a french door handle is quite simple, you'll need to be careful when drilling holes for the new handles. This is because different styles for doors come with a variety of holes in the frame and door which is why it's crucial to ensure that the holes are matched when fitting the new handles. It's also important to check that the cylinder pin fits correctly and is the piece of steel that runs through the whole lock mechanism of your door.