French Door Handle Replacement - Upgrade the Look of Your French Doors
Door handles are crucial for protecting your home against elements from the outside. Door handles are also a notable feature that can set a mood for your interior design.
The majority of French doors are equipped with two handles, one that's functional and one that's purely decorative. This handle that is not functional is usually known as a dummy.
Replacement
A new handle can be an affordable option to improve the look of French doors. If your doors are old and in need of replacement or you're remodeling the look of your doors, you should choose high quality handles that will be able to withstand repeated use and weather the elements. The best handles are constructed from stainless steel that is antibacterial and is easy to clean. The handles have a brushed surface that is resistant to fingerprints, and less likely to rust or show scratches as time passes.
Handle sets are available in a broad range of styles and finishes. You'll surely find something that will complement your style and decor. Some handle styles have a more elegant look while others have an integrated lock for added security. Key-operated handles are available which are perfect for homes with young children. Some handles are more expensive than others, but it's important to look at your budget when selecting the right set.
Before purchasing a handle, consider what configuration will work best for your French doors. If you have internal doors that open independently of one another You may need one handle that locks and one that does not. This will determine if you require a rotating handle or fixed one. You'll have to decide if you wish to be able lock the door from the inside as well as the outside.
Most exterior doors require a key to open them, therefore you'll require a lock that allows you to do this. You can choose a basic Yale lock or a multipoint locking system to secure your French doors. Some systems allow you to lock the top and bottom of the door at once and some require that you unlock both the top and the bottom.
Find replace french door glass to installing your new handle. It's a cylindrical insert that connects to the latch. It's possible to find a hole for this in the door frame but you must measure it carefully and utilize the spirit level to ensure that the holes are in a straight line. With your handle, you should be provided with a hole-boring tool that will aid you in taking the proper measurements.
Installation
Door handles might seem like minor details, but they are essential to the functionality as well as security and aesthetics of your french doors. It is essential to choose top-quality handles that are able to endure regular use and don't need to be replaced or maintained frequently.
Depending on the design you prefer and the purpose of your doors, you may require different kinds of handles. The installation process is nearly identical, irrespective of the design or function you prefer. First, you need to take off the handles that are currently in place and clean up the area where the new ones will be installed. The next step is to drill holes in the door in which you intend to mount the new set of handles. Follow the directions that came with your hardware to ensure that you can drill the holes properly to allow the lock mechanism to fit.
Then, you can insert the lock bolt into the hole that is on the edges of the doors and connect it to the actuator. The actuator is a cylindrical insert that has a slot which the bolt passes. If you're not sure about the assembly order check your instruction.
Once you've done that screw the plate into place to cover the latching and locking mechanisms on the active side of the door. You should then check the latch and lock to make sure that they function properly. Repeat the process on the door side that you have made up to install the handle that is not functional.
It is essential to be patient and attentive throughout the process. You could end up with handles that are not functional or appear attractive if you hurry through the process. That's why you should always work with an experienced professional who can provide you with the most effective results. You'll be enjoying your beautiful french doors for many years to be!
Compatibility
The kind of handle you pick for your French doors will depend on the purpose you intend to use them for. If you're using them for storage, you might choose to use decorative handles instead of locking hardware. If you're using them in a dining room or bedroom However, you'll require locking hardware that permits for easy use while also providing security against forced entry. The handle you select for your french door should be compatible with the locks already in place. If you choose the wrong handle could cause the lock to be difficult or impossible to operate, so it is essential to consult with a professional before making your shop. A knowledgeable expert such as the ones at CD Windows will be able to assist you in finding the right handle for your door.
There are a myriad of choices when it comes to French Door Handles. Certain French door handles come with built-in locking systems that eliminate the need for a separate locking system. Some latches and locks are operated by the handle for extra security. You'll want to make sure that any handles you choose are compatible with the hardware you already have, and will also be compatible with the type and design of the door.
Another thing to think about is whether you'd like the handle sets to be able to lock on both sides or just one. This is due to the fact that French doors are made of two doors that are linked to each other, so they require a totally different method of locking as single-doors do. If you're seeking a solution that locks both sides, you'll need handles with a lock specifically designed to work with double doors.
In most cases, you will find that the handles you put onto the active French Door have an opening in the plates to accept the latch and lock bolt. The fake handle, on the other hand, will be an unfunctioning handle that is purely decorative. These handles are typically used in areas that aren't open often, like bedrooms and bathrooms.
Maintenance
Door handles are among the most frequently used components of your doors, therefore it's essential to maintain them. As time passes, they may get stained or tarnished. They might even lose their shine. Utilizing the right cleaning solution can restore them to their original glory. In general mild soap is the most effective and most secure cleaner. However, it is important to always dry and rinse off any moisture afterward to avoid corrosion.
Brass handles are especially prone to tarnishing, but you can reduce the chance of this happening by keeping them clean. To get rid of dust and dirt first, wash the brass surface with warm tap water. Then use a soft cloth. Then, mix a solution of baking soda and lemon to scrub away 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 a smooth and shiny finish that will last for many years.
A stiff or squeaky door handle can be extremely annoying, but it's a problem which is usually fixable. First, make sure whether there aren't any tiny objects or debris entangled in the locking mechanism of the door, as this could be the reason for your problem. If this isn't the case, you might need to lubricate the door handle's internal workings to fix the problem.
WD-40 is a multi-purpose item with a special formula that lets you easily lubricate your hardware. Applying a liberal amount of the liquid on your door handle will assist it move easily and stop the squeaking. You can also use a flexible Straw to reach all of the little nooks and crannies on your French door handle to ensure you don't miss any area.
While replacing a French door handle is fairly simple but you should be careful when drilling holes for the new handles. This is because different styles for doors will have a range 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 fits correctly and is the piece of metal that runs through the whole lock mechanism on your door.