French Door Handle Replacement - Upgrade the Look of Your French Doors
Door handles are important to shield your home from elements from the outside. Door handles are also a popular feature that can set the mood for your interior design.
The majority of French doors have two handles: one that is functional and the other one is decorative. This non-functional handle is commonly called a dummy.
Replacement
If you're looking to improve the appearance of your French doors and handle, a new one is a great option to achieve this. If you're remodeling or replacing doors that are older it is crucial to choose high-quality handles that can withstand repeated use and the elements. The best handles are made from stainless steel which is antibacterial and is easy to clean. The handles are brushed that is resistant to fingerprints and less prone to rust or show scratches over time.
You can find handle sets in various styles and finishes, so you're sure to find one that fits your style and decor. Some handle styles are more decorative than others, while others include a lock to provide additional security. You can get key-operated handles that are ideal for homes with children. Certain handles are more expensive than others, but it is important to think about your budget when choosing the right set.
Before you buy a handle, decide what type of handle will work best for your French doors. If you have an interior doors that open in a separate manner and you want to use two handles. One handle will lock and the other will not. This will help you decide if you require a rotating handle or a fixed one. You'll have to decide if you wish to to lock the door from the inside as well as the outside.
You'll need an external lock to open doors which require a key. You can pick a simple Yale lock or a multipoint locking system to secure your French doors. Certain systems let you lock the top and bottom of the door at once, while others require that you unlock both the top and the bottom.
Locate the actuator slot prior to installing your new handle. It's a cylindrical slot that connects the latch. It is common to find holes in the door frame for this, but it's crucial to take your measurements carefully and employ a spirit level to ensure the holes are straight and consistent. It is also recommended to get a hole-boring template with your handle to help you determine the right measurements.
Installation
While door handles might seem like a minor accessory, they play a critical part in the functionality of your french doors as well as security, and even aesthetics. It's the reason it's essential to choose handles of high-quality that will stand up to regular use and don't require frequent replacement or repairs.
Depending on the configurations you want and the purpose of your door, you might need to install different handles. But, regardless of your preferred design and function the process of installation is similar. The first step is to take the old handles off and clean up the area where the new ones will be put. The next step is to drill holes in the door in which you intend to install the new set of handles. Follow the directions that came along with the hardware so that you can drill the holes properly to allow the lock mechanism fit.
After that, you should put the lock bolt into the hole on the edge of the door and then connect it to the actuator. The actuator is a cylindrical insert with a slot through which the bolt passes. Some handle designs may call for you to place the bolt before the actuator, so make sure to consult your instructions if you're unclear about the order of assembly.
Then screw the plate into place to cover the latching mechanisms and locking mechanisms of the active side. Test the latch and lock. If you're satisfied then repeat the process on the dummy side of the door to install the handle that's not functional.
It is essential to be patient and attentive throughout the process. If you rush through the process, you could end up with a set of handles that don't function properly or look attractive. It is recommended to hire an expert to ensure best results. You'll then be able to enjoy your beautiful french doors for many years to be.
Compatibility
The type of handle that you select for your French doors will be contingent on the purpose for which you plan to use them for. If you're planning to use them for closets, as an example it is unlikely that you'll need them to be locked, so decorative handles are sufficient. If you intend to put them in a dining or bedroom room, you'll require locking hardware which is easy to use and secure against forced entry. The handle you pick for your french doors should also be able to work with the locks that are already installed. Selecting the wrong handle could result in the lock becoming difficult or difficult to operate, so it's essential to speak with a professional before you shop. A knowledgeable expert such as the ones at CD Windows will be able to assist you in finding the correct handle for your door.
When it comes to French Door Handles, there are a variety of options available. Some are equipped with locks that are built-in, eliminating the requirement for a separate lock system. Some locks and latches are activated by the handle to provide extra security. In any case, you'll need to be sure that the handles you choose are compatible with your existing hardware and will work well with the door's type and design.
You should also consider whether you would like your handles to lock on one side or both sides. This is due to the fact that French doors are composed of two doors that are linked to one another, which means they require a completely different mechanism to secure them than single-doors do. If you are looking for an option that locks both sides, then you will require a handle that has locks designed for double doors.
In the majority of cases, the handles you put on the active French Door will have openings in the plates that can accept the latch and lock bolt. The handles that are dummy are not functional and are purely decorative. repairmywindowsanddoors are usually used in areas that aren't open frequently, such as bathrooms and bedrooms.
Maintenance
Door handles are among the most frequently used components of your doors, therefore it's important to look after them. As time passes, they may be stained or tarnished. They may also lose their shine. Using the correct cleaning solution can bring them back to their original splendor. Generally speaking, the safest and gentlest cleaner is an mild soap solution however, you must wash and dry off any water afterward to avoid corrosion and damage.
Brass handles are especially prone to tarnishing however you can lessen the chance of this happening by maintaining them clean. To remove dust and dirt clean the brass surface with warm tap water. Then use a soft cloth. Then, mix a solution of baking soda and lemon to remove any tarnish. Once you've removed the tarnish, finish off by polishing the handle with a stainless steel-specific cleaner. Using the right product for your material ensures a smooth glossy finish that will last for years.
It can be frustrating to experience a squeaky or stiff door handle, but this is something that's generally fixable. First, you should check whether there aren't any small objects or debris entangled in the door's locking mechanism and this could be the reason for the issue. If this is not the case, you might require lubricating your door handle's inner workings to fix the problem.
WD-40 is a multi-purpose product with a special formula that lets you easily lubricate your hardware. Applying liberal amounts of the liquid will let your door handle move easily, and prevent it from sounding squeaky. Use a flexible swivel or a brush to get into all the crevices and nooks of your French door handle.
Although replacing the handle of a French door is a relatively easy process but you should be cautious when drilling holes to install new handles. This is because different door styles have different holes in the frame and door. This makes it important to ensure that the holes match when installing the new handles. Check that the cylinder pin, the metal piece that runs through the entire lock mechanism, is fitted perfectly.