French Door Handle Replacement - Upgrade the Look of Your French Doors
Door handles play a vital role in protecting your home from outside elements. They're also a prominent design feature that can set the tone for your home's style.
Most French doors come with two handles: one that is functional and the other one is decorative. This handle that's not functional is commonly called a dummy handle.
Replacement
If you're looking to upgrade the look of your French doors and handle, a new one is an affordable method to do it. If your doors are older and need to be replaced or you're planning to remodel, it's important to choose high-quality handles that can endure the test of time and weather the elements. The best handles are made of stainless steel that is antibacterial and is easy to clean. The handles are brushed that is impervious to fingerprints and less prone to rust or show scratches as time passes.
Handle sets are available in a variety of styles and finishes, so you're certain to find something that matches your style and decor. Certain styles of handles have a more elegant look and others have an integrated lock for extra security. You can get key-operated handles which are ideal for homes with children. Certain handles are more expensive than others, and it's crucial to take your budget into consideration when selecting a set.
Before you buy a handle, consider what configuration will work best for your French doors. If you have doors in the interior that open independently of one another and you want one handle that locks and one that does not. This will determine if require a rotating handle or a fixed one. You'll need to decide if you wish to lock the door from the inside as well as the outside.
You'll need to use locks to open external doors that require keys. You can select a standard Yale lock or a multipoint locking system to secure your French doors. Certain systems allow you to lock the top of the door and the bottom while others require you to unlock the top and bottom.
Locate the actuator slot prior to installing your new handle. It's a cylindrical slot that connects to the latch. You can usually find an opening in the door frame to do this, but it's important to take your measurements carefully and employ a spirit level to ensure that the holes are straight and uniform. With your handle, it is recommended to have a hole-boring device to help you take the right measurements.
Installation
Door handles may seem like minor accessories but they are essential to the function, security, and even aesthetics of your french doors. This is why it's crucial to choose high quality handles that can withstand regular use and don't require frequent replacement or maintenance.
Depending on the style you prefer and the intended use of your door, you might require different handles. The process of installing them is almost identical, regardless of the style or function you prefer. You'll need to remove the handles you have already installed and clean the area in which you plan to install the new handles. Drill holes in the door where you intend to install the handle set. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with your 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 side of the door, and connect it to the actuator. The actuator is a cylindrical piece that has a slot that the bolt can go through. If you're not sure about the assembly's order check your instruction.
Then you can screw the plate in place to cover the latching mechanisms and locking mechanisms on the active side. You must then test the lock and latch to make sure that they function as intended. Once you're satisfied, repeat the same process on the mock side of the door, and install the handle that is not functional.
It's essential to be patient and cautious throughout the process. If you rush through the process you might end with a set handles that don't function correctly or look good. This is why you should work with an experienced professional who can give you the most effective outcomes. You'll then be able to enjoy your beautiful french doors for a long time to be.
Compatibility
The kind of handle you choose for your French doors will depend on what you plan to use them for. If you're using them for closets, as an example you might not need them to be locked, so decorative handles will suffice. If you're using them in a dining room or bedroom, however, you will need locking hardware that allows for easy use while also providing security against forced entry. The handle you choose for your french doors should also be able to accommodate the locks already in place. Get a professional's help to ensure that the lock is easy to operate. An experienced expert such as the ones at CD Windows will be able to help you choose the correct handle for your doors.
When it is French Door Handles, there are a myriad of options. Some French door handles have integrated locking systems, removing the need for a separate locking system. Some locks and latches are operated by the handle for additional security. In any case, you'll need to be sure that the handles you choose are compatible with your existing hardware and will fit well with the door's type and design.
You should also consider whether you would like your handle sets to be locked on one side or both sides. French doors are two doors that are connected, so they need a different mechanism than single doors. If you are looking for a solution that locks both sides, then you will require a handle that has a lock designed for double doors.
In the majority of 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 handles aren't functional and are purely decorative. These handles are typically used in areas that don't need to be opened often such as bathrooms and bedrooms.
Maintenance
It is essential to take care of the handles on your doors because they are the most frequently used element of your doors. Over time, they could be stained or tarnished. They may also lose their shine. Utilizing the right cleaning solution can restore them to their original glory. In repairing french doors repairmywindowsanddoors is the most effective and safest cleaner. However, it is important to always dry and rinse off any moisture afterwards to prevent corrosion.
Brass handles are particularly prone to tarnishing. It is possible to reduce this risk if you keep them clean. Start by rinsing the brass surface with warm water and then a soft cloth to eliminate dust and dirt. Prepare a mixture of baking soda and lemon juice to eliminate any tarnish. After removing the tarnish you can polish the handle with a stainless-steel-specific cleaner. Using the right product for your material ensures a smooth glossy finish that lasts for a long time.
A squeaky or stiff door handle can be very frustrating, but it's something that can be fixed. Check to see whether there are any tiny objects or debris stuck in the locking mechanism. This could be the reason for your problem. If this isn't the case, it could be that you simply need to lubricate the inner workings of the door handle to fix the issue.
WD-40 is a multi-purpose product with a specific formula that lets you lubricate hardware quickly. Applying a liberal amount of the liquid on your door handle will assist it to move effortlessly and stop squeaking. Use a flexible swivel or a brush to reach all the crevices and nooks of your French door handle.
Although replacing a french door handle is relatively simple, you'll need to be cautious when drilling holes for the new handles. This is because different door styles have different holes in the frame and door. This makes it important to match the holes when installing the new handles. It is also important to ensure that the cylinder pin fits properly as it is the metal piece that runs through the whole lock mechanism on your door.