20 Things You Need To Know About Bi-Fold Door Repair
Bi-Fold Door Repair
Bi-fold doors can be used for indoor or outdoor use. They are flexible and can be tailored to meet the needs of any customer. Like all fixtures and fittings, they can be subject to wear and tear.
Fortunately, it's not too difficult to get them back into good condition. With a bit of patience and basic woodworking knowledge you can tackle a number of simple bi-fold door repair projects.
Cracked Corners
Bifold closet doors are generally light, but they are prone to cracking around the top and bottom pivot points. This is usually the result of time due to the natural deterioration of wood in your home. This can be easily fixed by clamping and gluing affected wood. It's a fairly simple procedure that will save you money when hiring an expert.
Most often, the main issue with bifold doors is that they won't open or close smoothly. This is usually caused by a misalignment in the guides or pivot pins of the bifold doors. This could be caused by a slipping door or loose guides and pins. It's a simple fix.
The first step is to examine the runners or tracks for any blockages or obstructions. Sand, dirt and leaves can cause problems for bifolding doors. Cleaning and lubricating the tracks regularly will ensure they are in good working order.
If you find that a door is leaning when closed, it may require trimming. You should use circular saws since doors aren't that thick. When trimming the door's veneer, you should be careful not to break or chip it. To do this, put the door on a sturdy work surface and mark a line with a pencil. The door can be cut with a circularsaw along the line.
A bifold door may cause carpeting to rub when opened or closed. This could cause the seals to weaken, letting in draughts and making your home less efficient in energy use. This is a simple issue to solve. You will need to clean the seals with an non-abrasive cleaning solution, such as vinegar or mild dishwashing detergent and then apply silicone sealant over the damaged area. After the sealant is dry the issue should be resolved. This will also extend the lifespan of the seals as well as doors.
Misaligned Doors
If your bifold doors are squeezing or jamming as you try to open them or slide them closed, it is a sign that they are not in alignment. This can also pose a serious risk to your home's security. If you spot this issue, it's important to take action. Delaying repairs can result in more costly and extensive repair work.
Fortunately, adjusting your bifold door is simple. First, ensure that the track is free of obstructions. You may have to employ a cloth or brush to remove any debris or dirt that have accumulated over time. Once the track is clean you can lubricate it by spraying it with silicone or other type of lubricant to help smooth the movement of the doors.
Then, you'll need to adjust the pivot brackets in order to put your doors in the correct position. They are located on the top and bottom of the door frame, and are joined by screws. If your door is dragging on the floor, you can raise it by loosening the screws, then tightening them later. If it is pulling away from the wall, you can lower it by loosening the screws, then tightening them. Continue to make small adjustments until the doors are completely aligned.
It's also crucial to make sure that the door frames are secure. If the frame is moved slightly it could create gaps between the doors, which will allow air and water to seep into your home. This could also cause the hinges to move out of alignment which can result in doors that are uneven. If this happens you'll require resecuring the frame.
Also, make sure that the doors are in line with the floor. If they aren't then you must adjust the hinge bolts in order to get them in the correct position. This can be accomplished by opening and shutting the doors. Then, you can use the spirit level and screwdriver until the panels are all level.
Shag Carpeting
A bi-fold door is designed to slide open and shut, but sometimes the doors can scrape against the wall or floor. This is often caused by one or more pivot pins that are misaligned.
This problem is often easy to solve. A pivot pin is located at the bottom of the bi-fold doors and connects to an floor bracket. At the top an retaining pin that is mounted on a spring engages a sliding bracket which locks into the track. If your bifold door scratches on the carpet, you can raise it by rotating the pivot pin on the bottom counterclockwise.
Another reason you could have a problem with shagging in your bi-fold doors is that the track they slide on is not level. This could be due to shifting weather conditions and settling, or even shifting. If this is the case, try to adjust the track by loosening the screws that hold the upper track bracket and then sliding it up and down until it is in line with the lower track bracket.
Another issue that could be affecting your bi-fold door is that the wood has cracked around one or more pivot pins. This is a problem that many doors have and includes bifolds. You will need C-clamps and a small amount carpenter's adhesive to fix this. To begin, remove the door and pry out the pivot pin with the help of a screwdriver. Then, spread the glue over the crack using a toothpick, then clamp the door, and let it set for 3 to 4 hours.
Whether your problem with your bi-fold door is minor or major you must have it repaired by an experienced professional. This will stop further damage and ensure that the door is functioning correctly. You can locate a local expert by visiting the website of the company that you are dealing with. They will have a list of installers who have attended their workshops to obtain their certification. Contact them to set up a bi-fold door service appointment.
Broken Slats
Louvered doors for closets allow air to circulate, prevent mildew from growing and allow your clothes to see. They can be a great feature in a house, but repairing or replacing them can be difficult.
Louver doors are made of sliding slats that can be opened and closed to let in light, rain or wind. They're often constructed of polyurethane or wood molding and can be found in doors, windows or even walls. Bifold doors do not all have louvered slats however those that do may be misaligned or even break over time.
It is possible to think that you must replace the door after a slat is broken. But, it's not required. Instead, you can fix the damaged slat by using a piece of fabric and carpenters glue.
Begin by taking the closet door off the track and place it on the floor or a set of saw horses in a way that the slats face up. This will allow you to work on the door without damaging the hinges or tracks.
To remove the broken slat begin by putting the claw-hammer under each slat and then jerking up to remove it from the door. After the slat is removed, take measurements of the area where it was taken out to determine the width and length of the replacement slat. Once you have these measurements, grab a piece of cork/foam board and cut it to the same length as the area from which the slat broke was removed.
Apply a thick line of carpenters glue to one side of the foam/foam board. Place the fabric on the back of the board, smoothing any wrinkles and creases along the way. Place the slat in the door's slot and, if necessary, secure it with a nailed. After the glue has cured it is possible to rehang the bifold door to the closet.