French Door Handle Replacement - Upgrade the Look of Your French Doors
Door handles serve a crucial role, protecting your home from the elements outside. They're also a prominent design feature that can set the tone for your interior style.
The majority of French doors have two handles, one for use and one for decoration. The non-functional handle is commonly called a dummy.
Replacement
If you're looking to enhance the look of your French doors replacing the handle is an affordable option to achieve this. If you're remodeling or replacing your doors, it is important to choose a high-quality handle that can withstand frequent use and the elements. The best handles are made of stainless steel because it is antibacterial and easy to clean. The handles feature a brushed surface that is impervious to fingerprints and less likely to show scratches or rust over time.
Handle sets can be found in a variety of designs and finishes, so you're certain to find something that matches your style and decor. Certain styles of handles are more appealing than others, while others come with a lock that is integrated for extra security. Key-operated handles are available which are ideal for homes with children. Certain handles are more expensive than others, and it's crucial to consider your budget when choosing the right set.
Before you purchase a handle, decide what design will best suit your French doors. If you have interior doors that open in a different way from one another You may need one handle that locks and one that does not. This will determine if you need a turning handle or a fixed handle. You'll also need to determine whether you want the door to be able to be locked from both sides.
You'll need to use a lock to unlock external doors that require keys. 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 simultaneously, while other systems require you to open both the top and bottom.
Locate the actuator slot before installing your new handle. It's a circular insert that connects to the latch. It is common to find an opening in the door frame for this, but it's important to measure carefully and employ a spirit level to ensure that the holes are level and straight. With your handle, you'll need to be provided with a hole-boring tool that will aid you in taking the proper measurements.
Installation
While handles for doors may seem like minor accessories however they play an important part in the functionality of your french doors as well as security, and even aesthetics. It is important to select top-quality handles that are able to withstand regular use and don't need to be replaced or maintained often.
Depending on your desired configurations and the purpose of your doors, you could require different types of handles. However regardless of the design and function the process of installation is similar. The first step is to take the old handles off and clean the area where the new ones will be installed. Next, drill holes into the door in which you intend to place the new set of handles. Be sure to follow the directions that came with your hardware to ensure that you bore the holes in a way that will allow the lock mechanism to fit properly.
Then, you need to put the lock bolt into the hole in the side of the door and then connect it to the actuator. The actuator is a cylindrical piece with a slot where the bolt can go through. Some handle designs may call for you to insert the bolt before the actuator, so be certain to read the instructions if you're not sure regarding the order in which you should assemble.
Once you've done that fix the plate to cover the latching and locking mechanisms on the active side of the door. Then, check the latch and lock to ensure that they work properly. Repeat the procedure on the door with a dummy to install the handle that isn't functional.
During the process, it's important to take your time and be careful. You could end up with handles that aren't functional or do not appear attractive if you hurry through the process. This is why you should employ a professional who can provide you with the best outcomes. You'll then be able to enjoy your gorgeous french doors for years to come.
Compatibility
The kind of handle you choose for your French doors will depend on the purpose you intend to use them for. If you're using them for closets, for instance, you may not want locks, and instead, decorative handles are sufficient. If you're using them to a dining room or bedroom however, you'll require 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 be compatible with the locks already in place. Selecting the wrong handle can result in the lock becoming difficult or difficult to operate, so it's important that you consult with a professional before making your shop. A knowledgeable expert like the ones at CD Windows will be able to help you find the perfect handle for your door.
When it is French Door Handles, there are a variety of options available. Certain French door handles come with integrated locking systems, removing the need for a separate locking system. Certain latches and locks can be operated by the handle for extra security. You should ensure that any handles you choose will work with your existing hardware, and will also work well with the type and design of the door.
Another factor to consider is whether you would like the handle sets to be able to lock both sides or just one. French doors are two doors connected together, so they need an entirely different mechanism than single doors. If you're seeking an option that locks on both sides, you'll need handles with a lock designed to be compatible with double doors.
In most cases, you will find that the handles you install onto the active French Door have an opening in the plates that can accept the latch and bolt to lock. The dummy handles are non-functional and are only decorative. These handles are usually used in areas that aren't open often, like bedrooms and bathrooms.
Maintenance
It is essential to take care of your door handles because they are the most commonly used component of your doors. Over time, they could become tarnished or discoloured. They might even lose their shine. The right cleaning solution can bring them back to their original glory. The most common and gentlest cleaner is an mild soap solution, although you should always wash and dry off any moisture afterward to avoid corrosion and damage.
Brass handles are especially susceptible to tarnishing. You can minimize the chance of this happening by keeping them clean. Begin by washing the brass surface with warm water and then a soft cloth to eliminate dirt and dust. Prepare french door glass replacement hitchin of baking soda and lemon juice to get rid of any tarnish. After you have removed the tarnish, you can finish by polishing the handle using a stainless steel-specific cleaner. Making sure you use the right cleaner for your material will ensure a smooth glossy finish that will last for a long time.
A squeaky or stiff door handle can be extremely annoying, but it's a problem that can be fixed. First, make sure that there aren't any small objects or debris caught inside the door's locking mechanism which could be to blame for the issue. If this isn't the case, you might require lubricating the inside of your door handle to fix the problem.
WD-40 is a multipurpose product with a specific formula that allows you to get your hardware lubricated quickly. Applying a generous amount of the liquid to your door handle will help it move easily and stop the squeaking. Use a flexible straw or a brush to get into all the crevices and nooks of your French door handle.
Although replacing handles for French doors is fairly simple but you should be cautious when drilling holes for the new handles. This is because different designs for doors will have a range of holes in the frame and door, so it's important to make sure that the holes match when putting on the new handles. It's also important to check that the cylinder pin is fitted correctly and is the piece of metal that runs through the whole lock mechanism of your door.