Bi-Fold Door Repair
Bi-fold doors are suitable for internal or external use. They are affluent and can be customized to meet the needs of any customer. But, like all other fixtures and fittings, they are prone to be susceptible to wear and tear.
It's not that difficult to get them back in good working order. You can fix your bifold doors with some patience and basic woodworking skills.
Cracked Corners
Bifold doors are usually light and can break near the pivot points on the top and bottom. This is usually due to the natural deterioration in wood. Fortunately, it can be fixable by clamping and gluing the affected wood. The process is relatively easy and will save you the expense of hiring a professional to complete the task for you.
Bifold doors are often unable to open or close without difficulty. This is usually caused by a misalignment of the guides or pivot pins of the bifold doors. This could be caused by a slipped door or loose pivot pins or guides which are simple to fix by a little effort.
First, you should examine the runners or tracks for obstructions or blockages. Leaves, dirt and sand can cause problems for a bifolding door. Regular cleaning and lubrication of the tracks should keep them in good working order.
If you notice that a door is leaning when closed, it may need to be trimmed. You should use circular saws since doors aren't that thick. When trimming the door veneer, you must be cautious not to chip or crack it. To do this, place the door on a sturdy work surface and mark the line using pencil. Then trim the door along the line with circular saw.
Another issue that can arise when bifold doors are that the doors will scratch against carpeting whenever they're closed or opened. This could cause the seals to weaken and allow in drafts, making your home less energy efficient. This is a straightforward issue to solve. All you have to do is clean the seals using an unabrasive solvent like vinegar or mild dish detergent, then apply a silicone sealant over the area that is damaged. The issue should be fixed when the sealant is dry. This will also extend the lifespan of the seals as well as doors.
Misaligned Doors
If your bifold doors are sticking or jamming when you attempt to open them or slide them closed, it is an indication that they are not in alignment. It could also be a serious security risk for your home. If you spot this issue, it's crucial to act. Refusal to fix it can lead to more costly and extensive repair work.
Fortunately, adjusting your bifold door is relatively simple. Ensure that the track is clear of obstructions and clean. It is possible to use a brush or cloth to get rid of any dirt or debris that has built up over time. After the track is clean then you can lubricate the track by spraying it with silicone or any other oil to ease the movement of the doors.
Then, you'll need to adjust the pivot brackets in order to get 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 sliding on the floor, you can raise it by loosening the screws, then tightening them later. If your door is pulling away from the walls, you can lower it when you loosen the screws and tighten them later. Continue to make small adjustments until the doors are perfectly aligned.
It's also essential to make sure that the door frames have been secured. If the frame moves little, it can cause gaps between the door that allow moisture and air to get in. It could also cause hinges to be in alignment and doors to be uneven. If this happens you'll need to re-secure the frame.
It is also important to ensure that the doors are at the same level as the floor. If they aren't, you will need to adjust the hinge bolts to get them into a correct position. This can be done by opening and closing the doors and using a spirit-level to check the alignment of each panel and using a screwdriver to make small adjustments until all of the panels are level with the floor.
Shag Carpeting
The bi-fold doors are built to slide up and down, but they may scrape your floor or wall. This is usually a result of one or more pivot pins that are not aligned correctly.
This problem is usually easy to solve. On the bottom of your bi-fold door, there is pivot pins that are encased in a floor bracket. There is an attached spring at the top of the door that engages an adjustable bracket that locks into the track. If your bifold door scratches on the floor, you can raise it by rotating the pivot pin on the bottom counterclockwise.
The other reason you may have a problem with shagging with your bi-fold doors is that the track that they slide on is not level. This can be caused by settling, moving or even changes in the weather and can cause the bi-fold door to not shut properly. If this is the case, try to adjust the track by loosening the screws holding the upper track bracket and then sliding it up or down until it is in line with the lower track bracket.
Another possibility for your bi-fold door is that the wood has cracked around one or more pivot pins. This is a problem many doors have, including bifolds. You'll need C-clamps and some carpenter's glue to solve this. First, open the door and then pry the pivot pin out with the help of pliers or a screwdriver. Then apply the glue to the crack using a toothpick, then clamp the door and let it dry for about 3 to 4 hours.
You should always repair your bi-fold doors by an expert, no matter how minor or significant the problem is. This will prevent further damage to your door and ensure it is operating properly. To find a specialist in your area, search at the website of your door's manufacturer for the list of installers who have completed their own certification for installation of their products. Call them to schedule a bi-fold door service appointment.
Broken Slats
Louvered closet doors allow air to circulate, prevent mildew from growing and make your clothes easier to see. While they are an attractive addition to homes, fixing or replacing these doors isn't easy.
Louver doors are constructed of sliding slats that can be opened and closed to let in light, rain or wind. They can be made from wood or polyurethane molding and are used to create doors, windows, or walls. Bifold doors don't all have louvered slats but those that do can be misaligned or even break in time.
If a slat is damaged you may think that it's time to purchase an entirely new door, but it's not necessary. Instead, you can repair the damaged slat with a piece of fabric and carpenters glue.
Begin by taking bifold door replacement off the track and placing it on the ground or a set of saw horses so that the slats face up. You'll want to work on the door with it positioned in this way to prevent bending or damaging the tracks or hinges.
To remove a damaged slat from the door, place a claw-type of Hammer under each slat. Then, jerk the slat until it is separated. After the slat is removed, measure the space in which it was removed to determine the width and length of the new slat. Once you have the measurements, cut a piece of cork or foam board to the same size that is the area in which the broken slat has been removed.
Apply a thick line of carpenters glue on one side of the foam board. Place the fabric on the back of the board, smoothing any wrinkles and creases along the way. Then, carefully place the slat into the door's slot, and if necessary you want to secure it, use a nailed. When the glue has dried you'll be able to rehang your bifold closet door.