French Door Handle Replacement - Upgrade the Look of Your French Doors
Door handles are essential to shield your home from outside elements. Door handles are also a prominent feature that can set the tone for your interior aesthetic.
Most French doors have two handles, one that is functional and the other one is decorative. This handle that is not functional is often called a dummy handle.
Replacement
A new handle is an affordable method to change the look of French doors. If you're remodeling or replacing your doors, it is important to select high-quality handles that can withstand frequent use and the elements. The most durable handles are made from stainless steel that is antibacterial and is easy to clean. They also have a brushed finish that wards off fingerprints and is less likely to show rust or scratches over time.
Handle sets can be found in different designs and finishes, so you're sure to find something that matches your style and decor. Certain styles of handles have a more decorative look, while others come with an integrated lock to give additional security. There are even key-operated handles, which are ideal for homes with small children. Some handles are more expensive than others, which is why it's crucial to take your budget into consideration when selecting the right set.
Before purchasing a handle, decide what design will best suit your French doors. If you have internal doors that open independently of each other and you want one handle that locks, and one that doesn't. This will determine if you require a turning handle or a fixed. You'll need to decide if you would like to lock the door from the inside and the outside.
The majority of exterior doors require a key to unlock the door, so you'll need a lock that allows you to do this. You can pick a simple Yale lock or a multipoint locking system to secure your French doors. Some systems allow you to lock the top and bottom of the door simultaneously while some require you unlock both the top and bottom.
Locate the actuator slot before installing your new handle. This is a cylindrical insert that connects the latch. You can usually find holes in the door frame for this, however it's essential to measure carefully and make use of a spirit-level to ensure 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
Door handles can appear to be small accessories, but they're essential to the functionality, security, and even aesthetics of your french doors. It's important to select high-quality handles that can be used regularly and won't require replacement or maintained often.
Based on the design you prefer and the intended use of your door, you might require different handles. The installation process is nearly identical, regardless of the style or function you choose. First, you need to take the old handles off and clean up the area where the new ones will be placed. Next, drill holes into the door in which you intend to install the new handle set. Follow the directions that came with your hardware so that you can bore the holes correctly to let the lock mechanism fit.
Then, insert the lock bolt into the hole at the door's edge and connect it with the actuator. The actuator is a cylindrical insert with a slot through which the bolt goes. If you're not certain about the assembly's order, consult your instructions.
Once you've done that fix the plate to cover the latching and locking mechanisms on the active side of the door. Test the lock and latch. After you're satisfied with the results, repeat the same process on the fake side of the door, and install the handle that's not functional.
It's important to be patient and cautious throughout the process. If you rush through the process, you may end with a set of handles that don't function correctly or look great. french door replacement is why you should seek out a skilled professional who can give you the best outcomes. You'll be enjoying your beautiful french doors for years to be!
Compatibility
The kind of handle you choose for your French doors will depend on the purpose for which you plan to use them for. If you're using them as closets, you may choose to use decorative handles instead of locking hardware. If you're planning to use them in a dining or bedroom room, you'll require locking hardware that is simple to use and secure against forced entry. The handle you choose for your French doors should be able to handle the type of locks that are already installed. Get a professional's help to ensure that the lock is easy to operate. A knowledgeable expert such as the ones at CD Windows will be able to help you find the right handle for your doors.
When it comes to French Door Handles, there are a variety of options available. Some come with built-in locks which eliminate the need for a separate lock system. Others come with deadbolts and latches that can be controlled by a handle to provide additional security. You should ensure that the handles you select are compatible with your existing hardware and also will work with the type and design of the door.
Another aspect to consider is whether you'd like the handle sets to lock on both sides or just one side. French doors are two doors joined together, so they need an entirely different mechanism than single doors. If you're seeking a solution that locks on both sides, you'll need a set of handle sets with a lock designed to be compatible with double doors.
In the majority of instances, the handles that you put on the active French Door will have openings in the plates to accept the latch and lock bolt. The fake handle, on the other hand, will be only decorative. These handles are usually employed in areas that don't need to be opened often such as bathrooms and bedrooms.
Maintenance
It is important to take care of your door handles because they are the most frequently used component of your doors. As time passes, they may get discolored, tarnished, or even lose their shine entirely. The right cleaning solution will bring them back to their previous glory. In general, the safest and gentlest cleaning solution is a mild soap solution however, you must rinse and dry off all water afterward to avoid damage and corrosion.
Brass handles are especially susceptible to tarnishing. You can reduce the risk by keeping them clean. Start by rinsing the brass surface with warm water and a soft cloth to remove dirt and dust. Make a mixture of baking soda and lemon juice to get rid of any tarnish. After you have removed the tarnish, you can polish the handle using a stainless-steel-specific cleaner. Using the correct product for your particular material will give you a smooth, shiny finish that lasts for many years.
A squeaky or stiff door handle can be very annoying, but it's a problem which is usually fixable. Look to see whether there are any small objects or debris that are stuck in the locking mechanism. This could be the reason for your problem. If it's not the case, it might be that you need to grease the internal workings of your door handle in order to fix it.
WD-40 is multi-purpose product with a formula that is specially designed to work quickly to aid in lubricating your hardware. Applying large amounts of the liquid will let your door handle move smoothly, and stop it from sounding squeaky. Use a flexible straw or a brush to get into all the nooks and crevices of your French door handle.
While replacing the handle of a French door is relatively simple but you should be cautious when drilling holes for new handles. It's because different designs of doors have different holes in the frame and door. This is why it's crucial to ensure that the holes match when installing the new handles. Verify that the cylinder pin, which is the metal piece that runs through your entire lock mechanism, is fitted perfectly.