Bi-Fold Door Repair
Whether they are exterior or internal, bifold doors offer a degree of flexibility that can be tailored to meet any need. However, just like other fixtures and fittings, they are prone to suffer from the occasional wear and tear.
It's not that difficult to get them back in good working order. With some patience and basic woodworking skills you can tackle a few easy bi-fold door repair projects.
Cracked Corners
Bifold doors are generally light and may crack near the pivot points on the top and bottom. This is usually due to the natural decay of wood. It can be easily repaired by clamping and gluing the affected wood. It's a fairly easy process that can save you money when hiring an expert.
Bifold doors are usually difficult to open and close smoothly. The most likely cause for this is a misalignment in the doors, or their guides and pivot pins. This can be caused either by a slipping door or loose guides and pins. It's an easy fix.
First, you must examine the runners or tracks for obstructions or blockages. Leaves, dirt, sand and pet fur, as well as anything else that gets into the running track can cause problems for a bifold door. Cleaning and lubricating the tracks regularly will keep them in good working order.
Next, if you find that a door is leaning when closed, the door is likely to require trimming. It is recommended to use a circular saw since doors aren't that thick. You should also be careful to avoid cracking or chipping the door's veneer when cutting it. Put the door on a solid table and draw a line using pencil. Then, you can trim the door along the line with a circular saw.
Another problem that often arises when bifold doors are that the doors be able to rub against carpeting when closed or opened. This can result in the seals becoming less durable, allowing draughts into your home and reducing the efficiency of your home's energy. It's good news that this is a fairly simple problem to solve. You will need to clean the seals using a non-abrasive solution such as vinegar or mild dishwashing detergent, and then apply silicone sealant over the damaged area. Once the sealant dries, the problem should be resolved. This will also prolong the life of your seals and the doors as a whole.
Doors that are not aligned
If your bifold doors seem to be sticking or jamming as you try to open them or slide them closed, it is a sign that they are not in alignment. It could also pose an extremely risk to the security of your home. As soon as you see this issue, it's crucial to act. If you delay repairs, you could cause damage that requires more extensive and costly repair work.
Fortunately the adjustment of your bifold door is easy. First, ensure that the track is clean and free of obstructions. You may need to apply a brush or a cloth to clean any dirt or debris that have accumulated over time. Once the track is clean, you can lubricate it using a silicone spray or other type of oil to ease the movement of the doors.
You will then need to adjust the pivot brackets in order to put your doors in the right position. These are located on the top and bottom of the door frame and they are attached with screws. You can raise your door when it is moving along the floor by loosening and tightening the screws after. If your door is pulling away from walls you can lower it if you loosen the screws and tighten them again. Keep making small adjustments until your doors are completely aligned.
It is also essential to ensure that the doors' frames are secure. If the frame moves small amount, it could cause gaps between the door that allow air and moisture to enter. This can also cause the hinges to move out of alignment, leading to uneven doors. If this is the case you'll have to secure the frame again.
Also, check that the doors are level with the floor. You will need to adjust your hinge bolts if they are not in the right position. This can be accomplished by opening and closing the doors. Then, you can use an alumi-meter and a screwdriver until the panels are level.
Shag Carpeting
A bi-fold door is designed to open and close easily However, there are times when the doors may scrape your wall or floor. This is typically caused by one or more pivot pins that aren't aligned correctly.
This is usually simple to solve. A pivot pin is situated at the bottom of the bi-fold doors and engages with the floor bracket. At the top an retaining pin that is mounted on a spring connects to a sliding bracket that locks into the track. If your bi-fold door scrapes against the carpet, simply raise it by turning the pivot pin on the bottom counterclockwise until it's at the correct level.
There could be shagging issues with your bi-fold door if you notice that the track they slide on is not level. This could be due to shifting, settling, or changes in weather and could cause the bi-fold door to not shut properly. If this is the case, try to adjust your tracks by loosening the screws that are holding the upper track bracket and then sliding it up or down until it is level with the lower track bracket.
Another possibility for your bi-fold door is the wood has cracked around one or more pivot pins. This is a problem that most doors face and includes bifolds. You will need C-clamps and a small amount carpenter's adhesive to solve this. First, open the door and then pry the pivot pin with the help of pliers or a screwdriver. Then spread the glue over the crack with an ice cube, secure the door and let it dry for 3 to 4 hours.
You should repair your bi-fold doors by an expert, regardless of how small or severe the issue. This will prevent any further damage to your door and ensure that it is working correctly. To locate a professional in your region, look on your door company's website for an inventory of installers who have attended their product installation certification workshop. Then call them to set up your bifold door repair appointment.
Broken Slats
Louvered closets let air circulate and discourage mildew. They also make it easier to view your clothes. While they are an attractive addition to a home, repairing or replacing these doors can be a challenge.
Louver doors are made of sliding slats that can be opened and closed to let in light rain or wind. They're often constructed from polyurethane or wood and are often used in windows, doors or walls. Certain bifold doors don't have louvered slats. However, those that do may be displaced over time or break.
When a slat breaks, you may think it's time to get doors, but this isn't the case. You can repair the damaged slat with a piece fabric and carpenters' glue.
Start by removing the door from the track. Place it on the ground, or on a set saw horses in a way that the slats face upwards. This will allow you to work on the closet door without causing damage to the hinges or tracks.
To remove a damaged slat from the doorway put a claw-type Hammer under each slat. Then, jerk the slat in order to separate it. After the slat has been removed then measure the area the point of removal to get the width and length required to make the new slat. Once you have these measurements, take a piece of cork/foam board and cut it to the same size as the area where the broken slat was removed.
Apply a thick layer of carpenters' glue on the foamboard. Then, you can place the fabric on the side of the board smoothing out wrinkles or creases as you go. Place the slat carefully into the slot of the door, and if necessary you want to secure it, use a nailed. After the glue has dried it is possible to rehang the bifold closet door.