Bi-Fold Door Repair
Bi-fold doors can be used for either internal or external use. They are affluent and can be tailored to meet your needs. But, like all other fixtures and fittings, they are prone to be subject to wear and tear.
Thankfully, it's not hard to get them back in good condition. With a bit of patience and basic woodworking knowledge, you can tackle a couple of easy bi-fold door repair projects.
Cracked Corners
Bifold closet doors are usually light and are prone to cracking near the pivot points. This is typically caused by the natural deterioration of wood. Fortunately, it can be repaired by gluing and clamping the affected wood. The process is relatively easy and will reduce the cost of hiring a professional to complete the task for you.
Bifold doors are usually difficult to open and close smoothly. This is most likely caused by a misalignment in the pivot pins or guides of bifold doors. This could be due to the door being slack or having loose guides and pivot pins which are easy to fix with a little bit of effort.
First, you should check the tracks or runners for obstructions or blockages. Dirt, sand, leaves, pet fur and anything else that gets into a running track will cause problems with the bifold door. Regular cleaning and lubrication for the tracks should keep them in working order.
If you notice that a door leans when closed, it probably needs to be trimmed. It's important to use a circular kind of saw to do this since the doors aren't particularly thick. When trimming the door's veneer, you should be cautious not to break or chip it. To do this, place the door on a solid workbench and mark a line with pencil. Then, trim the door to the line using a circular saw.
Another issue that is often encountered with bifold doors is that the doors will rub against carpeting when they're opened or shut. This can cause the seals to break and allow in drafts, making your home less energy efficient. This is a simple issue to fix. All you have to do is clean the seals using a non-abrasive solvent such as vinegar or mild dish soap and then apply a silicone sealant to the damaged area. After the sealant is dry it will be resolved. This will also extend the life of the seals and doors.
Misaligned Doors
If your bifold doors seem to be sticking or jamming as you try to slide them open or closed, this is a sign that they are not in alignment. This could also be a significant risk to your home's security. It is essential to address this issue as soon as you detect it. Delaying repairs could lead to damage that will require more extensive and costly repair work.
Adjusting your bifold door is relatively easily. First, make sure that the track is clean and free of any obstructions. You may need to employ a brush or cloth to clean up dirt or other debris that has built up over time. When the track is clean, you can lubricate it by spraying it with silicone or other type of fluid to smooth the movement of the doors.
Then, you'll have to adjust the pivot brackets in order to get your doors in the correct position. They are situated on the top and bottom of the door frame and are secured with screws. You can raise your door when it is sliding across the floor by loosening and tightening the screws 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 completely aligned.
It is also important to ensure that the door frames are secured. If the frame is moved slightly it can cause gaps between the doors which 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 at the same level as the floor. You'll have to adjust your hinge bolts if they are not in the proper position. This can be accomplished by opening and closing the doors using a spirit level to check the alignment of each panel, and using a screwdriver to make small adjustments until the panels are aligned with the floor.
Shag Carpeting
Bi-fold doors are designed to slide open and shut however, sometimes the doors can scratch the wall or floor. This is typically caused by one or more pivot pins that are not aligned properly.
This problem is often easy to solve. A pivot pin is situated at the bottom of the bi-fold door and is connected to an floor bracket. On top, a spring-mounted retaining pin engages a sliding bracket that locks into the track. If your bifold door scratches on the carpet, you can raise it by rotating the pivot pin at the bottom counterclockwise.
You might also experience shagging issues with your bi-fold door if you notice that the track they slide on is not level. This could be due changing weather conditions as well as settling or shifting. If this is the case, try to adjust your tracks by loosening the screws that hold the upper track bracket, and sliding it up and down until it is in line with the lower track bracket.
A bi-folding door could have issues if the wood around the pivot pins is cracked. This is a problem that many doors suffer from as well as bifolds. You'll need C-clamps and a small amount of carpenter's adhesive to solve this. First, remove the door and pry the pivot pin with a screwdriver or pliers. Then, spread the glue over the crack with 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 a professional, regardless of how minor or serious the issue. This will prevent any further damage to the door and ensure it is operating properly. You can locate a local expert by visiting the website of the door company. They will have a list with installers who have attended their training workshops for certification. Then, give them a call to set up your bi-fold door repair appointment.
Broken Slats
Louvered closets let air circulate and discourage mildew. They also make it easier to look at your clothes. Although they can be an attractive feature of the home, repairing or replacing these doors can be difficult.
Louver doors are made up of slats which can be closed and opened to let air, light or rain into the space. They are made of polyurethane or wood moldings and used for doors, windows, or walls. Bifold doors may not have louvered slats. However, those that do have louvered slats may become misaligned over time or break.
When a slat fails you may think it's time to buy an entirely new door, but this isn't the case. Instead, you can repair the broken slat using a piece of fabric and carpenters glue.
Begin by taking the closet door off the track and placing it on the ground or a set of saw horses in a way that the slats face upwards. You'll want to work on the door while having it positioned in this way to avoid damaging or breaking the hinges or tracks.
To remove a damaged slat from a door put a claw-type hammer under each slat. Then, jerk the slat to separate it. Once the slat is detached, measure the area from where it was removed to determine the width and length needed to make the new slat. Once you have the measurements then cut a piece cork or foam board to the same dimensions as the area where the damaged slat has been removed.
Apply a thick layer of carpenters' glue on the foamboard. Place content on the board's back smoothing out any wrinkles and creases along the way. Place the slat in the slot of the door, and if necessary, secure it with a nailed. After the glue has dried it is possible to rehang the bifold closet door.