Bi-Fold Door Repair
If they are either internal or external, bi-fold doors offer a degree of flexibility that can be customized to suit any requirement. Like all fixtures and fittings they can be susceptible to wear and tear.
It's easy to bring them back to their original condition. With some patience and basic woodworking skills, you can tackle a few easy bi-fold door repair projects.
Cracked Corners
Bifold closet doors are generally light, but they are prone to cracking around the pivot points. This usually happens over time due to the natural deterioration of the wood in your home. Fortunately, this is easily repaired by gluing and clamping the affected wood. The process is relatively easy and will save you the expense of hiring a professional complete the task for you.
Bifold doors are typically not able to close or open smoothly. This is most likely caused by a misalignment of the guides or pivot pins of the bifold doors. It could be caused due to a sliding door or pins and guides being loose. It's an easy fix.
The first step is to examine the runners or tracks for any blockages or obstructions. Sand, dirt, leaves, pet fur and anything else that can get into the running track can cause problems with a bifold door. Cleaning and lubricating the tracks frequently will ensure they are in good order.
Then, if you observe that a door leans when closed, the door 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. Also, you must be cautious to avoid damaging or chipping the door's veneer when cutting it. Put the door on a sturdy table and mark a line using pencil. Then, you can trim the door along the line with circular saw.
Bifold doors can also cause carpeting to rub when it is opened or closed. This could cause the seals to break which can let in drafts and making your home less efficient in energy use. It's good news that this is an easy issue to solve. You will need to clean the seals using an non-abrasive cleaning solution, such as vinegar or mild dishwashing detergent and then apply silicone sealant on the affected area. The issue will be solved after the sealant has dried. This will also prolong the life of the seals and doors.
Doors that aren't aligned
If your bifold doors seem to be sticking or jamming as you try to open them or closed, it is an indication that they are out of alignment. It can also be a serious security risk for your home. It is crucial to address this issue as soon as you notice it. Delaying repairs can result in more extensive and costly repair work.
Fortunately, adjusting your bifold door is relatively simple. Make sure that the track is free of obstructions and clean. You may have to employ a cloth or brush to remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated over time. After 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 need to adjust the pivot brackets in order to ensure that your doors are in the proper position. These brackets are located on the top and bottom corners of the door frame and are joined via screws. You can raise your door if it's dragging along the floor by loosening and tightening the screws later. If it is pulling away from the wall You can lower it by loosening the screws and tightening later. Keep making small adjustments until your doors are completely aligned.
It's also essential to ensure that the door frames are secured. If the frame moves a little, it can cause gaps between the door that allow air and moisture to seep in. It could cause hinges to become unbalanced and doors to be uneven. If this is the case you'll require resecuring the frame.
Finally, you should also make sure that the doors are in line with the floor. If they're not, you will need to adjust the hinge bolts in order to get them in the proper position. This can be accomplished by opening and closing the doors. Then, use the spirit level and screwdriver until the panels are level.
Shag Carpeting
The bi-fold doors are designed to slide between the floor and the ceiling, however they may scratch your wall or floor. This is typically caused by one or more pivot pins that are not aligned properly.
This problem is usually easy to fix. A pivot pin is situated at the bottom of the bi-fold door and is connected to the floor bracket. At the top, a spring-mounted retaining pin engages a sliding bracket which locks into the track. If your bifold door scratches on the floor you can raise it by rotating the pivot pin at the bottom counterclockwise.
There could be an issue with shagging on your bifold door if the track they slide on is not level. This can be due to weather changes, settling or moving. If this is the situation, you can adjust your tracks by loosening screws that are holding the upper track bracket. Slide it up or downward until it is at the same level as the bottom track bracket.
Bi-folding doors can have a problem if the wood around the pivot pins has cracked. This is a problem that many doors have, including bifolds. You'll need C-clamps and some carpenter's glue to fix this. First, remove the door and pry the pivot pin out with a screwdriver or pliers. Spread the glue using a toothpick across the crack, secure the door and allow it to dry for 3 to 4 hours.
It is recommended that you repair your bifold doors by an expert, regardless of how minor or significant the issue is. This will help prevent further damage and ensure that your door is functioning correctly. You can find an expert in your area by visiting the website of the company that you are dealing with. They will have a list with installers who have attended their workshops to obtain their certification. Then, give them a call to set up your bi-fold repair appointment.
Broken Slats
Louvered doors to closets let air circulate, prevent mildew from growing and make your clothes easier to see. They can be a wonderful feature in a house, but the task of repairing or replacing them can be difficult.
Louver doors are composed of slats which are able to open and close to let air, light, or rain into the space. They can be made from polyurethane or wood and used for doors, windows or walls. Certain bifold doors don't have louvered slats, but those that do have louvered slats may be displaced over time or break.
When a slat fails you might think it's time to buy an entirely new door, but this isn't necessary. bi fold door repair can fix the broken slat by using a piece of fabric and carpenters' glue.
Start by removing the door from the track. Place it on the floor, or on a set saw horses so that the slats face upwards. You'll need to work on the door while having it placed in this way to prevent bending or damaging the tracks or hinges.
To remove a damaged slat from the door you need to place a claw-type hammer underneath each slat. Then, jerk the slat in order to separate it. Once the slat is removed, measure the area from the point of removal to determine the length and width needed for the replacement slat. Once you have the measurements you can cut a piece of foam board or cork to the same size that the area where the damaged slat was removed.
Apply a thick line of carpenters glue to one side of the foam board. Then, you can place the fabric on the back of the board, smoothing out wrinkles and wrinkles as you go. Place the slat carefully into the slot of the door, and if necessary fix it with nails. After the glue has dried it is possible to rehang the bifold closet door.