Repairing Bifold Doors
The hardware that holds the bifold doors together will deteriorate over time. Cleaning and lubricating the mechanisms (including the locks) can keep them running smoothly and efficiently.
Most of the time, the issue is something small that is easily fixed. This guide will teach you how to repair your bifold doors when they become difficult to open or close.
Cracked Pivot Pins
A bifold door consists of two panels that move along a track in the floor and head jambs. They pivot around pins that are located in the corners closest to the frame of one panel and a guide is put on top of the other panel to help it move along the track. If your bifold is sagging or rattling, you might require replacing the pivot pin or anchor.
The pivot pins of a bifolding door are attached to the track with brackets that are screwed into the side jamb as well as the headjamb or floor. The bottom bracket has an notch that allows you to adjust the angle between the door and the floor or jamb. Occasionally the pivot pins crack or break off. This is typically caused by the force of twisting that is imposed on the pivot pin during the movement of long logs using a track loader or grapple.
The majority of the time, this issue is solved by loosening the set screws on the bottom bracket and then raising the door slightly. This will bring the door's edge parallel to the frame, and will eliminate the scrape.
It is not uncommon to see the main pivot pin on a bifold door cracked or broken. The reason is that the pin is exposed to much more tension and twisting than the coupler or thumb. This is especially the case for older pins that are composed of soft materials.
If the pin is damaged, you can remove it from the door using the flat-head screwdriver or pliers. Clean the coupler or thumb and replace it with a brand new pin. Make sure the pin's diameter is identical to the old pin and use a punch with the correct end diameter to put the new pin in place.
If the pivot pin is damaged and is not replaced it will eventually break due to the force of twisting. This can cause your door to lean, making it difficult to open and close. Replace the pin as quickly as possible. You can purchase pivot pins to replace it at your local hardware store.
Cracked Corners
Sliding closet doors are great to save space and keep your clothes in a private place, but bifold doors are prone to more issues than standard doors. Fortunately, most of these are easy fixes for homeowners to handle on their own.
As they are squeezed by the weight of your clothes and other items, these doors can create a little tension in the corners. The corner can be damaged of the door, where the pivot pins are which could make it difficult to open and close.
You can fix the issue by loosening the screw holding the repair bracket to the jamb. Then, turn the bracket up or downward to raise or lower the door. Depending on the amount of an adjustment you require, you may need to remove the door for this task.
Another issue that is common to bifold doors is that they scrape the carpet beneath them as you open or close them. The doors do not have enough clearance to glide over the carpet. You can try raising the door by turning the pivot pin counterclockwise, however this doesn't always work. If the issue is more severe then you can try using shims to raise the bottom of the door up to one quarter inch higher than the carpeting.
Bifold doors are usually constructed from lightweight materials, which is why they often develop cracks around one or both of the pivot pins. The door will not be able to slide smoothly if this happens, so it's crucial to repair the crack as soon as you can.
You'll need a bottle wood glue like Elmer's which is available at your local big box retailer, and the squeeze clamp which you can purchase at the same location. After you've applied the glue evenly to the crack and then use the clamp to close it and allow it to sit for some time so that the glue can fully set. Then, sand the crack down with sandpaper until the area is smooth and even with the rest of the door.
Dropped Bifolds
Bifolds, like most doors, are susceptible to damage with time, particularly if not properly maintained. This includes cleaning, lubricating and maintaining them regularly. It's important to make sure you've purchased a high-quality product from a reputable manufacturer and that your doors are fitted correctly. So, you'll have confidence that your new doors will last for many years to be.
Over time, uPVC door frames tend to sag. This is usually due to a combination between misalignment and damaged parts, such as the pivots or rollers. It could affect both interior and exterior doors.
It's worth noting that these problems can be fixed easily and, in most cases only a few minor adjustments will do the trick. However, we would always recommend hiring a professional complete the task as it's best not to gamble when it comes to the security and safety of your home.
A common issue that can be experienced with uPVC bifold doors is that they start to sag as time passes and this could lead to them scraping against the floor, or falling off their brackets completely. This is usually down to an issue with alignment, and it's an easy fix for anyone with a bit of DIY knowledge.
To ensure that things are straight, simply loosen the top bracket screw, then move the pivot hold to a position you believe will fix the issue. Repeat the procedure on the lower bracket, and finally check the door. After Repair My Windows And Doors is in place, tighten the screws and you're ready to go!
This is a common issue with all types of doors, but it's particularly noticeable with Bifold doors as they open up and shut so often. Cleaning them regularly and keeping them lubricated will to reduce the chances of this happening. Additionally, it's also worthwhile to invest in a set of corner braces to seal any cracks that might develop. This will stop them from becoming damaged or injuring people who use them.
Won't Open
Bifold doors need an extensive amount of planning and installation to function in the way they are intended to. They also rely on advanced mechanisms and delicate balance to function properly. As time passes, the doors can become misaligned or fall. However, most of these issues are easy to fix with just a bit of maintenance.
Examine for obstructions or other debris in the tracks and runners when your bifolds don't open. It is also recommended to clean your doors to remove any dirt or dust. Additionally, you should use lubricants recommended by the industry. This will help the doors fold and slide more easily.
Another issue that is common to bifold doors is when they are sticking when they open or close. This is usually a sign that your hinges are not aligned properly. This can be fixed by moving the screw that supports the pivot.
You might also notice that your bifold doors are beginning to show cracks at the corners. If this is the case, you can repair this by using a corner brace kit. These kits are readily available in most hardware stores. To remove it, take the door from the frame and put it on a stable bench. Utilizing a pencil, draw an unidirectional line across the door to indicate the area it should be trimmed. The door can be trimmed using circular saw.
The final problem with your bifold doors could be if they scrape the floor. If you've recently replaced carpets or replaced one, this can happen. If this is the case you can raise the bottom pivot adjustment to let the door clear the carpet.
The bifold door is an excellent option for saving space in your home. However, just like any other kind of door, they will require some maintenance to keep them in good condition. These tips should help you keep your bifold doors working correctly for years to be.