UPVC French doors — the double-door configuration with full-height glazing — are a popular choice for rear access to gardens and patios. Their extra width and two-leaf operation introduces some unique repair challenges. Here's what can go wrong and how it's fixed.
The Active and Passive Leaf
French doors have an active leaf (which opens and closes normally) and a passive leaf (which is held in place by shoot bolts that engage into the frame at the top and bottom). Most faults on French doors relate to the passive leaf's shoot bolts or the alignment between the two leaves where they meet in the middle.
Passive Leaf Shoot Bolt Problems
The passive leaf is secured by espagnolette shoot bolts that engage keeps at the top and bottom of the frame. Over time these bolts can stiffen, the keeps can shift out of alignment, or the mechanism can fail entirely. If the passive leaf is loose or rattling, or the shoot bolts won't engage or retract, a specialist can adjust the alignment or replace the shoot bolt mechanism.
The Two Leaves Won't Align
If the active leaf won't close properly because the passive leaf is slightly out of position, the fix is often as simple as a hinge adjustment on the passive leaf to bring it back into alignment. Because French doors span a wide opening, even small hinge wear can cause a noticeable misalignment.
Centre Seal and Draught Problems
The seal between the two leaves — where they meet in the middle — is often the first to deteriorate on French doors, as it bears the most wear during opening and closing. Draughts coming from the centre join are usually caused by a worn or compressed astragal seal, which can be replaced without affecting the rest of the door system.
Lock Failure on French Doors
Most UPVC French doors use a three-point or five-point locking system on the active leaf. When this fails — usually due to gearbox wear — the door may feel secure but not be properly locked, which is a security risk. Gearbox replacement on French doors follows the same process as a standard UPVC door. The Glass Guardian carries a comprehensive stock of gearboxes for most French door systems.
Need a UPVC Repair in Birmingham or the Black Country?
The Glass Guardian provides fast, affordable UPVC window and door repairs across Birmingham, Dudley, Walsall, Wolverhampton, and the surrounding area. Call for a free quote.