Repairing Bifold Doors

Bifold doors can be an attractive feature for your home but with time, the hardware that holds them together can become damaged. Cleaning and lubricating the mechanism (including the locks) can keep them running smoothly and efficiently.

Of course, the issue can be easily solved. This guide will show you how to fix your bifold doors if they become difficult to open or close.

Cracked Pivot Pins

A bifold door is a set of panels that slide on a track that is installed in the head and side jambs, or floor. They pivot on pins installed in the corners of one panel closest to the frame and an anchor is placed on top of the opposite panel to guide it along the track. You may need to replace your pivot pin or anchor if your bifold is sliding.

The pivot pins of bifold doors are attached to the track through brackets screwed to both the side jamb as well as the head jamb or floor. The bottom bracket is notched to adjust the direction of the door with respect to the floor or jamb. Occasionally, the pivot pins break or break off. This is usually caused by the force that twists the pivot pin when moving long logs using a track loader or grapple.

This issue can be resolved by loosening the set screws on the bracket's bottom, and raising the door a little. This will bring the door's edge with the frame and remove the scrape.

It is not uncommon to see the pivot pin that holds the door together the bifold door damaged or broken. The pin is subjected to more force and twisting as opposed to the thumb or coupler. This is especially true with older pins that are made of a soft material.

If the pin is damaged you can pry it out from the door using a flat-head screwdriver or pliers. Clean out the coupler or thumb and replace it with a brand new pin. Ensure the diameter of the pin is identical to the old pin and use an appropriate punch with the right end diameter to press the new pin into place.

If the pivot pin is cracked and is not replaced then it could break from excessive twisting forces. This will cause your door to lean, making it difficult to open and close. It is recommended to replace the broken pin when you notice it. You can purchase pivot pins to replace the broken one from your local hardware retailer.

Cracked Corners

Doors for closets that slide are ideal for reducing space and keeping your clothes in a private place, but bifold doors are susceptible to a number of issues than standard doors. Fortunately, the majority of these are easy fixes for homeowners to fix on their own.

The doors could be strained by the weight of clothes and other things. The corner can be damaged of the door, where the pivot pins are located which could make the doors difficult to open and close.

This can occur on either the top or bottom of your bifold, and it is usually fixed by loosening the screw that secures an repair bracket to the jamb of your door. Then, turn the bracket up or down to raise or lower the door. Depending on the amount of an adjustment you'll have to make, you may need to take the door off to finish the job.

Another issue that is common to bifold doors is that they scratch the carpet underneath them when you open or close them. The doors do not have enough clearance to glide over the carpet. The pivot pin on the bottom can be turned counterclockwise in order to attempt to raise the door, but it doesn't work every time. If the problem is more severe then you can try using shims that raise the door's bottom up to one quarter inch higher than the carpeting.

Bifold doors are generally constructed from lightweight materials, and they can develop cracks around one or both pivot pins. If this happens, the door may not be able to slide smoothly. It is essential to fix the problem as soon as possible.

You'll require a bottle of wood glue, such as Elmer's which is available at your local big box store, as well as the squeeze clamp which you can purchase at the same place. After you've applied the glue in a generous way to the crack, use the clamp to close it and allow it to sit for several minutes to let the glue fully set. Then, sand the crack down with sandpaper until the area is smooth and in line with the rest of the door.

Dropped Bifolds

As with most doors, Bifolds are vulnerable to destruction over time, especially in the event that you're not taking good care of them. This means cleaning and maintaining them, as well as regular lubrication. But, it's equally important to ensure you've purchased an item of high-quality from a reputable company and that the doors have been installed correctly. This way, you'll be able to have confidence that your new doors will last for years to be.

Over time, uPVC door frames tend to shrink. This is usually caused by misalignment, as well as broken components like pivot hinges and rollers, and it's an issue that affects both internal and external doors.

It's worth noting that these problems can be easily solved and, in the majority of cases, a few basic adjustments can solve the problem. We recommend hiring a professional for the work, since you shouldn't take risks with your home's safety or security.

A common issue with uPVC Bifold Doors is that they may sag and eventually scrape against the floor. They can even pop off their brackets. This is usually due to a misalignment and is a simple fix for anyone with a bit of DIY knowledge.

To straighten things up, simply loosen the top bracket screw and move the pivot hold to a location you believe will fix the problem. Repeat the procedure on the bottom bracket, and then test the door. Once the door has been reinstalled, tighten all the screws.

This is a problem that occurs with all types of doors, but it's more noticeable with Bifold doors as they open up and shut so often. It's important to keep them clean and lubricated frequently. You may also consider investing in corner braces that cover any cracks. This will help prevent them from becoming damaged or causing injury to those who use them.

Won't Open

Bifold doors need an extensive amount of design and installation in order to function according to the plan. They also depend on sophisticated mechanisms and delicate balance in order to function correctly. Over time, these doors may become misaligned or even fall. Many of these problems can be easily fixed by a little maintenance.

If your bifolds have stopped opening, the first thing you should look for obstructions or debris on the runners and tracks. Also, you should clean the doors and remove any dirt or dust that has built up on them. Additionally, you should apply lubricants to the doors suggested by the industry. This will make the doors more easy to fold and slide.

A bifold door that is stuck when it opens or closes is a different issue that can be found. This is typically a sign that the hinges are out of alignment. In most instances, this issue is solved by loosing the screw that holds the pivot hold and relocating it into the proper position for your door.

It is also possible that your bifold door has developed cracks at the corners. Repair the damage using the corner brace. These kits are sold at a variety of hardware stores. To start, take the door off its frame and set it on a work bench that is stable. Then, use a pencil and a straight edge to draw an outline across the door where it will need to be cut. Utilize a circular saw to cut the door in this line.

Another issue that could impact your bifold doors is when they are scratching the floor. If you've recently changed your carpet or replaced one, this may happen. If this is the case, try raising the bottom pivot adjustment that will allow the door to be cleared of the carpet.

Bifold doors are a great way to save space in your home. As with all doors they will require some attention to keep them in good working order. These tips should help you maintain your bifold doors for many years.