How to Fix the Most Common Folding Door Problems?
Do you have bi-fold doors in operation? Do they seem difficult to open or close, have drafts in your home when closed, or do they not seal properly? You are not in the minority. Bi-fold doors can be difficult to maintain and repair. But don't worry! We've put together this list of bifold door troubleshooting tips to help you get back on track.
The Folding Door is Stuck or Difficult to Open
If your folding door is difficult to open, check the hinges for tightness. They will loosen over time and may require a screwdriver to tighten.
A stuck bi-fold door may have debris in its tracks, preventing proper movement - we recommend running a can of compressed air into the tracks to blow off any dust or sand
If bi-fold doors are difficult to close, they may hit the door frame as they close. In this case, adjust the hinges on one or more panels so that they do not touch.
Finally, bi-fold doors can become difficult to open because they are installed against other objects and cannot open properly. In this case, we recommend removing some of the trim of the bi-fold door to work effectively.
Bi-fold Doors That Don't Lock
If the bi-fold door lock mechanism does not turn, lubricate the track with WD40. Clean both sides of each panel with a different cleaner (ie glass cleaner on windows; wood/metal cleaner on frames) depending on their material. Finally, make sure you have a flat surface and that the hinges aren't too tight to put undue stress on the bifold door.
Bi-fold Doors to Allow Airflow in
Insufficient weatherstripping around bi-fold doors can lead to poor airflow and insulation. Check to see if any strips are loose or completely detached. You may also need the help of another person to support each panel while you tighten the screws again.
Make sure your bi-fold doors are not sagging. This can cause uneven spacing between panels, affecting their sealing effectiveness.
Bi-fold doors with condensation may not be sealing properly - check the peel to verify it is still intact and try cleaning each panel on both sides of the bi-fold door with a mild detergent mixed with warm water.
Misaligned Bi-fold Doors
If the bi-fold door is warping or sagging or seems misaligned, first make sure your surface is flat and the hinges aren't too tight. This should help realign any bent bi-fold door panels. Be sure not to overdo it, as bi-fold doors cannot take too much pressure.
On warmer days, if you have uPVC bi-leaf doors, it is common for various uPVC doors to temporarily change shape. This is normal and the door will return to its original shape once the temperature cools down.
Bi-fold Door Cleaning Problems
Finally, make sure to clean both sides of each panel, using a different cleaner if necessary (i.e. glass cleaner for windows; wood/metal cleaner for frames) depending on their material.
The above introduces some common problems and solutions for folding doors. If you want to buy folding doors, please contact us.
ROPO is a custom window and door manufacturer with 16 years of experience. Over the past 16 years, ROPO has produced various uPVC doors and windows and aluminum doors and windows for more than 25 countries and regions in Europe and America. The main products are made of uPVC and aluminum. Our products are very suitable for our different customers. We have always been proud of being made in China. Every step of the production process is strictly controlled, from testing and controlling the quality of raw materials to ensure high production standards.
