Repairing Bifold Doors

Bifold doors can be a great feature for your home but with time, the hardware that holds them together will get worse. Cleaning and lubricating the mechanism (including the locks) can ensure they operate smoothly and efficiently.

Oft, the problem can be solved easily. This guide will teach you how to fix your bifold doors when they become difficult to open or close.

Cracked Pivot Pins

A bifold door consists of two panels that move across a track that runs through the floor and head jambs. They pivot using pins in the corners of the panel closest to the frame and a guide is installed on top of the other panel to allow it to slide along the track. If your bifold is sliding or rattling, you may need to replace the pivot pin or anchor.

The pivot pins on bifold doors are attached to the track with brackets that are screwed onto both the side jamb and the floor or head jamb. The bottom bracket has a notch that can be adjusted to alter the angle between the door and the floor or jamb. Sometimes the pivot pins crack or break. This is usually caused by the force of twisting applied to the pivot pin during the movement of long logs with an equipment like a track loader or a grapple.

Often this problem can be resolved by loosening the set screws on the bracket's bottom and raising the door slightly. This will make the edge of the door parallel to the frame and remove the scrape.

It is not uncommon to see the main pivot on the bifolding door damaged or broken. The reason for this is that the pin is exposed to much more pressure and twisting than a coupler or thumb. This is particularly relevant for older pins which are composed of soft materials.

If the pin is damaged, you can pull it out from the door using a flat-head screwdriver or pliers. After cleaning the coupler, or thumb, replace it with a new pin. Make use of a punch with the same diameter at the end as the old pin to press in the new pin.

If the pivot pin is cracked and not replaced it will eventually break from excessive twisting force. This can make your door lean and become difficult to open or shut. Replace the pin that is broken as quickly as possible. You can purchase pivot pins to replace it at your local hardware store.

Cracked Corners

Doors for closets that slide are ideal for reducing space and keeping your clothes private, but bifold doors can be prone to a few more problems than regular doors. Fortunately, most of these are easy fixes for homeowners to handle on their own.

Squeezed by the weight of your clothes and other things the doors could cause a bit of stress on the corners. This could cause cracks in the corner where the pivot pins of the door are. This can make it difficult to open and shut the doors.

It can happen on the top or repairing bottom of bifold door of your bifold, and it is usually fixed by loosening the screw that secures the repair bifold door top pivot bracket to the door jamb. Then, turn the bracket up or downward to raise or lower the door. Depending on how big of an adjustment you'll require it may be necessary to remove the door 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. This is because the doors aren't able to clear enough space from the floor to glide easily over carpet. It is possible to raise the door by turning the pivot pin counterclockwise, but this doesn't always work. If the problem is more serious, you can use shims to raise the door's bottom by a quarter-inch or more than the carpeting.

Bifold doors are typically constructed of light materials, and they can develop cracks around one or both of the pivot pins. The door won't be able move smoothly in the event of a crack, which is why it's crucial to repair the crack as soon as you can.

You'll also need the squeeze clamp that you can purchase at the same store. After applying the glue in a generous way to the crack, use the clamp to close it and let it sit for some time to let the glue fully set. Sand the area using sandpaper to smooth it and consistent with the rest of the area.

Dropped Bifolds

Bifolds like all doors, are susceptible to damage with time, particularly if not maintained properly. This means cleaning and maintaining them, as well as regular lubrication. It's also crucial to ensure that you've bought an item of high-quality from a reputable manufacturer and that the doors have been installed properly. You can be certain that your new doors are likely to last for a long time.

In time, uPVC door frames tend to sag. This is usually caused by an imbalance of the door and damaged parts, like the pivots or rollers. It can affect both internal and external doors.

These issues can be fixed and, in a lot of instances, a few minor adjustments will do. We suggest hiring a professional to perform the task, since you shouldn't take risks with your home's safety or security.

One of the most common issues that be experienced with uPVC bifold doors is that they begin to lose their elasticity over time, and this can result in them scraping against the floor or popping off their brackets entirely. This is usually due to a lack of alignment, and it's an easy fix for anyone with a little of DIY experience.

To get things straightened out, simply loosen the top bracket screw and then move the pivot hold to a location that you think will correct the issue. Repeat the procedure for the bottom bracket, and then test the doors. When the door is back in place, tighten the screws and you're ready to go!

This is a frequent issue for all kinds of doors, but it's particularly noticeable with Bifold doors as they open up and shut frequently. It's important to keep them clean and lubricated frequently. You may also consider investing in corner braces that protect any cracks. This will stop them from being damaged or injuring people who use them.

It won't open

To work properly bifold doors require careful planning and installation. They depend on sophisticated mechanisms and delicate balance to function correctly. As time passes, the doors may become misaligned or fall. Many of these problems can be easily fixed by a little maintenance.

Examine for obstructions or other debris in the tracks and runners in the event that your bifolds aren't opening. It is also recommended to clean your doors to get rid of any dust or dirt. Finally, you should lubricate your doors with industry-recommended oil lubricants. This will make your doors more easy to fold and slide.

Another issue that is common to bifold doors is when they are sticking when they close or open. This is usually a sign that your hinges are not aligned properly. In most instances, this issue is solved by loosing the screw that holds the pivot and then moving it to the appropriate position for your door.

It is also possible that your bifold door has developed cracks at the corners. You can fix the damage with a corner brace. These kits are readily available in most hardware stores. To start, take the bi folding door repair out of its frame and lay it on a stable workbench. Then, you can use an eraser and a straight edge to draw an outline across the door where it needs to be trimmed. The door can be trimmed using circular saw.

The last issue with your bifold doors can be when they scrape the floor. This could happen when you recently changed your carpets or added a new carpet. If you find this is the case, you can try raising the lower pivot adjustment to allow the door to be cleared of the carpet.

The bifold door is a great option for saving space in your home. Like any other door they will require some attention to keep them in good condition. We hope these tips will help you keep your bifold doors operating properly for a long time to be.