Today was spent replacing weatherstripping on several pairs of French Pozzi Doors. These doors were not closing well, had sticking 3-point locking mechanisms and were leaking air. Replacement was an option but I convinced the owner to let me try this first.
Replacing Weatherstripping On French Doors
A combination of new weather stripping, hinge adjustment and removing, cleaning, lubricating and adjusting the locks were all needed to bring these beautiful doors back to where they should be. One door still needs a new three point lock mechanism ordered and replaced.
The bottom weather stripping was worn out and leaking cold air.
Fitting new weather stripping into the pre-cut groove in door.
Overlapping vertical strip with a 45 degree cut. this ensures air does not sneak between the top and side strips. Overlapped view. View from screened porch looking through to second French door.
Try to Order Original Parts
I recommend ordering the weatherstripping that was made for the door. These doors are Pozzi and are now owned by Jeld-Wen.
I went online and downloaded a schematic of the door components and had Concord Lumber, my local lumber yard, order the strips for me.
Fitting the middle vertical section. Each door took four strips 6 to 8′ long.
Overlap cut in vertical strip. Photo shows how the overlap conceals the but edge and seals off the draft. The hinge jamb on these doors was tight so I adjusted the reveal by making a slight adjustment to the hinge knuckles. Be careful doing this as it puts alot of stress on the hinge screws.
I removed, cleaned, lubricated and adjusted all the three point locking mechanisms. I was able to un-stick one that was not working and will need to replace another….. back to the web!
Was it Worth It?
On a scale of ONE to TEN with TEN being a new, tight fitting, door and ONE being the condition the doors were in this morning I’d say replacing weatherstripping were now at a SEVEN.
Not bad and no replacement doors needed. Total cost for repairs to three doors was $ 500 including labor, not including the new mechanism that I need to order.
If you compare that to new French doors = $ 3000.00 each.
