How to Weatherproof French Doors

It is a common misconception that French doors are not suitable for extreme weather, and are therefore not weatherproof. When made, fitted and sealed correctly, they are completely weatherproof. However, if you do find your doors are not well sealed, and if you are suffering with leaks, there are a few steps you can take to rectify this. 

Sealing 

In order to check your seals are fitted correctly, remove any decorative trimmings from the threshold of the French patio doors and place a piece of paper under the door. Close and open the door, and if any liquid or debris is present when pulling out the paper, this will tell you how tight your seal is and if you need to caulk any gaps. 

Caulk is easy to use and cheap, so it is a simple fix for any DIY-er. 

If the seal is too broken to caulk, there are other options for you. 

Foam Backer Rod 

Foam backer rod is a flexible polyethylene cord that can help create the optimum sealant shape. This can help to prevent joint and sealant failure in your French doors. 

Foam backer rod is incredibly simple to install. You simply need to measure the gap and cut a piece of rod to fill it. You can secure and seal the edges of the rod with caulk too, so it is worth having some on hand for either type of repair. 

Weather Stripping 

Weather stripping is another option for added protection and it is even easier to install than the above methods. Ensure you have the right kind of stripping and remove any old stripping before you begin. 

Starting from the bottom of your door, make sure the stripping sticks evenly to the corners. Cut the excess from the strip at the top and press the end into the corner. Next, remove the tape covering. 

You should repeat this process for all sides of the doors, first with the top door jamb then the sides. After they are all complete, your door is weatherproofed! 

If you need any more help with your French doors, do get in touch with our friendly team – or shop the options online today.