Sagging Parliament Hinges

[Windy Ridge]

I have a pair of french doors that have a pair of 4" x 6" parliament hinges on so that they can fold out flat against the outside wall of the house. The trouble is that the tops of the doors are 'sagging' in on one another. Is it that the doors are too heavy for the hinges? If so should I replace them with smaller ones (e.g. 4" x 4") or butt hinges?

 

[big-all]

heeellloo windy ridge what size and how much glass have your doors!!!

exterior doors should have three hinges each side [for support and security]
may just be a case of tightening /moving slightly
shut one door see if theres any slack when you try and lift it!!
see if the top hinge "moves" [gap opens and closes]
do the same with the other door

 

[Windy Ridge]

Hi, thanks for the reply. The doors are 23" x 78" and each has 10 double-glazed lights. The hinges are all securely attached to the doors and frame and it is possible to lift them slightly when they're closed, just about enough to make them sit properly.

 

[big-all]

ok try tightening all hinges with more emphasis on the top hinges

your doormay also have dropped and or some of the joints opened up

take a try square a right angle out you kids bag or even an a4 sheet of paper hold it along the long edge of the glass and see if its sqaure
also look and see if any cracks between the larger horizontal and verticle bits off wood and see if the are even or taperd shape

 

[JohnD]

it is possible to lift them slightly when they're closed, just about enough to make them sit properly.

So there is a bit of looseness? When you lift them, where is this slack taken up? Is it the door structure; the hinge or screws moving, or the hinge pin loose in its bearings?

 

[Windy Ridge]

I've been trying to post some photos, but failed! Anyway to try and explain: the doors are perfectly square and all screws are tight. On the hinge side the door fits close into the frame at the bottom, but at the top there is a 5mm gap between the door and the frame. Along the top there is a gap between the door and the frame that starts at next to nothing at the hinge side and increases to about 5mm at the other side. Hope this is clearer.
Door

Bottom

Top

i think the photos worked after all!

 

[big-all]

heeelllooo windy ridge

is it possible to take a pictureof the same door with the opposite door open [so it dosnt support the door] or is that what the bottom picture!!!!!

 

[Windy Ridge]

Hi, that's pretty much what it looks like with the other door open, too, because the 'latch side' of the door is resting on the doorstep slightly. I'll try a picture anyway.Hang on...............

 

[big-all]

--------------------- whilst i wait

if you rock the door is there any play on the hinge knuckle or between the hinge the door or frame!!!!!!

 

[Windy Ridge]

Here we go...

not really much different is it?
You can with (with some force) close up the top hinge almost as much as the bottom by pushing/lifting the door in an anti-clockwise direction when seen from outside. Does that make sense?

 

[big-all]

nice self portrait

rather going round in circles here

have you tried tightening the top hinge!!!!!

 

[Windy Ridge]

Hey it was a sunny day! At least you can't see my legs in those shorts...
Anyway all hinges are tightly attached to bothe frame and door. I checked the hinge, it's not bent or deformed. I think I'll have to try hinges with a smaller arm to see if that makes a difference.

 

[masona]

Are the hinge pins loose or worn?

 

[JohnD]

Can you see where the slack/movement/play is occurring?

 

[Windy Ridge]

The hinges are pretty much as new with no wear or looseness apparent. The play is taken up by the top hinge closing a bit more. The right hand door seems to sit fine on the same type of hinge.