How to Fix Common Door Repair Problems
Many door problems can be fixed easily particularly if the work is done by you. Sometimes, a task isn't feasible without help.
Most of the time, the reason for a sticking door is simply that the hinges need to be re-tightened or moved. If the issue persists, you may have to plane or sand the latch side of your door.
Check the Door
As the temperature drops homeowners take this time to clean up the yard and check their doors. This once-a-year inspection shouldn't just look for signs of damage, but also uncover areas that aren't functioning as they should.
Find corrosion and rust on door hardware like hinges, and on the frame. Check for damaged or broken weather stripping. This will keep drafts out of your home and prevents air leaks that could make a home less energy efficient.
Be aware of any doors that are sticking, especially after a storm. A stickier door is harder to open and close, which increases wear every time it's used and could result in higher repair costs later on. This kind of issue could be caused by swollen wood which happens when humidity alters the moisture content of the door's wood. A hygrometer test can be used to determine the cause of this issue.
If your door is becoming swollen and you are unable to close it, you can use a screwdriver for tightening the hinge screws. If the issue persists, you may try shimming your hinges or replacing them.
It's also important to examine the door for any cosmetic damage. While minor scratches and dents are normal, any damage that wasn't present before must be fixed.
It is possible to repair a major door crack. However cracks in wood should be filled in and painted as fast as is possible to avoid recurring issues. To ensure the structural integrity of your home, any wood rot must be replaced. If you discover serious structural issues with a door, it is recommended to contact a certified door system technician to examine and repair any necessary damage.
Tighten the Hinges
Door hinge screws may loosen over time. If you leave them unattended they could damage the hinge or rip out the screws' holes. These screws can be tightened manually or with the power drill. Be cautious not to bend the hinge and then remove the pins.
First, find the sticking points and decide the best way to proceed. If the door rubs against the top or drags, you can countersink a long screw into the latch side of hinge (the side that is attached to the strike plate). This will increase the gap and usually solve the issue.
This will also solve the issue. The most drastic solution is to take off the hinge pins, hammer them to make them more dispersed, and then replace them. This is not recommended since it could cause damage to the hinge. It is only recommended to do this when the door doesn't close properly.
A damaged screw hole or a sagging doorframe, can also cause the screw to not tighten. In this case, insert an apron (or match) coated with carpenter's glue in the screw hole. Allow it to dry before reattaching your hinge. This will fill the hole and make it stronger so that the screw can take hold. Repeat window repair for any holes that do not tighten. Close the door and check to see if now it is shut properly. If not, you may have to keep trying to solve the problem. It is recommended to start with the most basic solutions first and then move on to more involved repairs when necessary.
Change the Hinges
Shimming hinges can be used to aid in hanging the door straight when the gap between the jamb and door frame is too wide (a condition known as toe-in). This can be done by placing a small wedge of cardboard or wood under the hinge on the jamb side and adding one or more thin, wooden shims between the hinge and the frame of the door. The shims pull the hinge leaf away from the door frame and close the gap, removing the bind.
It's not an easy process however with a little care you can do it without causing harm to the door or hinge. It is recommended to remove the screws from each hinge prior to shifting (Knowledge How to remove the Pin from a Door Hinge). It might be necessary to remove the door of its hinges in order to avoid unscrewing.
You'll have to open and close the door several times after the hinges are moved to ensure they're working correctly. If the door continues to bind, you can add more shims until the gaps between the hinge and the door as well as the hinge and the door are shut.
Another way to correct the binding hinge is by making the mortise bigger. This is done by scraping the hole using a chisel and filling it in with wood putty. To match the rest of your frame, sand the putty and paint it prior to applying it to the hinge. This isn't as precise as shimming but it's a quick fix for a hinge that is out of alignment. It's also less destructive than trying to rehang the door.
Draw in the Jamb
If your door still sticks after tightening hinges and shimming it the jamb might be out of alignment. You can fix this by gently tapping wooden shims between the jamb and wall on the latch side of the frame to get it back in line. Take measurements of the shims with a carpenter's square, then move them around the frame to make sure that they are in line.
Once you've shimmed the door frame, you can tighten the screws that hold the strike plate to the latch side of the frame to stop it from scraping against the latch. You can use either the manual Phillips screwdriver or a drill to accomplish this, based on the extent of the damage.
Sometimes, gouges, dents and nicks within the frame can cause it to stick to the door. If it's only a few minor dents, you can smooth the surface with wood filler that is the same color as the trim around the door, and then sand it down before painting or staining. For more severe dents and gouges, you might need to replace the damaged section of the jamb.
If your door is still stuck after filling, sanding, or refining the frame, it might be time to get rid of the entire door and begin again. It's best when you're able to purchase new parts and do it correctly however, sometimes you'll be able to save the door by working on smaller sections of the frame without completely taking it off. Be sure not to compromise the integrity of the rest of the frame, particularly if you're dealing with older wood that's been exposed to moisture over time.
Adjust the Strike Plate
The strike plate is able to catch the bolt that holds the door in a closed position. The shifting and setting of doors over time could cause the strike plate to be misaligned with the latch. If the latch is not able to fit into the strikeplate, it won't close, which can lead burglaries and door kick ins. To remedy this, tighten the screws that hold the strike plate. If it doesn't work, then shifting the hinges or adding wood fill may aid.
Before adjusting the strike plate, apply a thin strip of lipstick or another marking substance to the latch. Close the door, then open it. If the lipstick marks indicate that the latch is either with the strike plate hole it may be a problem with sagging hinges, rather than the strike plate's position.
If the marks show that the latch is too low or high in the strike plate hole, you can use a small piece of cardboard to fit the hinge mortise. Replace the hinge. This can often resolve the issue, particularly in the event that it's caused by sunken or receding hinges. It also makes it easier to do a professional looking repair.
To adjust the strikeplate, remove it from your door jamb. Then, you can use a file on the hole in which the strikeplate is intended to go. A half-round file is the best since it matches the curve of the hole for the strike plate. Reinstall the strike plate close the door and see if the latch is now able to clear the strike plate hole in a proper manner. If the latch is still not clearing the hole using a chisel, reshape the area of the jamb where it faces the strike plate.