How to Fix Common Door Repair Problems
Many door problems are easy to fix, particularly when you can complete the work yourself. Sometimes, a task isn't feasible without help.
Often, the cause of sticking doors is that the hinges need to be tightened or moved. If the problem persists, you may need to sand or plane the latch side of the door.
Check the Door
As the weather gets cooler, many homeowners use this time to tidy up the yard and inspect their doors. This once-a-year inspection should not just check for signs of damage but also uncover areas that aren't working as they should.
Check for corrosion and rust on door hardware such as hinges, and on the frame. Check for damaged or broken weather stripping. This will keep drafts from the home and also prevents air leaks that can cause a home to become less energy efficient.
Be aware of any doors that are sticking, particularly after a storm. A door that is difficult to open or close will wear out more quickly and will cost more to fix. This kind of issue could be caused by swollen wood which happens when humidity changes the moisture content in the door's wood. A hygrometer test can be used to identify the cause of this issue.
If your door is swelling or swollen, you can use a screwdriver for tightening the hinge screws. If the problem continues, then you can try to shimm the hinges or replace them altogether.
It's crucial to inspect the door for cosmetic damages. While minor scratches and dents are common over time, any significant damage that was not present prior to repair should be done as soon as possible.
Although it's sometimes possible to repair doors that have a significant crack, all cracks in the wood should be filled and painted as soon as it is possible to avoid any further issues. Any wood rot needs to be replaced as well to ensure the integrity of the structure. If you notice serious structural issues with doors, it's recommended to call a trained door systems technician to evaluate and repair any damage that is required.
Then tighten the Hinges
It's common for door hinge screws to loosen up as time passes However, if you let them for too long, they could cause damage to the hinge and the screw holes to become stripped. The screws can be tightened manually or using the aid of a power drill. Be careful not to bend the hinge of your door and then remove the pins.
First, locate the sticking points and determine what to do next. If the door rubs at the top or drags, you could countersink a long screw onto the hinge's latch side (the side attached to the strike plate). This will widen the gap and will usually resolve the issue.
This will also solve the issue. Another option is to remove the hinge pins, then hammer them until they are separated, and then replace them. However it's not recommended as it can damage the hinge, and should only be done if the door isn't shut correctly.
A damaged screw hole or a door frame that is sagging could cause a 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 the hinge. This will fill the hole and reinforce the area so that the screw will be able to grip. Repeat this procedure for any remaining holes that do not tighten. Close the door and test to determine if it shuts correctly. If not, you'll have to keep trying to solve the issue. Start with the most basic fixes and only perform more complex repairs when needed.
Change the Hinges
Shimming hinges are a great option to aid in hanging the door straight when the gap between the jamb and the door frame is too large (a condition called toe-in). It is possible to do this by placing a small amount of wood or cardboard on the hinge that is jamb-side, and then adding one or two thin wooden shims that are placed between the hinges and the frame of the door. The shims push the hinge leaf away from the door frame and close the gap, removing the bind.
This procedure can be difficult however if you're careful you can complete the task without causing damage to the hinge or door. It is best to remove the screws from each hinge before shifting (Knowledge - How to remove the Pin from the Door Hinge). It is possible to pry the door off of its hinges to prevent the screws from coming loose.
You'll have to open and close the door a few times after the hinges have been moved to ensure they're functioning properly. If the door still binds, you can add more shims until the gaps between the hinge and the door as well as the hinge and the door are sealed.
Another way to fix a binding hinge is by making the mortise bigger. This can be done by scraping the hole with a chisel and filling it with wood putty. To match the frame's rest take the putty, sand it and paint it prior to applying it to the hinge. This isn't as accurate as shifting, but it's a quick fix for an out-of-alignment hinge. It's also less destructive than attempting to rehang the door.
Draw in the Jamb
If your door remains stuck after closing 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 at the latch side of the frame to bring it back in line. Be sure to measure the shims with the help of a carpenter's ruler and move them around the frame until they are aligned on both sides of the frame.
After you've shimmed your door frame and tightened the screws that secure the strike plate to the latch side of the frame to prevent it from scraping against the latch. You can use either the manual Phillips screwdriver or a drill to accomplish this, depending on the scope of the damage.
Sometimes, dents, gouges, and nicks in the frame can cause it to become stuck against the door. If it's just tiny scratches and nicks, you can smooth out the surface using wood filler that is the same color as the trim around the door and then sand it down before painting or staining. If you have more serious dents or gouges, you might need to replace the damaged portion of the jamb.
If upvc door repairs near me tried sanding, gluing, and filling and your door continues to lock, it's time to get rid of the door and begin working on the frame from scratch. It's best when you're able to buy new parts and do it correctly, but 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 damage the structural integrity of the frame particularly if you are dealing with older wood which has been exposed to moisture over time.
Adjust the Strike Plate
The strike plate grabs the bolt of the door and keeps the door in the closed position. As time passes the strike plate may become misaligned. If the latch isn't able to fit into the strike plate, it won't be able to stay closed, which can lead to burglaries and door kick-ins. To remedy this, tighten the screws that hold the strike plate. If it doesn't work, then shimming the hinges or adding wood fill can aid.
Apply a thin strip of lipstick or another marking material on the latch before adjusting the strike plate. Close the door, then open it. If the lipstick marks show that the latch is touching with the strike plate's hole, it could be an issue with hinges that are sagging, not the strike plate's position.
If the marks indicate that the latch is resting too high or low in the strike plate hole, then use a small piece of cardboard to fit into the hinge mortise and then replace the hinge. This is often a way to fix the issue if it's caused by sunken hinges and makes it easier to make a professional repair.
To adjust the strike plate, take it from the jamb on the door and then employ a file to widen the hole in the jamb that the strike plate goes. A half-round filing is ideal since it matches the curve of the hole to accommodate the strike plate. Close the door, reinstall the strikeplate and verify that it is now able to clear the strike plate hole in a proper manner. If the latch is not clearing the hole, use a chisel to reshape the area of the jamb where it is in contact with the strike plate.