How to Fix Common Door Repair Problems
Many door issues are simple to fix, particularly when you are able to do the work yourself. However, sometimes a project isn't doable without help.
Most of the time, the reason for sticking doors is that the hinges have to be tightened or moved. If the problem persists you might need to plane or sand the latch side of your door.
Check the Door
Many homeowners clean their yards and inspect their doors as the weather cools. This annual inspection should check for damage and also reveal any areas that aren't functioning as they should.
Look for rust and corrosion on door hardware such as hinges, as well as on the frame. Look for broken or damaged weather stripping. This will prevent drafts from entering the house and prevent air leaks that can reduce the efficiency of your home's energy consumption.
Be aware of any doors that are stuck, especially after a strong wind. A stickier door is harder to open and close, which causes wear each time it's used and could result in more expensive repairs later on. This kind of issue could be caused by swollen wood, which happens when humidity changes the amount of moisture in the wood of the door. A hygrometer test is used to identify the cause of this issue.
If your door is swollen you can tighten the hinge screws with the help of a screwdriver. If the problem persists you might try shimming the hinges or replacing them.
It's also important to check the door for cosmetic damage. While minor dents and scratches are expected in time, any major damage that was not present prior to repair should be done as soon as is possible.
It is possible to repair a significant door crack. However all wood cracks must be filled in and painted as fast as possible to avoid any further issues. Wood rot must be replaced to ensure the strength of the structure. If you find significant structural issues with doors, it's recommended to contact a certified door system technician to evaluate and repair any damage that is required.
Tighten the Hinges
Door hinge screws can loosen over time. If you leave them unattended, they may damage the hinge or strip the screws' holes. You can tighten these screws by hand or using a drill however, be cautious not to bend the hinge and make sure you remove the pins too.
First, find the sticking points and determine the best way to proceed. If the door rubs near the top or drags on the floor then you can draw in the jamb by inserting a long screw into the latch side of the hinge (the side that attaches to the strike plate) and countersinking it. This will make the gap a little larger and often solves the issue.
An alternative is to remove the hinge pins and hammer them out to make them more dispersed which will also resolve the issue. This is not recommended since it could damage the hinge. It should only be done if the door doesn't close properly.
A damaged screw hole, or a sagging doorframe could cause the screw to loosen. If this is the case, insert a wood block or match coated with carpenter's glue into the screw hole and allow it to set before attaching the hinge. This will fill the hole and strengthen the area so that the screw will be able to grip. Repeat the procedure as needed for any screw holes that don't tighten. Then close the door and test to see whether it has shut correctly. If not, you'll have to keep trying to solve the issue. Start with the most basic fixes, and then proceed to more complex repairs when needed.
Change the Hinges
When the gap between the door and jamb is too wide (a condition referred to as toe-in) shifting the hinges can help the door hang straight. This can be done by placing a small amount of cardboard or wood on the jamb-side hinge, and then putting two or three thin wooden shims between the hinges and the door frame. The shims will 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 will be able to complete the task without causing damage to the hinge or the door. It is recommended to remove the screws from each hinge before shifting (Knowledge How to remove the pin from a Door Hinge). This may require prying the door off its hinges to avoid unscrewing them.
You'll need to open and close the door a few times after the hinges have been shifted to make sure they're functioning properly. If the door doesn't stay in place then you can use shims to close the gap between the hinge and door.
You can also fix the binding hinge of a door by expanding the size of the mortise. This is done by scraping the hole out with a chisel then filling it with wood putty. Be sure to polish and sand the putty before you use it on the hinge to match the rest of the frame. This isn't as precise as shimming, but it's a quick fix for hinges that are out of alignment. It's less destructive than hanging the door from the ceiling.
Draw in the Jamb
If your door is still bound after closing the hinges and shimming it, there could be a problem with the jamb not being of alignment. It is possible to fix this by gently tapping wooden shims between the jamb and wall at the latch side the frame in order to bring it back in line. Measure the shims using the carpenter's square and then move them around the frame to ensure it is plumb.
Once you've shimmed the door frame, you can tighten the screws that secure the strike plate to the frame's latch side to stop it from scraping against the latch. You can either make use of a manual Phillips screwdriver or a drill, depending on the extent of the damage.
Sometimes, dents, gouges and nicks in the frame can cause it to stick against the door. If it's only a few minor dents then you can smooth the surface using wood filler that is the same color as the trim around the door, and then sand it prior to staining or painting. For more severe dents and gouges, it may be necessary to replace the damaged part of the jamb.
If your door still binds after you've tried filling, sanding and re-sanding the frame, it could be time to get rid of the entire door and start from scratch. If you're able to afford it, you should replace the components and do it properly. However, you might be able save the door by working on small sections of frame without taking away the entire thing. Be sure not to damage the integrity of the entire frame, especially when you're dealing with wood that has been subjected to moisture over time.
Adjust the Strike Plate
The strike plate holds the door in the closed position by catching the door bolt. As time passes the strike plate could be unbalanced. If the latch does not fit into the strikeplate, it won't close, which can result in burglaries or door kick-ins. To remedy double glazed window repair , tighten the screws holding the strike plate. If this doesn't work, changing the hinges' angle or adding wood fill may help.
Before making adjustments to the strike plate, apply a thin strip of lipstick or another marking substance to the latch. Close the door and then open it. If the lipstick marks show that the latch is touching with the strike plate hole, it may be a problem with hinges that are sagging, not the strike plate's position.
If the marks indicate the latch is sitting too high or low in the strike plate hole then take a small piece of cardboard to fit the mortise on the hinge. Replace the hinge. This will often fix the issue, particularly in the event that it's caused by the sunken or receding hinges. It also makes it easier to create a professional looking repair.
To adjust the strikeplate, remove it from the jamb of your door. Then, use a file to make the hole in which the strikeplate is intended to go. Half-round files are ideal since it conforms to the curvature of the strike plate hole. Reinstall the strike plate, close the door and examine if the latch now clearing 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 that is in contact with the strike plate.