How to Fix Common Door Repair Problems
Many door problems are easy to fix, especially when you can complete the work yourself. However, there are times when a task can't be completed without assistance.
Most of the time, the reason for stuck 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
As the weather turns cooler, many homeowners use this time to clean the yard and inspect their doors. The annual inspection shouldn't just check for signs of damage, but also reveal any areas that aren't performing 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 your home and stop air leaks which can affect a home's energy efficiency.
Be aware of any doors that are stuck, especially after a strong wind. 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 occurs when humidity alters the moisture content of the door's wood. A hygrometer test could be used to determine the source of this problem.
If your door is becoming swollen or swollen, you can use a screwdriver for tightening the hinge screws. If the issue persists then you may try shimming the hinges or even replace them completely.
It's also important to examine the door for any cosmetic damage. While minor scratches and dents are common over time, any significant damage that wasn't there before should be repaired as soon as is possible.
Although it's sometimes possible to repair doors that have a significant crack, all cracks in the wood should be filled in and painted as soon as possible to avoid any further issues. Wood rot must be repaired to ensure the strength of the structure. If you discover significant structural issues with a door, it is recommended to contact a certified door system technician to evaluate and repair any necessary damage.
Tighten the Hinges
Door hinge screws can loosen over time. If you don't watch them they may cause damage to the hinge or rip out the screws' holes. You can tighten the screws by hand or with a drill, but be careful not to bend the hinge and ensure that you remove the pins too.
First, find the sticking points and determine how to proceed. If the door rubs against the top or is dragging on the floor it is possible to draw in the jamb by using a long screw through the latch side of the hinge (the side that attaches to the strike plate) and countersinking it. This will increase the gap, and in most cases, solve the issue.
An alternative is to simply remove the hinge pins and hammer them out to make them more spread apart 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.
Another issue that could be a problem is a screw that does not tighten, which can be caused by a stripped screw hole or sagging doorframe. If this is the case, simply insert a wood plug or match that has been soaked in carpenter's glue into the screw hole and let it to set before attaching the hinge. This will fill the hole and reinforce the area so that the screw can be held in place. Repeat this process for any holes that aren't tightening. Close the door and test to see if it shuts correctly. If not, you'll need to continue troubleshooting the problem. Begin with the simplest fixes and only perform more complex repairs if necessary.
Change the Hinges
Shimming hinges can be utilized to aid in hanging the door straight when the gap between the jamb and the door frame is too wide (a condition called toe-in). This can be done by placing a small piece of wood or cardboard on the hinge that is jamb-side, and then adding two or three thin wooden shims in between the hinges and the frame of the door. The shims push the hinge leaf away from the door frame and close the gap, eliminating the binding.
This method can be tricky however, if you're cautious you can get the job done without damaging the hinge or door. It is best to remove the screws from each hinge before shimming (Knowledge How to Remove the Pin from a Door Hinge). It is possible to pull the door off of its hinges in order to avoid unscrewing.
You'll need to open and close the door a few times after the hinges are moved to ensure that they are working properly. If the door still sticks then you can use shims to close the gap between the hinge and door.
door repairs near me can also fix a binding door hinge by increasing the size of the mortise. This is done by removing the hole with a chisel, and then filling it with wood putty. Make sure you sand and paint the putty prior to placing it on the hinge to match the frame's other components. It's not as precise as shimming, but it's an easy fix for hinges that are out of alignment. It's also less harmful than trying to rehang the door.
Draw in the Jamb
If your door is still stuck after tightening hinges and shimming it, the jamb may be out of line. This can be resolved by gently tapping wooden shims at the latch side to the frame between the jambs and the wall. Make sure you take measurements with a carpenter's square and move them around the frame until they are aligned on both sides of the frame.
After you've shimmied the door frame you can tighten screws that hold the strikeplate to the latch side, to keep it from scratching against the latch. You can use either a manual Phillips screwdriver or a drill for this, based on the severity of the damage.
Sometimes, gouges, dents, and nicks in the frame cause it to become stuck against the door. If it's only tiny scratches and nicks, you can smooth out 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. If the dents are deeper it may be necessary to replace the damaged section of the jamb.
If your door still binds after you've tried filling, sanding, and re-sanding the frame, it may be time to remove the entire door and start over. It's best when you're able to purchase new components and do it correctly but there are times when you can save the door by working on smaller sections of the frame without completely taking it off. Be careful not to compromise strength of the frame, especially if you're dealing with older wood which has been exposed to moisture over time.
Adjust the Strike Plate
The strike plate catches the door bolt and holds the door in a closed position. In time, the strike plate can become misaligned. If the latch isn't able to fit into the strike plate, it will not stay closed, which can result in burglaries and door kick-ins. To fix this, tighten the screws holding the strike plate. If this doesn't work you, try shimming or adding wood filler to the hinges.
Before adjusting the strike plate, apply a strip of lipstick or other marking substance to the latch. Close the door, and then open it. If the lipstick marks suggest that the latch is located above or below the the strike plate, the issue may be with the hinges.
If the marks suggest that the latch is sitting too low or high in the strike plate hole then use a small piece cardboard to fit the mortise of the hinge. Replace the hinge. This will usually fix the issue caused by sunken hinges. It also makes it easier to make a professional repair.
To adjust the strike plate, take it from the door jamb and then make use of a file to increase the hole in the jamb where the strike plate goes. Half-round files are ideal because it matches the shape of the strike plate hole. Close the door, install the strikeplate and verify that it is now able to clear the strike plate hole in a proper manner. If the latch isn't able to clear the hole, use the chisel on the jamb to reshape it where the strike plate meets the jamb.