How to Fix Common Door Repair Problems
Many door issues are easy to fix, especially when you are able to do the work yourself. But, sometimes a job isn't feasible without help.
The most common cause of sticking doors is that the hinges have to be tightened or moved. If the issue continues then you might need to plane or sand down the latch side of the door.
Check the Door
As the weather gets cooler homeowners take this time to clean the yard and inspect their doors. This once-a-year inspection shouldn't just be a lookout 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, and on the frame. Also, look for damaged or damaged weather stripping. This will keep drafts from entering the house and prevent air leaks that could reduce the efficiency of a home's energy usage.
Be aware of any doors that are sticking, especially after a storm. A door that is stuck is more difficult to open and close, which adds wear each time it's used and could lead to more expensive repairs down the road. This issue can occur by the fact that the wood of the door becomes more swollen as a result of humidity. A simple test with a hygrometer can help identify the cause of this problem.
If your door is swelling, you can tighten the hinge screws with a screwdriver. If the issue persists, you might try shimming the hinges or replacing them.
It's crucial to inspect the door for cosmetic damage. While minor dents and scratches are normal, any damage that wasn't there before should be repaired.
While it is sometimes possible to repair a door that has a large crack, any cracks in the wood should be filled in 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 strength of the structure. If you notice significant structural issues with a door, it is best to call in a trained door systems technician to assess and repair any damage that is required.
Close the Hinges
It's common for hinge screws on doors to loosen up over time, but if you leave them too long it can cause damage to the hinge and the screw holes to become stripped. You can tighten the screws by hand or with a drill, however, be cautious not to bend the hinge, and ensure that you take out the pins as well.
First, locate the sticking points and determine the best way to proceed. If the door rubs close to the top or drags on the floor it is possible to draw in the jamb by driving a long screw through the latch side of the hinge (the side that attaches to the strike plate) and countersinking it. This will widen the gap and usually solve the problem.
This will also solve the issue. The most drastic solution is to take off the hinge pins, hammer them to make them more separated, and then replace them. This is not recommended since it can damage the hinge. It should only be done if the door does not close properly.
Another issue that could be a problem is a screw that does not tighten, which could be caused by a stripped screw hole or a sliding doorframe. If this is the case, insert a wood block or match that has been soaked in carpenter's glue into the screw hole and let it to set before reattaching the hinge. This will fill the hole and reinforce the area so that the screw will be able to hold the screw. Repeat as necessary for any screw holes that aren't tight enough. Close the door and check to see if it shuts correctly. If not, window repairs may be required to continue tackling the issue. It is best to begin with the most basic solutions first and then move on to more complex repairs if needed.
Change the Hinges
Shimming hinges can be used to assist in keeping 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 piece of cardboard or wood on the hinge that is jamb-side, and then putting two or three wooden shims that are placed between the hinges and the door frame. The shims will push the hinge leaf away from the frame to close the gap, eliminating the bind that caused the problem.
It's a difficult process, but with a little attention, you can complete it without causing damage to the hinge or door. Shimming is most effective when the screws that are in place are removed from each hinge first (Knowledge: How to Remove the Pin from a Door Hinge). This could require prying the door off its hinges in order to avoid unscrewing them.
Once the hinges are shifted then you'll need to shut and open the door a few times to make sure they're operating correctly. If the door continues to bind, you can add more shims until the gaps between the hinge and the door and the hinge and the door are shut.
Another way to correct the binding hinge is to make the mortise larger, which is done by scraping out the hole with a chisel and filling it up with wood putty. To match the rest of your frame make sure to sand the putty, then paint it before applying it to the hinge. It's not as precise as shimming but it's an easy fix for a hinge that is out of alignment. It's also less harmful than attempting to rehang the door.
Draw in the Jamb
If your door still binds after tightening the hinges and shimming the hinges, you could have a problem with the jamb out of line. This can be resolved by gently tapping on wooden shims on the latch's edge to the frame between the jambs and the wall. Be sure to take measurements of the shims using a carpenter's square before moving them around the frame until it is level on both sides of the frame.
After you have shimmed the door frame, you can tighten screws that hold the strikeplate on the latch side to stop it from rubbing against the latch. You can use the manual Phillips screwdriver or a drill, depending on the extent of the damage.
Sometimes, gouges, dents and nicks within the frame will cause it to become stuck against the door. If there are just small scratches on the frame you can fill in the area using wood filler that matches trim around the door. Sand it down and then paint or stain it. If the dents are larger, you may have to replace the damaged portion of the jamb.
If you've tried sanding and filling and your door continues to get stuck, 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 components and do it right, but sometimes you can save the door by working on tiny sections of the frame without completely removing it. Be cautious not to compromise the 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 is used to hold the door in its closed position by engaging the door bolt. Over time, the strike plate can become disaligned. If the latch does not fit into the strikeplate, it will not close, which can lead burglaries and door kick-ins. To remedy this, tighten the screws holding the strike plate. If this doesn't help, you can try shifting or adding wood filler to the hinges.
Before adjusting the strike plate apply a thin strip of lipstick or other marking substance to the latch. Close the door, then open it. If the lipstick marks indicate that the latch is either above or below the strike plate's hole, it could be an issue with hinges that are sagging, not the strike plate's position.
If the marks suggest that the latch is positioned too high or low in the strike plate hole then you can use a small piece of cardboard to fit the mortise of the hinge. Replace the hinge. This is often a solution to the problem, when it's caused due to the sunken or receding hinges. It will also make it easier to do repairs that look professional.
To alter the strikeplate's position, remove it from your door jamb. Then, use an appropriate file to mark the hole where the strikeplate is meant to be. A half-round file is the best since it matches the curve of the hole for the strike plate. Close the door, reinstall the strikeplate and check if it is now able to clear the strike plate hole correctly. If the latch does not clear the hole make use of the chisel in the jamb to alter its shape where the strike plate meets the jamb.