How to Fix Common Door Repair Problems
Many door issues are simple to fix, especially if you can do the work yourself. Sometimes, a task isn't possible without help.
The most common cause of sticking doors is that the hinges have to be re-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
Many homeowners clean their yards and inspect their doors when the weather gets cooler. This annual inspection should not just be a lookout for signs of damage but also uncover areas that aren't working as they should.
Look for rust and corrosion on door hardware such as hinges, and on the frame. Examine for broken or damaged weather stripping. This will keep drafts from the home and prevents air leaks that could make a home less energy efficient.
Check if any doors are stuck, especially after a strong wind. A door that is difficult to open or close will wear faster and cost more to repair. This issue can occur when the wood used to construct the door is swelling due to humidity. A simple test using the aid of a hygrometer will help determine the root of the problem.
If your door is swelling, you can tighten the hinge screws with the help of a screwdriver. If the problem persists, then you can try shimming the hinges or replace them all.
It's also important to examine the door for any damage that appears to be cosmetic. While minor dents and scratches are to be expected however any damage that was not present before must be fixed.
While it is sometimes possible to fix a door that has a significant crack, all cracks in the wood should be filled and painted as soon as possible to avoid any further issues. Any wood rot should be repaired to ensure the integrity of the structure. It is recommended to speak with an expert in door systems when you notice significant structural issues. They can assess the damage and make any necessary repairs.
Tighten the Hinges
It is common for door hinge screws to work themselves loose over time however if you leave them in place for too long, it could damage the hinge and cause the holes in the screws to become stripped. These screws can be tightened manually or with a power drill. Be cautious not to bend the door hinge and remove the pins.
First, find the points of friction and decide the best way to proceed. If the door rubs on the top or drags, you can countersink a long screw onto the hinge's latch side (the side attached to the strike plate). This will widen the gap and usually solve the issue.
The most drastic option is to simply take out the hinge pins, then hammer them out so that they're more evenly spaced, which will also solve the issue. However it's not recommended as it can damage the hinge and should only be done if the door isn't shut properly.
Another issue that could be a problem is a screw that won't close, which could be caused by a stripped screw hole or a sliding doorframe. If this is the case, insert a wood plug or match coated with carpenter's glue into the screw hole and let it to set before attaching the hinge. This will fill in the hole and strengthen the area so that the screw can be held in place. Repeat this procedure for any remaining holes that do not tighten. Close the door and check to determine if it closes properly. If not, you may be required to continue tackling the problem. Begin with the simplest fixes and only perform more complex repairs if necessary.
Change the Hinges
When the gap between the jamb and door is too wide (a condition referred to as toe-in) Shimming the hinges can aid in ensuring that the door is straight. 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 push the hinge leaf away from the frame closing the gap and eliminating the bind that caused the issue.
This procedure can be difficult however, if you're cautious 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 shimming (Knowledge How to Remove the Pin from a Door Hinge). It is possible to remove the door of its hinges in order to prevent the screws from coming loose.
You'll have to open and close the door a number of times after the hinges are moved to ensure that they are working properly. If the door continues to bind it, you can put on more shims until the gaps between the hinge and the door as well as the hinge and the door are sealed.
You can also correct the binding hinge of a door by expanding the size of the mortise. This is done by scraping the hole out with a chisel, and then filling it with wood putty. Be sure to paint and sand the putty prior to placing it on the hinge so that it matches the rest of the frame. This isn't as precise as shimming, but it's a simple fix for hinges that are out of alignment. It's less destructive than hanging the door again.
Draw in the Jamb
If your door remains stuck after closing hinges and shimming it, the jamb may be out of alignment. This can be fixed by gently tapping wooden shims between the jamb and wall at the latch side the frame in order to bring it back in line. Take measurements of the shims with the carpenter's square and then move them around the frame to make sure it is plumb.
Once you've shimmed the door frame and tightened the screws that secure the strike plate on the frame's latch side to prevent it from scraping against the latch. You can either employ a manual Phillips screwdriver or a drill, depending on the severity of the damage.
Sometimes, dents, gouges, and nicks in the frame can cause it to become stuck against the door. If there are just small scratches on the frame, you can fill in the area by using a wood filler that is compatible with the trim around the door. Sand it down and then paint or stain it. If the dents are deeper they may require you to replace the damaged part of the jamb.
If your door is still stuck after filling, sanding and refining the frame, it could be time to take down the entire door and start from scratch. It's best to do this in the event that you have the money to buy new components and do it right but there are times when you can save the door by working on small parts of the frame without completely taking it off. Be cautious not to compromise the integrity of the frame, especially if you're working with wood that has been exposed to moisture over time.
Adjust the Strike Plate
The strike plate grabs the bolt that holds the door in a closed position. The movement and setting of doors over time can cause the strike plate to be misaligned with the latch. If the latch does not fit into the strikeplate, it won't close, which can result in burglaries and door kick ins. To remedy this, tighten the screws that are holding the strike plate. If this doesn't help you, try shredding or adding wood fill to the hinges.
Apply a thin strip of lipstick or other marking substance to the latch prior to adjusting strike plate. Close the door, and then open it. If the lipstick marks indicate that the latch is located above or below the the strike plate, the problem could be related to 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 into the hinge mortise. Replace the hinge. This will often fix the problem, in the event that it's caused by the sunken or hinges that are recessed or sunken. It also makes it easier to do an attractive repair.
To alter sash windows repair , remove it from the jamb of your door. Then, use a file to make the hole where the strikeplate is meant to go. A half-round file is the best choice since it conforms to the curvature of the strike plate's hole. Close the door, install the strikeplate and verify that it is now able to clear the strike plate hole correctly. If the latch is still not clearing the hole, use a chisel to alter the shape of the jamb where it is in contact with the strike plate.