How to Fix Common Door Repair Problems
Many issues with doors can be fixed easily, especially if the work is completed by you. However, there are times when a task isn't feasible without help.
A stuck door can be caused by hinges not tight enough or too loose. If the problem persists it is possible to plane or sand down the latch side of the door.
Check the Door
Many homeowners clean up their yards and check their doors when the weather gets cooler. This once-a-year inspection should not only check for signs of damage but also reveal any areas that aren't working as they should.
Check for corrosion or rust on door hardware, like hinges, as well as on the frame. Also, look for damaged or damaged weather stripping. This will keep drafts from the home and stops air leaks that could make a home less efficient in energy use.
Check if any doors are stuck, particularly after a storm. A door that is more difficult to open or close will wear faster and cost more to repair. This problem can be caused when the wood of the door is swollen due to humidity. A simple test using an hygrometer can help pinpoint the cause of this problem.
If your door is swelling or swollen, you can make use of a screwdriver to tighten the hinge screws. If the issue persists, then you can try to shimm the hinges or even replace them completely.
It is important to examine the door for cosmetic damage. While minor scratches and dents are to be expected however any damage that wasn't there before should also be fixed.
While it's possible to fix a door that has 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 replaced to ensure the strength of the structure. It is recommended to speak with a door systems technician if you notice significant structural issues. They will be able to assess the damage and make the necessary repairs.
Then tighten the Hinges
It is common for door hinge screws to work themselves loose over time However, if you let them for too long, they could cause damage to the hinge and the screw holes to become stripped. You can tighten these screws by hand or using a drill however, be cautious not to bend the hinge, and be sure to take out the pins as well.
Find the sticking points first, and then decide what to do. If the door rubs against 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 increase the gap and will usually resolve the problem.
A more drastic approach is to simply remove the hinge pins and hammer them out to make them more evenly spaced which will also resolve the problem. However it's not recommended as it can cause damage to the hinge, and should only be done if the door isn't shut correctly.
A hole that is stripped of screws or a sagging doorframe, can also cause the screw to loosen. 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 the procedure as needed for any screw holes that don't tighten. Close the door and test to see if now it closes properly. If the issue continues then you might need to continue troubleshooting. Start with the most basic fixes, and then proceed to more complex repairs if necessary.
Change the Hinges
When the gap between the jamb and the door is too wide (a condition known as toe-in) shifting the hinges can help the door hang straight. This can be done by placing a small bit of cardboard or wood beneath the hinge on the jamb side, and then adding one or more thin wooden shims between the hinge and the frame of the door. The shims will push the hinge leaf from the door frame and close the gap, removing the bind.
It's not an easy process, but with a little attention, you can complete it without causing harm to the door or hinge. 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 mean removing the door off its hinges to prevent them from coming loose.
Once the hinges are shifted and the door is closed, you'll have to close and open the door several 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 between the hinge and the door are closed.
You can also correct the binding hinge of a door by expanding the size of the mortise. This is done by removing the hole using a chisel and then filling it with wood putty. To make it look like the frame's rest, sand the putty and paint it prior to applying it to the hinge. This is not as accurate as shimming, but it's a simple fix for a hinge that's out of alignment. It's also less harmful than attempting to rehang the door.
Draw in the Jamb
If your door still sticks after tightening hinges and shimming it the jamb might be out of alignment. This can be fixed by gently tapping on wooden shims at the latch's side to the frame between the jambs and the wall. Measure the shims using a carpenter’s square, and then move them around the frame to make sure that they are in line.
After you've shimmied the door frame, you are able to tighten the screws that secure the strikeplate to the latch side to stop it from scratching against the latch. You can make use of a manual Phillips screwdriver, or a drill, depending on the extent of the damage.
Sometimes, gouges, dents and nicks in the frame will cause it to stick to the door. If it's just small dents then you can smooth the surface using wood filler that matches the color of the trim around the door, and then sand it prior to staining or painting. If the dents are deeper they may require you to replace the damaged part of the jamb.
If your door continues to bind after filling, sanding and re-sanding the frame, it might be time to take down the entire door and begin again. It's best to do this when you're able to purchase new components and do it properly but there are times when you can save the door by working on tiny portions of the frame, without completely taking it off. Just be careful not to undermine the integrity of the entire frame, especially if you're dealing with older wood that's been exposed to humidity over the course of time.
Adjust the Strike Plate
The strike plate is able to catch the door bolt and holds the door in the closed position. The shifting and setting of a door over time can cause the strike plate to become misaligned with the latch. If window repair near me cannot 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 it doesn't work, then shifting the hinges or adding wood fill can help.
Before adjusting the strike plate apply a thin strip of lipstick or another marking substance to the latch. Close the door and open it. If the lipstick marks reveal that the latch is contacting between the strike plate's hole, it could be an issue with sagging hinges rather than the strike plate's position.
If the marks suggest that the latch is resting too high or low in the strike plate hole, then use small pieces of cardboard to insert into the hinge mortise and then replace the hinge. This can often resolve the issue, particularly if it's caused by sunken or hinges that are recessed or sunken. It will also make it easier to create an attractive repair.
To adjust the strikeplate, take it from the jamb on your door. Then, use a file on the hole in which the strikeplate is intended to be. A half-round file is the best choice because it matches the shape of the strike plate hole. Close the door, reinstall the strikeplate, and then check that it is now able to clear the strike plate hole in a proper manner. 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.