How to Fix Common Door Repair Problems
Many issues with doors can be easily fixed particularly if the work is performed by you. However, sometimes a project isn't feasible without help.
A door that is stuck can be caused by hinges not tight enough or too loose. If the problem persists you may have to plane or sand the latch side of your door.
Check the Door
As the weather turns cooler homeowners often take this time to tidy up the yard and check their doors. The annual inspection should look for damages and also identify any areas that aren't functioning as they should.
Examine for corrosion or rust on door hardware, such as hinges, as well as on the frame. Look for broken or damaged weather stripping. This helps keep drafts out of the house and stops air leaks that can make your home less energy efficient.
Also, take note of whether any doors are sticking, especially after a wind event. A door that is sticking is more difficult to open and close, which causes wear each time it's used and could lead to higher repair costs in the future. This type of problem can be caused by swollen wood which happens when humidity changes the amount of moisture in the door's wood. A simple test with the aid of a hygrometer will help determine the root of the problem.
If your door is swelling and you are unable to close it, you can use a screwdriver for tightening the hinge screws. If the problem persists you can try shimming the hinges or replacing them.
It is important to examine the door for cosmetic damages. While minor scratches and dents are to be expected, any damage that wasn't present before must be fixed.
While it's possible to fix doors that have a significant crack, all cracks in the wood should be filled and painted as soon as it is possible to prevent further problems. To ensure the integrity of the structure wood rot, it has to be replaced. It is recommended to speak with an expert in door systems if you spot structural issues that are significant. They will evaluate the damage and make any needed repairs.
Then tighten the Hinges
It's common for door hinge screws to loosen up as time passes however if you leave them for too long, they could damage the hinge and cause the holes in the screws to become stripped. You can tighten the screws manually or using a drill but be cautious not to bend the hinge and make sure you take out the pins as well.
The first step is to locate the sticking points and decide what to do next. If the door rubs near the top or drags onto 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 connects to the strike plate) and countersinking it. This will increase the gap, and in most cases, solve the problem.
This will also fix the problem. A more drastic solution is to remove the hinge pins, then hammer them until they are spread apart and then replace them. However it's not recommended as it can damage the hinge and should only be done when the door doesn't shut properly.
Another possibility is a screw that does not close, which could result from a sagging 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 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 to fill any remaining screw holes that aren't tight enough. Close the door and check to determine if it shuts correctly. If not, you may have to keep trying to solve the issue. Start with the easiest fixes and only perform more complicated repairs if needed.
Change the Hinges
Shimming hinges can be used to aid in hanging the door straight when the gap between the jamb and door frame is too large (a condition called toe-in). upvc window repairs can be accomplished by placing a small wedge of wood or cardboard under the hinge on the jamb side and adding one or more thin, wooden shims between the hinge and the door frame. The shims push the hinge leaf away from the door frame closing the gap and eliminating the bind that caused the problem.
This method can be tricky however if you're careful you can get the job done without causing damage to the hinge or the door. It is best to remove the screws from each hinge prior to shifting (Knowledge How to Remove the Pin from a Door Hinge). This could require prying the door off its hinges in order to keep them from slipping off.
After the hinges have been moved and the door is closed, you'll have to shut and open the door several times to ensure that they're working correctly. If the door doesn't stay in place, you can add shims to seal the gaps between the door and hinge.
Another method to correct a binding hinge is to make the mortise bigger. This can be accomplished by removing the hole using an axe and then filling it in with wood putty. To make it look like the rest of your frame take the putty, sand it and paint it prior to applying it to the hinge. It's not as precise as shifting but it's an easy fix for a hinge that isn't aligned. It's also less damaging than trying to fix the door.
Draw in the Jamb
If your door still sticks after tightening hinges and shimming it, the jamb may be out of line. This can be fixed by gently tapping wooden shims on the latch's side to the frame between the jambs and the wall. Make sure you take measurements of the shims using a carpenter's square and move them around the frame until it's plumb on both sides of the frame.
Once you've shimmed the door frame then you can tighten the screws that hold the strike plate on the latch side of the frame to prevent it from scraping against the latch. You can use either the manual Phillips screwdriver or a drill for this, depending on the extent of the damage.
Sometimes, dents, gouges and nicks in the frame cause it to stick to the door. If there are only a few minor scratches on the frame, you can fill in the holes by using a wood filler that is compatible with the trim around the door. Sand it down, then paint or stain it. For deeper dents and gouges, it may be necessary to replace the damaged part of the jamb.
If you've tried sanding or 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. If you're able to afford it, you should replace the parts and do it right. However, you may be able save the door if you work on small pieces of the frame without taking away the entire thing. Be sure not to damage the strength of the remainder of the frame, especially when you're dealing with older wood that has been subjected to moisture over time.
Adjust the Strike Plate
The strike plate grabs the bolt of the door and keeps the door in an open position. The movement and setting of doors over time can cause the strike plate to misalign with the latch. If the latch isn't able to fit into the strike plate, it won't remain closed, which could lead to burglaries and door kick-ins. To remedy this, tighten the screws holding the strike plate. If this doesn't work then you can try shredding or adding wood filler to the hinges.
Before adjusting the strike plate, apply a thin strip of lipstick or a similar marking substance to the latch. Close the door, and then open it. If the lipstick marks show that the latch is either above or below the strike plate hole, it may be a problem with hinges that are sagging, not the strike plate's position.
If the marks indicate that the latch is too high or low in the strike plate hole, then use a small piece of cardboard to insert into the hinge mortise, and then replace the hinge. This can often correct the problem if it is caused by sunken hinges and allows for a professional-looking repair.
To alter the strikeplate's position, remove it from the jamb on your door. Then use a file to make the hole where the strikeplate is supposed to go. A half-round filing is ideal since it matches the shape of the hole for the strike plate. Close the door, reinstall the strikeplate and verify that the latch now clears the strikeplate hole properly. If the latch does not clear the hole, use the chisel on the jamb to shape it where the strike plate meets the jamb.