How to Fix Common Door Repair Problems
Many door problems are easily fixed particularly if the work is completed by you. Sometimes a project just cannot be accomplished without assistance.
A door that is stuck can be caused by the hinges not tight enough or too loose. If the issue persists, you may need to sand or plane the latch side of the door.
Check the Door
Many homeowners clean their yards and check their doors as the weather gets cooler. This once-a year inspection should check for damages and also identify any areas which aren't working as they should.
Check for corrosion or rust on door hardware, like hinges, as well as on the frame. Check for damaged or broken weather stripping. This will keep drafts out of your home and stops air leaks that could make a home less efficient in energy use.
Be aware of any doors that are stuck, particularly after a strong wind. A stickier door is harder to open and close, which adds wear each time you use it and can lead to higher repair costs down the road. This kind of issue could be caused by swollen wood which happens when humidity alters the moisture content of the wood of the door. A simple test with the aid of a hygrometer will help determine the cause of this problem.
If your door is swollen you can tighten the hinge screws using the help of a screwdriver. If the problem continues, you can try shimming the hinges or replacing them.
It's also important that you check the door for any cosmetic damage. While minor dents and scratches are to be expected, any damage that wasn't there before should be fixed.
It is possible to repair a significant door crack. However cracks in wood should be filled in and painted as quickly as possible to avoid any further problems. Any wood rot needs to be replaced to ensure the integrity of the structure. It is best to contact an expert in door systems when you notice significant structural issues. They can evaluate the damage and make the necessary repairs.
Then tighten the Hinges
It's common for screws on door hinges to loosen over time, but if you leave them for too long, they could damage the hinge and cause the screw holes to become stripped. These screws can be tightened by hand or with the power drill. Be cautious not to bend the door hinge and take out the pins.
The first step is to locate the sticking points and decide how to proceed. If the door rubs against the top or drags, you could countersink a long screw into the latch side of the hinge (the side that is attached to the strike plate). This will widen the gap and will usually resolve the issue.
This will also fix the issue. The most drastic solution is to take off the hinge pins, then hammer them to make them more dispersed, and then replace them. However, this isn't recommended since it can cause damage to the hinge, and should only be done if the door isn't shut correctly.
A stripped screw hole, or a sagging doorframe could cause the screw to loosen. In this situation, insert the wood plug (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 make it stronger so that the screw can grab hold. Repeat as necessary for any screw holes that aren't tight enough. Close the door and check to see if it shuts correctly. If the issue continues then you might need to continue troubleshooting. Begin with the simplest solutions and then make more complicated repairs if needed.
Shim the Hinges
Shimming hinges are a great option to help the door hang straight when the gap between the jamb and door frame is too wide (a condition known as toe-in). You can do this by placing a small piece cardboard or wood on the hinge that is jamb-side, and then putting 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, removing the bind.
This procedure can be difficult however, if you're cautious you can complete the task without damaging the hinge or the door. It is recommended to remove the screws from each hinge before shifting (Knowledge How to remove the pin from the Door Hinge). It may be necessary to remove the door of its hinges in order to stop the screws from slipping out.
Once the hinges are shifted, you'll need to close and open the door several times to ensure that they're functioning correctly. If the door still binds you can increase the shims until the gaps between the hinge and the door and between the hinge and the door are shut.
You 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 to sand and paint the putty before you use it on the hinge so that it matches the rest of the frame. It's not as precise as shmming, but it's a quick fix for a hinge that isn't aligned. It's less destructive than rehanging the door.
Draw in the Jamb
If your door still binds after closing the hinges and shimming the hinges, you could have a problem with the jamb out of plumb. This can be fixed by gently tapping wooden shims on the latch side to the frame between the jambs and the wall. Be sure to take measurements with a carpenter's square before moving them around the frame until they are level on both sides of the frame.
After you have shimmied the door frame, you are able to tighten screws that hold the strikeplate to the latch side to prevent it from hitting the latch. You can use a manual Phillips screwdriver or a drill, based on the severity of damage.
Sometimes, gouges, dents and nicks in the frame will cause it to stick against the door. If repairing upvc windows 's just small dents and nicks, you can smooth out the surface with wood filler that matches the color of the trim around the door, and then sand it down prior to staining or painting. If the dents are deeper it may be necessary to replace the damaged section of the jamb.
If your door continues to bind after you've tried filling, sanding and refining the frame, it might be time to remove the entire door and start over. It's best in the event that you have the money to buy new parts and do it right but there are times when you'll be able to save the door by working on small parts of the frame without completely taking it off. Be cautious not to compromise the strength of the frame, particularly if you are dealing with old wood that has been exposed to moisture over the years.
Adjust the Strike Plate
The strike plate is used to hold the door in its closed position by catching the door bolt. The movement and setting of doors over time could cause the strike plate to become misaligned with the latch. If the latch can't seat into the strike plate, it will not remain closed, which can cause burglaries or door kick-ins. To fix this, tighten the screws that are holding the strike plate. If this doesn't help, you can try shredding or adding wood fill to the hinges.
Apply a thin strip of lipstick or other marking substance to the latch before adjusting the strike plate. Close the door, and then open it. If the lipstick marks show that the latch is touching above or below the strike plate hole it may be a problem with sagging hinges, rather than the strike plate's position.
If the marks indicate the latch is too low or high in the strike plate hole, you can use a small piece of cardboard to fit the hinge mortise. Replace the hinge. This can often resolve the problem, if it's caused by sunken or receding hinges. It will also make it easier to do an attractive repair.
To adjust the strike plate, remove it from the jamb on the door and then employ a file to widen the hole in the jamb where the strike plate goes. A half-round filing is ideal since it matches the shape of the hole for the strike plate. Close the door, install the strikeplate, and then check that the latch is now clearing the strike plate hole correctly. If the latch is still not clearing the hole using a chisel, reshape the area of the jamb where it is in contact with the strike plate.