How to Fix Common Door Repair Problems
Many door problems are easily fixed in the event that the work is performed by you. However, sometimes a project isn't doable without help.
Most of the time, the reason for sticking doors is that the hinges need to be re-tightened or moved. If the problem persists then you might need to sand or plane the latch side of the door.
Check the door for damage.
As the temperature drops homeowners take this time to tidy up the yard and inspect their doors. The annual inspection should be a lookout for any damage and also reveal any areas that aren't functioning as they should.
Check for rust or corrosion on door hardware, such as hinges, and on the frame. Look for broken or damaged weather stripping. This will keep drafts from entering your home and stop air leaks which could reduce the efficiency of a home's energy usage.
Check if any doors are stuck, particularly after a strong wind. A door that is more difficult to open or close will wear faster and cost more to repair. This issue can arise when the wood used to construct the door gets swollen due to 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 also important that you check the door for any damage that appears to be cosmetic. While minor dents and scratches are normal however any damage that was not there before should also be repaired.
While it's 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 further issues. Wood rot must be replaced to ensure the strength of the structure. It is recommended to speak with an expert in door systems when you spot structural issues that are significant. They will be able to evaluate the damage and make any necessary repairs.
Tighten the Hinges
Door hinge screws can loosen over time. If you leave them unattended, they may damage the hinge or rip out the screw holes. These screws can be tightened by hand or using the aid of a power drill. Be careful not to bend the hinge of your door and then remove the pins.
Locate the points of friction first, and then decide what to do. If the door rubs against the top or drags, you can countersink a long screw into the hinge's latch side (the side attached to the strike plate). This will make the gap a slightly larger and can often resolve the problem.
This will also fix the problem. A more drastic solution is to take off the hinge pins, then hammer them until they are dispersed, and then replace them. However, this isn't recommended since it could damage the hinge, and should only be done if the door doesn't shut properly.
Another issue that could be a problem is a screw that does not tighten, which can be caused by a stripped screw hole or a sagging doorframe. If this is the case, simply insert a wood plug or match coated with carpenter's glue into the screw hole and let it to set before reattaching the hinge. This will fill in the hole and strengthen the area so that the screw will be able to be held in place. Repeat the procedure as needed for any screw holes that won't tighten. Then close the door and test to see if it now shuts properly. If the problem persists it may be necessary to keep attempting to solve the issue. Begin with the simplest fixes, and then proceed to more complicated repairs if needed.
Shim the Hinges
Shimming hinges can be utilized to assist in keeping the door straight when the gap between the jamb and the door is too large (a condition known as toe-in). This can be done by placing a small amount of cardboard or wood on the jamb-side hinge, and then adding one or two thin wooden shims that are placed between the hinges and the frame of the door. The shims will pull the hinge leaf away from the frame, closing the gap and getting rid of the bind that created the problem.
It's a difficult process, but with a little caution, you can accomplish it without damaging the hinge or door. Shimming is most effective if the existing screws are removed from each hinge first (Knowledge How to Remove the Pin from the Door Hinge). This could mean removing the door off its hinges to avoid unscrewing them.
Once the hinges have been shifted, you'll need to shut and open the door a few times to make sure that they're operating correctly. If the door continues to bind you can increase the shims until the gaps between the hinge and the door and between the hinge and the door are window repairs closed.
Another method to correct the binding hinge is to make the mortise bigger. This can be done by scraping out the hole using the chisel, then filling it up with wood putty. Be sure to paint and sand the putty prior to placing it on the hinge to match the frame's rest. It's not as accurate as shifting, but it's a quick fix for an out-of-alignment hinge. It's also less harmful than trying to fix the door.
Draw in the Jamb
If your door remains stuck after the hinges have been pushed tight and shimming them the jamb might be out of line. This can be resolved by gently tapping wooden shims that are located on the latch's side to the frame between the jambs and the wall. Measure the shims using a carpenter's square, then move them around the frame to ensure it is plumb.
Once you've shimmed the door frame, you can tighten the screws that hold the strike plate on the frame's latch side to prevent it from scraping against the latch. You can make use of a manual Phillips screwdriver, or a drill, based on the severity of damage.
Sometimes, nicks, dents and gouges within the frame could cause it to become a binder against the door. If it's just a few minor 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 more extensive, you may have to replace the damaged section of the jamb.
If you've tried sanding and filling but your door is still to lock, it's time to take the door off and start working on the frame from scratch. If you're able to afford it, it's recommended to replace the parts and do it properly. However, you may be able save the door if you work on a small portion of the frame without having to remove the whole frame. Be cautious not to compromise the integrity of the frame, especially if you're working 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 locking the bolt of the door. In time the strike plate may be misaligned. If the latch can't seat into the strike plate it won't be able to remain closed, which can lead to burglaries and door kick-ins. An easy fix is to tighten the screws that hold the strike plate. If this doesn't work, you can try shifting or adding wood fill to the hinges.
Before making adjustments to the strike plate, apply a strip of lipstick or other marking substance to the latch. Close the door and open it. If the lipstick marks indicate that the latch is positioned above or below the hole of the strike plate, the issue may be with the hinges.
If the marks show that the latch is sitting too high or low in the strike plate hole, take a small piece of cardboard to fit the mortise of the hinge. Replace the hinge. This will often fix the problem, in the event that it's caused by sunken or recessed hinges. It also makes it easier to do an attractive repair.
To adjust the strikeplate, remove it from your door jamb. Then use a file to make the hole where the strikeplate is meant to go. A half-round filing is ideal since it matches the shape of the hole to accommodate the strike plate. Close the door, then reinstall the strikeplate, and then check that the latch is now clearing the strikeplate hole properly. If the latch does not clear the hole make use of the chisel in the jamb to alter its shape where the strike plate is positioned to meet the jamb.