How to Fix Common Door Repair Problems

Many door issues are easy to fix, particularly when you are able to do the work yourself. Sometimes a project just isn't feasible without help.

A stuck door can be caused by hinges being too tight or too loose. If the problem persists you might need to plane or sand the latch side of your door.

Check the Door

Many homeowners clean up their yards and check their doors when the weather gets cooler. The annual inspection should look for damages and also identify any areas that aren't functioning as they should.

Check for rust or corrosion on door hardware, including hinges, as well as on the frame. Examine for broken or damaged weather stripping. This helps keep drafts out of the house and prevents air leaks, which can cause a home to become less energy efficient.

Check if any doors repairs are stuck, particularly in the aftermath of a strong wind. A door that is more difficult to open or close will wear out faster and cost more to double glazed window repair. This problem can be caused when the wood of the door becomes swelling due to humidity. A simple test using the aid of a hygrometer will help determine the cause of this problem.

If your door is becoming swollen, you can tighten the hinge screws with a screwdriver. If the problem continues then you should try to shimm the hinges or replace them all.

It's also important to check the door for any cosmetic damage. While minor dents and scratches are expected over time, any serious damage that wasn't there prior to the repair should be addressed immediately.

It is possible to repair window a major door crack. However, door repair all wood cracks should be filled in and painted as soon as is possible to avoid recurring issues. Any wood rot needs to be repaired to ensure the integrity of the structure. It is best to contact a door systems technician if you notice significant structural issues. They will be able to examine the damage and make any needed window repairs.

Close the Hinges

Door hinge screws can loosen over time. If you don't watch them they may cause damage to the hinge or damage the screw holes. You can tighten the screws by hand or with a drill, but be careful not to bend the hinge and ensure that you remove the pins as well.

Locate the sticking points first and then decide what to do. If the door rubs against the top or is dragging on the floor it is possible to draw in the jamb by inserting a long screw into the latch side of the hinge (the side that is attached to the strike plate) and countersinking it. This will widen the gap and usually solve the problem.

This will also fix the issue. The most drastic solution is to take off the hinge pins, then hammer them to make them more separated, and then replace them. This is not recommended since it can damage the hinge. It should only be done when the door doesn't close properly.

A stripped screw hole, or a sagging doorframe could also cause a screw to not tighten. In this instance, place the wood plug (or match) dipped into carpenter's adhesive into the screw hole. Let it dry before reattaching the hinge. This will fill the hole and reinforce the area so that the screw will be able to hold the screw. Repeat as necessary for any remaining screw holes that aren't tight enough. Close the door, and verify whether it has shut properly. If the issue persists then you might need to keep attempting to solve the issue. It's best to start with the most basic fixes first, and then do more complicated repairs if necessary.

Shim the Hinges

If the gap between the door and jamb is too large (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 then adding one or more thin, wooden shims between the hinge and the frame of the door. The shims push the leaf of the hinge away from the door frame closing the gap and eliminating the bind that caused the problem.

This technique can be a bit tricky, but if you're careful 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 prior to shimming (Knowledge - How to remove the Pin from a Door Hinge). It is possible to pull the door off of its hinges in order to avoid unscrewing.

You'll need to open and close the door a few times after the hinges have been shifted to ensure they are working properly. If the door is still stuck it is possible to add shims to close the gaps between the hinge and door.

Another way to fix a binding hinge is by making the mortise bigger. This is done by removing the hole with a chisel and filling it in with wood putty. Make sure you polish and sand the putty before putting it on the hinge so that it matches the frame's rest. It's not as accurate as shimming, but it's a quick fix for an out-of-alignment hinge. It's less destructive than hanging the door from the ceiling.

Draw in the Jamb

If your door still binds after tightening the hinges and shimming, you may have an issue with the jamb not being of alignment. It is possible to fix this by gently tapping wooden shims between the jamb and the wall on the latch side of the frame to bring it back in line. Take measurements of the shims with a carpenter's square, then move them around the frame to make sure that they are in line.

After you've shimmied the door frame you can tighten screws that hold the strikeplate to the latch side to prevent it from scratching against the latch. You can use either the manual Phillips screwdriver or a drill to do this, based on the severity of the damage.

Sometimes, dents, gouges, and nicks in the frame will cause it to stick against the door. If there are only small dents on the frame, you can fill in the surface using wood filler that matches trim around the door. Sand it down and then paint or stain it. If the dents are larger, you may have to replace the damaged portion of the jamb.

If you've tried sanding and filling and your door continues to bind, it's probably time to take the door off and begin to work on the frame from scratch. It's best to do this if you can afford to purchase new components and do it correctly, but sometimes you can save the door by working on tiny portions of the frame, without completely taking it off. Be sure not to damage 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 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 the latch isn't able to fit into the strike plate, it won't be able to remain closed, which could cause burglaries or door kick-ins. To fix this issue, tighten the screws that hold the strike plate. If this doesn't work, changing the hinges' angle or adding wood fill can aid.

Before adjusting the strike plate, apply a strip of lipstick or other marking substance to the latch. Close the door and then open it. If the lipstick marks suggest that the latch is positioned above or below the the strike plate, the issue could be related to the hinges.

If the marks indicate the latch is sitting too high or low in the strike plate hole then use a small piece cardboard to fit into the mortise on the hinge. Replace the hinge. This will often fix the issue, particularly if it's caused by sunken or receding hinges. It will also make it easier to create a professional looking repair door.

To adjust the strike plate, take it from the jamb of the door and Door Repair then make use of a file to increase the hole in the jamb that the strike plate goes. A half-round file is ideal because it matches the curvature of the strike plate hole. Reinstall the strike plate close the door and examine if the latch now clearing the strike plate hole in a proper manner. If the latch isn't able to clear the hole then use the chisel on the jamb to shape it where the strike plate meets the jamb.