How to Fix Common Door Repair Problems
Many door issues are easy to fix, especially when you are able to do the work yourself. But, sometimes a job can't be completed without assistance.
A door that is stuck can be due to the hinges being too tight or loose. If the issue persists then you might need to plane or sand down the latch side of the door.
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As the temperature drops homeowners take this time to clean up the yard and inspect their doors. This once-a-year inspection should not only check for signs of damage but also reveal any areas that aren't functioning as they should.
Check for corrosion and rust on door hardware, such as hinges, and on the frame. Similarly, check for broken or damaged weather stripping. This will keep drafts from entering your home and also stop air leaks that can reduce the efficiency of a home's energy usage.
Note whether any doors are stuck, especially after a strong wind. A door that is more difficult to open or close will wear faster and cost more to repair. This kind of issue could be caused by swollen wood that occurs when humidity alters the moisture content in the door's wood. A hygrometer test is used to identify 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 persists then you should try to shimm the hinges or replace them all.
It's also important to examine the door for any damage that appears to be cosmetic. While minor dents and scratches are expected over time, any serious damage that wasn't there before should be repaired immediately.
It is possible to repair a major door crack. However, all wood cracks should be filled in and painted as fast as possible to avoid any further issues. Any wood rot should be repaired to ensure the strength of the structure. It is recommended to contact an expert in door systems if you notice significant structural issues. They can assess the damage and make any necessary repairs.
Tighten the Hinges
Door hinge screws can become loose over time. If you do not watch them they could damage the hinge or rip out the screw holes. The screws can be tightened manually or using a power drill. Be cautious not to bend the hinge of your door and remove the pins.
Find the sticking points first and then decide what you'll do. If the door rubs against the top or drags, you can countersink a long screw onto the latch side of the hinge (the side that is attached to the strike plate). This will increase the gap and will usually resolve the problem.
This can also resolve the problem. Another option is to remove the hinge pins, then hammer them so they are more dispersed, and then replace them. This is not recommended since it can damage the hinge. It should only be done if the door isn't closing properly.
A stripped screw hole or a door frame that is sagging could cause the screw to not tighten. In this case, insert the wood plug (or match) dipped into carpenter's adhesive into 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 take hold. Repeat the procedure as needed for any remaining screw holes that won't tighten. Close the door and check to see whether it is now shut correctly. If the issue persists it may be necessary to continue troubleshooting. It is best to begin with the most basic solutions first and then move on to more complicated repairs if necessary.
Shim the Hinges
Shimming hinges can be utilized to assist in keeping the door straight when the gap between the jamb and door frame is too large (a condition known as toe-in). This can be accomplished 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 pull the hinge leaf away from the frame, closing the gap and eliminate the bind that caused the problem.
This procedure can be difficult 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 before shifting (Knowledge - How to Remove the Pin from the Door Hinge). This could require prying the door off its hinges in order to keep them from slipping off.
Once the hinges are shifted and the door is closed, you'll have to shut and open the door several times to make sure that they're working properly. If the door doesn't stay in place it is possible to add shims to close the gaps between the door and hinge.
Another way to correct the binding hinge is to make the mortise bigger. This can be done by scraping the hole using the chisel, then filling it up with wood putty. To be able to match the frame's rest take the putty, sand it and paint it prior to applying it to the hinge. This is not as accurate as shimming but it's an easy fix for a hinge that is out of alignment. It's not as destructive as hanging the door from the ceiling.
Draw in the Jamb
If your door still sticks after the hinges have been pushed tight and shimming them, the jamb may be out of line. This can be resolved by gently tapping on wooden shims on the latch's edge to the frame between the jambs and the wall. Be sure to measure the shims with the help of a carpenter's ruler and move them around the frame until they are plumb on both sides of the frame.
Once you've shimmed the door frame, you can tighten the screws that secure the strike plate to the frame's latch side to prevent it from scraping against the latch. You can use either the manual Phillips screwdriver or a drill for this, based on the severity of the damage.
Sometimes, gouges, dents and nicks within the frame will cause it to become stuck against the door. If it's just tiny scratches and nicks, you can smooth out the surface using wood filler that matches the color of the trim around the door and then sand it down prior to staining or painting. If you have more serious dents or gouges, you may need to replace the damaged section of the jamb.
If you've tried sanding, gluing, and 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 can afford it, you should replace the parts and do it right. However, you may be able save the door by working on small sections of frame without taking away the entire thing. Be cautious not to compromise the strength of the frame, especially if you're working with older wood which 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 engaging the door bolt. The movement and setting of doors over time could cause the strike plate to misalign with the latch. If the latch cannot seat into the strikeplate, it won't close, which can lead burglaries or door kick-ins. An easy fix is to simply tighten the screws holding the strike plate. If this doesn't work then you can try shimming or adding wood filler to the hinges.
Before adjusting the strike plate apply a thin strip of lipstick or other marking substance to the latch. Close the door and then open it. If the lipstick marks indicate that the latch is either between the strike plate hole, it could be an issue with hinges that are sagging, not the strike plate's location.
If the marks show that the latch is positioned too high or low in the strike plate hole then take a small piece of cardboard to fit into the hinge mortise. Replace the hinge. This can often correct the issue caused by sunken hinges. It also makes it easier to do an attractive repair.
To adjust the strike plate, take it from the door jamb and then employ a file to widen the hole in the jamb that the strike plate goes. A half-round filing is ideal, as it matches the shape of the hole for the strike plate. Close the door, install the strikeplate and check if the latch is now clearing the strike plate hole correctly. If the latch still cannot clear the hole then use the chisel on the jamb to alter its shape where the strike plate is positioned to meet the jamb.