How to Fix Common Door Repair Problems

Many door issues are easy to fix, particularly if you can do the work yourself. However, sometimes a project can't be completed without assistance.

A door that is stuck can be caused by hinges being too tight or loose. If the issue continues, you may need to sand or plane the latch side of the door.

Check the Door

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

Find corrosion and rust on door hardware like hinges, and on the frame. Also, look for damaged or damaged weather stripping. This helps keep drafts from the home and also prevents air leaks that could cause a home to become less energy efficient.

Check if any doors are stuck, particularly after a storm. A upvc door repair near me that is difficult to open or close will wear out more quickly and cost more to local window repair. This kind of issue could be caused by swollen wood which happens when humidity changes the moisture content of the wood of the door. A simple test with a hygrometer can help identify the root of the problem.

If your door is swelling, then you can use a screwdriver for tightening the hinge screws. If the problem continues, you can try shimming the hinges or replacing them.

It is important to examine the door for cosmetic damage. While minor scratches and dents are normal however any damage that was not present before must be repaired.

While it is sometimes possible to repair a door that has a significant crack, all cracks in the wood should be filled and painted as soon as possible to avoid further issues. Any wood rot needs to be repaired to ensure the strength of the structure. If you notice structural issues that are significant to doors, it's recommended to call an experienced door systems technician to evaluate and repair doors any damage that is required.

Then tighten the Hinges

Door hinge screws can become loose over time. If you don't watch them they may cause damage to the hinge or rip out the screws' holes. The screws can be tightened by hand or with the power drill. Be cautious not to bend the hinge and remove the pins.

First, find the sticking points and determine the best way to proceed. If the door rubs against the top or drags, you could countersink a long screw onto the latch side of the hinge (the side that is connected to the strike plate). This will widen the gap and usually solve the issue.

An alternative is to simply take out the hinge pins and then hammer them out so that they're more dispersed and will solve the issue. However it's not recommended as it can cause damage to the hinge and should only be done when the door doesn't shut properly.

Another issue that could be a problem is a screw that won't tighten, which could result from a sagging screw hole or a sliding doorframe. If this is the case, insert a wood block or match dipped in carpenter's glue into the screw hole and let it to set before attaching the hinge. This will fill the hole and strengthen it so that the screw can take hold. Repeat as necessary for any screw holes that aren't tight enough. Close the door and check to see if it closes properly. If not, you'll be required to continue tackling the issue. Start with the easiest solutions and then make more complex repairs if necessary.

Shim the Hinges

Shimming hinges can be used to help the door hang straight when the gap between the jamb and the door is too wide (a condition known as toe-in). This can be done 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 push the hinge leaf from the door frame and close the gap, removing the bind.

This method can be tricky however, if you're cautious you can get the job done without damaging the hinge or repair doors door. Shimming is most effective when the screws that are in place are removed from each hinge first. (Knowledge How to Remove the Pin from a Door Hinge). It is possible to remove the door of its hinges to prevent the screws from coming loose.

You'll have to open and close the door a few times after the hinges have been moved to ensure they are working properly. If the door is still stuck, you can add shims to seal the gap between the hinge and door.

You can also fix a binding door hinge by expanding the size of the mortise. This is accomplished by removing the hole with a chisel, and then filling it with wood putty. To be able to match 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 shimming but it's a simple solution for a hinge that's out of alignment. It's also less harmful than trying to fix the door.

Draw in the Jamb

If your door still sticks after closing hinges and shimming it the jamb could be out of line. You can fix this by gently tapping wooden shims between the jamb and wall on the latch side of the frame to get it back in line. Be sure to measure the shims with a carpenter's square before moving them around the frame until they are level on both sides of the frame.

Once you've shimmed the door frame and tightened the screws that secure the strike plate to the latch side of the frame to prevent it from scraping against the latch. You can use the manual Phillips screwdriver or a drill, depending on the extent of the damage.

Sometimes, nicks, dents and gouges within the frame could cause it to become a binder against the door. If there are just small scratches on the frame you can fill in the surface using wood filler that matches trim around the door. Sand it down, then paint or stain it. If the dents are more extensive, you may have 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 may be time to get rid of the entire door and start over. It's best in the event that you have the money to purchase new parts and do it correctly however, sometimes you'll be able to save the door by working on smaller portions of the frame, without completely removing it. Be cautious not to compromise the structural integrity of the frame especially if you're dealing with old wood that has been exposed to moisture over the years.

Adjust the Strike Plate

The strike plate keeps the door in the closed position by engaging the door bolt. The shifting and setting of doors repairs over time can cause the strike plate to misalign with the latch. If the latch cannot fit into the strike plate, it won't be able to remain closed, which could lead to burglaries and door kick-ins. A quick fix for this is to simply tighten the screws that support the strike plate. If that doesn't work, shifting the hinges or adding wood fill may aid.

Before making adjustments to the strike plate, apply a thin strip of lipstick or another marking substance to the latch. Close the door, then open it. If the lipstick marks indicate that the latch is either with the strike plate hole it could be an issue with hinges that are sagging, not the strike plate's position.

If the marks show that the latch is too high or low in the strike plate hole, use a small piece of cardboard to fit into the hinge mortise, and then replace the hinge. This can often correct the problem if it is caused by sunken hinges. This makes it easier to do an attractive repair.

To adjust the strikeplate, remove it from the jamb of your door. Then, use a file to make the hole where the strikeplate is supposed to be. A half-round file is the best choice since it conforms to the curve of the strike plate hole. Reinstall the strike plate and close the door to check if the latch is now clearing the strike plate hole correctly. If the latch is not clearing the hole using a chisel, shape the area of the jamb where it meets the strike plate.