How to Fix Common Door Repair Problems

Many door issues can be fixed easily particularly if the work is done by you. Sometimes, a task isn't possible without help.

Often, the cause of a sticking door is simply that the hinges have to be re-tightened or moved. If the issue continues then you might need to sand or plane the latch side of the door.

Check the door for damage.

As the temperature drops, many homeowners use this time to tidy up the yard and inspect their doors. This once-a year inspection should be a lookout for any damages and also identify any areas that aren't functioning as they should.

Look for rust and corrosion on door hardware, such as hinges, and on the frame. Check for damaged or broken weather stripping. This will keep drafts from the home and also prevents air leaks that can make your home less efficient in energy use.

Also, take note of whether any doors are sticking, particularly after a wind event. A door that is more difficult to open or close will wear faster and will cost more to fix. This issue can occur when the wood used to construct the door gets more swollen as a result of humidity. A simple test using an hygrometer can help pinpoint the root of the problem.

If your door is swelling, then you can make use of a screwdriver to tighten the hinge screws. If the problem continues then you should try to shimm the hinges or even replace them completely.

It's important to check the door for cosmetic damage. While minor dents and scratches are to be expected but any damage that was not there before should be repaired.

While it's possible to repair the door that has a large crack, any cracks in the wood should be filled and painted as soon as possible to avoid further issues. Wood rot must be replaced as well to ensure the strength of the structure. It is recommended to speak with an expert in door systems when you find significant structural issues. They will examine the damage and Sash Window Repairs make the necessary repairs.

Close the Hinges

Door hinge screws can loosen over time. If you do not watch them they could damage the hinge or rip out 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.

Find the points of friction first, and then decide what you'll do. If the door rubs at the top or drags, you can countersink a long screw into the latch side of hinge (the side that is connected to the strike plate). This will increase the gap and usually solve the problem.

An alternative is to remove the hinge pins, then hammer them out until they're more dispersed, which will also solve the problem. However it's not recommended as it could damage the hinge, and should only be done when the door doesn't shut properly.

Another possibility is a screw that won't tighten, which could be caused by a damaged screw hole or sagging doorframe. If this is the case, insert a wood block or match that has been soaked in carpenter's glue into the screw hole and let it to set before attaching the hinge. This will fill the hole and reinforce the area so that the screw can be held in place. Repeat as needed for upvc repairing double glazing windows repairs (blackassemble.org) any screw holes that don't tighten. Close the door and check to determine if it shuts correctly. If not, you'll need to continue troubleshooting the issue. It is best to begin with the simplest fixes first, and then do more complicated sash window repair man repairs (Get More) if necessary.

Shift the Hinges

When the gap between the jamb and the door is too large (a condition referred to as a toe-in), shimming the hinges can aid in ensuring that the door is straight. 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 that are placed between the hinges and the frame of the door. The shims pull the hinge leaf away from the door frame and close the gap, eliminating the bind.

It's a tricky method however, with a bit of caution, you can accomplish it without causing harm to the door or hinge. Shimming is most effective when the screws already in place are removed from each hinge first. (Knowledge How to Remove the Pin From the Door Hinge). It may be necessary 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 are moved to make sure they are working properly. If the door still binds, you can add more shims until the gaps between the hinge and the door and between the hinge and the door are shut.

Another way to fix a binding hinge is by making the mortise bigger. This can be done by scraping the hole with an axe and then filling it with wood putty. To match the frame's other components make sure to sand the putty, then paint it prior to affixing it to the hinge. It's not as precise as shimming, but it's a quick fix for a hinge that is out of alignment. It's also less harmful than trying to rehang the door.

Draw in the Jamb

If your door is still bound after tightening the hinges and shimming, you may have an issue with the jamb being out of line. This can be corrected by tapping gently on wooden shims on the latch's edge to the frame between the jambs and the wall. Measure the shims using the carpenter's square and then move them around the frame to ensure that it is level.

After you've shimmied the door frame, you can tighten the screws that hold the strikeplate to the latch side to stop it from hitting the latch. You can use either the manual Phillips screwdriver or a drill to accomplish this, based on the extent of the damage.

Sometimes, dents, gouges and nicks in the frame cause it to stick to the door. If it's only a few minor dents then you can smooth the surface with wood filler that matches the color of the trim around the door and then sand it before painting or staining. If you have more serious dents or gouges, you might need to replace the damaged part of the jamb.

If you've tried sanding and filling your door and it continues to get stuck, it's time to get rid of the door and begin to work on the frame from scratch. It's best to do this in the event that you have the money to purchase new parts and do it right but there are times when you'll be able to save the door by working on tiny parts of the frame without completely removing it. Just be careful not to undermine the strength of the rest of the frame, especially when you're dealing with older wood that's been exposed to humidity over time.

Adjust the Strike Plate

The strike plate holds the door in the closed position by locking the bolt of the door. The shifting and setting of a door over time can 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 result in burglaries and repairing door kick-ins. To fix this issue, tighten the screws holding the strike plate. If this doesn't work you, try shredding or adding wood fill to the hinges.

Apply a strip of lipstick or any other marking substance on the latch before adjusting the strike plate. Close the door, and then open it. If the lipstick marks suggest that the latch is positioned above or below the hole of the strike plate, the problem may be with the hinges.

If the marks indicate the latch is too low or high in the strike plate's hole, use a small piece cardboard to fit into the hinge mortise. Replace the hinge. This can often correct the issue if it's caused by sunken hinges. This allows for an attractive repair.

To adjust the strike plate, take it from the door jamb and then make use of a file to increase the hole in the jamb where the strike plate will go. Half-round files are ideal because it matches the shape of the strike plate's hole. Reinstall the strike plate and close the door to see if the latch is now clearing the strike plate hole in a proper manner. If the latch is still not clearing the hole then use a chisel reshape the area of the jamb that faces the strike plate.