How to Fix Common Door Repair Problems

Many door problems can be fixed easily, especially if the work is completed by you. Sometimes a project just isn't feasible without help.

The most common cause of stuck doors is that the hinges need to be tightened or shifted. If the issue continues then you might need to plane or sand down the latch side of the door.

Check the Door

As the weather turns cooler homeowners take this time to clean the yard and inspect their doors. This annual inspection should not only check for signs of damage, but also reveal any areas that aren't working as they should.

Check for corrosion and rust on door hardware, such as hinges, as well as on the frame. Also, look for broken or damaged weather stripping. This helps keep drafts from the home and also prevents air leaks, which can cause a home to become less energy efficient.

Also, take note of whether any repairing upvc doors are sticking, particularly after a storm. A stickier door is harder to open and close, which increases wear every time it's used and could lead to more expensive Repairs to double glazed windows repairs glazed windows - http://lookingfor.kr/bbs/board.php?bo_table=free&wr_id=28614, later on. This problem can be caused when the wood of the door becomes swollen due to humidity. A hygrometer test can be used to determine the cause of this problem.

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

It's also important that you check the door for any cosmetic damage. While minor scratches and dents are normal over time, any significant damage that wasn't there prior to the repair should be addressed as soon as possible.

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

Then tighten the Hinges

It's common for screws on door hinges to loosen as time passes, but if you leave them in place for too long, it could cause damage to the hinge, and the holes in the screws to become stripped. You can tighten the screws by hand or with a drill, however, be cautious not to bend the hinge and make sure you remove the pins as well.

The first step is to locate the points of friction and decide the best way to proceed. If the door rubs against the top or is dragging on the floor it is possible to draw the jamb in by driving a long screw through the latch side of the hinge (the side that attaches to the strike plate) and countersinking it. This will increase the gap, and in most cases, solve the problem.

This can also resolve the issue. A more drastic solution is to take off the hinge pins, then hammer them to make them more spread apart and then replace them. This is not recommended as it could cause damage to the hinge. It should only be done if the door doesn't close properly.

Another possibility is a screw that does not close, which could be caused by a damaged screw hole or sagging doorframe. If this is the case, simply insert a wood block or match coated with carpenter's glue into the screw hole and let it to set before reattaching the hinge. This will fill the hole and reinforce the area so that the screw will be able to grip. Repeat the procedure as needed for any remaining screw holes that don't tighten. Close the door and test to see if now it closes properly. If not, you might have to keep trying to solve the problem. It is best to begin with the most basic fixes first, and then do more involved repairs when necessary.

Shim the Hinges

Shimming hinges can be used to aid in hanging the door straight when the gap between the jamb and the door is too wide (a condition called toe-in). This can be accomplished by placing a small piece of cardboard or wood under the hinge on the jamb side, then adding one or more thin wooden shims between the hinge and the frame of the door. The shims will push the hinge leaf from the door frame and close the gap, removing the binding.

This procedure can be difficult however if you're careful you will be able to complete the task without causing damage to the hinge or door. Shimming is most effective when the existing screws are removed from each hinge first. (Knowledge How to Remove the Pin from a Door Hinge). It is possible to pry the door off of its hinges in order to prevent the screws from coming loose.

You'll need to open and close the door several times after the hinges have been moved to make sure they are working properly. If the door still binds you can increase the shims until the gaps between the hinge and the door and between the hinge and the door are closed.

Another method to correct a binding hinge is to make the mortise wider. This can be accomplished by scraping the hole using the chisel, then filling it in with wood putty. To make it look like the frame's rest make sure to sand the putty, then paint it prior to applying it to the hinge. It's not as precise as shimming but it's an easy fix for a hinge that is out of alignment. It's less damaging than hanging the door from the ceiling.

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 fixed by tapping gently on wooden shims at the latch's side to the frame between the jambs and the wall. Be sure to take measurements of the shims using the help of a carpenter's ruler and move them around the frame until they are aligned on both sides of the frame.

After you've shimmied the door frame, you are able to tighten screws that hold the strikeplate to the latch side to prevent it from rubbing against the latch. You can either use an manual Phillips screwdriver, or a drill, depending on the extent of the damage.

Occasionally, dents, nicks and gouges within the frame could cause it to bind against the door. If it's just a few minor scratches then you can smooth the surface with wood filler that is the same color as the trim around the door, and then sand it prior to staining or painting. For deeper dents and gouges, you may need to replace the damaged portion of the jamb.

If your door is still stuck after filling, sanding, or refining the frame, it might be time to take down the entire door and start from scratch. It's best to do this in the event that you have the money to purchase new parts and do it correctly, but sometimes you'll be able to save the door by working on tiny sections of the frame without completely taking it off. 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 the years.

Adjust the Strike Plate

The strike plate holds the door in its closed position by locking the door bolt. The movement and setting of doors over time could cause the strike plate to become misaligned with the latch. If the latch is not able to fit into the strikeplate, it will not close, which can lead burglaries and door kick-ins. The easiest solution is to tighten the screws holding the strike plate. If this doesn't work you, try shredding or adding wood filler to the hinges.

Apply a stripe of lipstick or other marking substance on the latch prior to 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, repairs To double Glazed windows the problem may be with the hinges.

If the marks show that the latch is sitting too high or low in the strike plate hole, repairs To Double Glazed windows take a small piece of cardboard to fit the hinge mortise. Replace the hinge. This can often correct the issue caused by sunken hinges. It also makes it easier to make an attractive window repair near me.

To adjust the strike plate, take it from the jamb on the door and then employ a file to widen the hole in the jamb where the strike plate will go. A half-round file is the best because it is in line with the curvature of the hole for the strike plate. Install the strike plate and close the door to examine if the latch now able to clear the strike plate hole in a proper manner. If the latch is still not clearing the hole using a chisel, reshape the area of the jamb that is in contact with the strike plate.