How to Fix Common Door Repair Problems

Many door issues are easy to fix, particularly when you can complete the work yourself. But, sometimes a job can't be completed without assistance.

Most of the time, the reason for sticking doors is that the hinges have to be re-tightened or moved. If the issue persists, you may have to plane or sand the latch side of your door.

Check the door for damage.

As the weather turns cooler, many homeowners use this time to clean up the yard and inspect their doors. This annual inspection should look for damages and also identify any areas that aren't performing as they should.

Check for rust or corrosion on door hardware, such as hinges, and on the frame. Check for damaged or broken weather stripping. This keeps drafts out of your home and stops air leaks, which can make your home less energy efficient.

Also note whether any doors are sticking, especially after a wind event. A door that is sticking is more difficult to open and close, which causes wear each time it's used and could result in more expensive window sash repairs in the future. This problem can be caused when the wood of the door becomes swollen due to humidity. A hygrometer test can be used to identify the cause of this issue.

If your door is swollen, then you can use a screwdriver to tighten the hinge screws. If the problem persists then you may try to shimm the hinges or even replace them completely.

It's also important to examine the door for any damage that appears to be cosmetic. While minor dents and scratches are expected in time, any major damage that was not there prior to repair should be done as soon as is possible.

Although it's sometimes possible to repair double glazed window (http://wood-max.co.kr/bbs/board.php?bo_table=free&wr_id=283554) the door that has large cracks, any cracks in the wood should be filled in and painted as soon as it is possible to avoid further issues. To ensure structural integrity any wood that is rotting should be replaced. If you find significant structural issues with the door, it's recommended to contact a trained door systems technician to assess and repair any necessary damage.

Tighten the Hinges

Door hinge screws may loosen over time. If you leave them unattended they may cause damage to the hinge or damage the screws' holes. The screws can be tightened manually or with the aid of a power drill. Be cautious not to bend the hinge of your door and remove the pins.

First, locate the points of friction and decide what to do next. If the door rubs against the top or drags 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 is attached to the strike plate) and countersinking it. This will make the gap a little larger and often solves the issue.

A more drastic approach is to simply remove the hinge pins and then hammer them out so that they're more spread apart and will solve the issue. However, this isn't recommended since it could damage the hinge, and should only be done when the door isn't shut correctly.

A stripped screw hole or a sagging doorframe could cause the screw to loosen. If this is the case, insert a wood plug or match that has been soaked in carpenter's glue into the screw hole and let it to set before reattaching the hinge. This will fill the hole and make it stronger so that the screw will be able to grab hold. Repeat as necessary for any screw holes that won't tighten. Then close the door and verify whether it is now shut properly. If the issue continues it may be necessary to keep attempting to solve the issue. Start with the easiest fixes and only perform more complicated repairs if needed.

Shim the Hinges

If the gap between the door and jamb is too wide (a condition known as toe-in) Shimming the hinges can help the door hang straight. This can be accomplished by placing a small bit 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 pull the hinge leaf from the door frame and close the gap, eliminating the binding.

It's a tricky method however, with a bit of caution, you can accomplish it without causing damage to the hinge or door. Shimming is most effective if 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 pry the door off of its hinges to prevent the screws from coming loose.

After the hinges have been moved, you'll need to close and open the door a few times to ensure that they're operating properly. If the door continues to bind, you can add more shims until the gaps between the hinge and the door and the hinge and the door are closed.

Another way to correct the hinge's binding is to make the mortise wider. This is done by scraping out the hole using an axe and repair Double glazed window then filling it up with wood putty. Make sure to paint and sand the putty prior to placing it on the hinge so that it matches the frame's other components. It's not as precise as shifting but it's an easy solution for a hinge that's out of alignment. It's less destructive than hanging the door again.

Draw in the Jamb

If your door is still stuck after the hinges have been pushed tight and shimming them 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 bring it back in line. Make sure you take measurements with the help of a carpenter's ruler and move them around the frame until it is 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 latch side of the frame to stop it from scraping against the latch. You can employ an manual Phillips screwdriver, or a drill, depending on the severity of damage.

Sometimes, dents, gouges, and nicks in the frame cause it to stick to the door. If there are just a few minor scratches on the frame, you can fill in the holes using wood filler that matches trim around the door. Sand it down and then paint or stain it. If you have more serious dents or gouges, you may need to replace the damaged portion of the jamb.

If you've tried sanding and filling but your door is still to get stuck, it's time to remove the door and begin to work on the frame from scratch. If you can afford it, it's best to replace the parts and do it correctly. However, you might be able to save the door if you work on small sections of frame without taking away the entire thing. Be careful not to damage the strength of the rest of the frame, especially when you're dealing with older wood that has been subjected to humidity over time.

Adjust the Strike Plate

The strike plate is used to hold the door in the closed position by engaging the bolt of the door. The shifting and setting of doors over time can cause the strike plate to be misaligned with the latch. If the latch is not able to fit into the strikeplate, it won't close, which can lead burglaries or door kick-ins. The easiest solution is to simply tighten the screws that hold the strike plate. If this doesn't work, you can try shredding or adding wood filler to the hinges.

Apply a thin strip of lipstick or another marking substance on the latch prior to adjusting the strike plate. Close the door and open it. If the lipstick marks indicate that the latch is either above or below 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's hole, take a small piece of cardboard to fit the mortise of the hinge. Replace the hinge. This can often resolve the issue, particularly if it's caused by the sunken or hinges that are recessed or sunken. It also makes it easier to create an attractive repair window.

To adjust the strikeplate, remove it from the jamb of your door. Then use a file on the hole where the strikeplate is meant to be. A half-round file is the best, as it matches the curvature of the hole for the strike plate. Install the strike plate, close the door and see if the latch is now able to clear the strike plate hole in a proper manner. If the latch does not clear the hole, use the chisel on the jamb to reshape it where the strike plate meets the jamb.