Simple Door Repairs You Can Do Yourself

Your door is the primary protection against dust, water insects, heat. It's also the primary method to can control the amount of conditioned air that seeps out of your home.

Spackle is an excellent way to fix small dents and dings. It's readily available and affordable at any hardware store. Auto-body filler is another great choice, but it may take a little longer to dry.

Repairing a loose handle

A damaged or loose door handle or knob could be a nuisance and even risky, particularly for those who frequent their doors. The problem could get worse as time passes and could result in a larger repair or replacement.

Most door handles are held in place by a set of screws that attach the handle to the base. These screws may loosen over time due to a variety reasons. Most of the time, they're just loose due to normal wear and tear, but they may also break loose due to abrasion or moisture. They can also loosen due to dirt and dust that accumulates over time in the hardware.

The first step is to identify the screws that are loose. This could be a matter of relying on the size and type of the handle. The handle itself could have a slot that you can wedge a flathead screwdriver or a small opening where you can insert a paperclip. If it doesn't, you'll need to take off the rose to expose the internal screws. Once you've reached the base, it is an ideal idea to remove the knob from the door and then separate the base.

Once the screws inside are exposed after which you can tighten them with the same method you used to loosen. If necessary you need to apply a threadlocker to the screws to prevent them from coming loose once more.

When the screws are tightened, you can reinstall the doorknob and handle by inserting the base back into its place. Before replacing decorative faceplates or other accessories, it's a good idea to test the handle. Inspect the handle regularly to ensure that it's in good condition, and consider applying some wax or polish to keep it looking good. If you're required to apply additional polish or wax, you can use a soft cloth. You don't want to use anything that can cause damage to the hardware.

Repairing a Door That Swings Open

If your door swings open when you close, this could be due to the latch isn't aligned to the strike hole in the frame. This is a common issue that can be solved by following some simple steps. Family Handyman experts explain that you must first lean back to examine the gap between your door and frame. The majority of times, this gap is caused by a hinge that isn't plumb - meaning it's not in line with the other hinges so that the straight line that is drawn through one of the pins will continue to the next.

In this instance, you will need to loosen the hinge screw and move it slightly either forward or backwards to close the gap. Once you've done this, it's an ideal idea to tighten all hinge screws to ensure that everything is secured. After adjusting the hinges you may have to move the strike plate opening closer to the stop molding on the door jamb. In the event that you've shifted the hinges, expanded the strike plate's hole or moved the strike plate itself, you'll probably require cleaning any old screw holes or gaps using a wood filler that matches the door frame.

If the above strategies do not work then you can also rehang the door and reinstall the hinge pins. If you require help get someone to hold the door to prevent it from falling. To remove the hinge pin, bend the blade of a large flat-head screwdriver at the pin's base and tap it with a hammer until it is loose and push the pin away. Next, make sure that the hinges are shimmed in areas where there are binds or swings - starting at the lower part of the door and moving up to the top. You'll require a few shims in each location and it is crucial that the shims are all made from the same material as the door hinges. Once the shims have been put in place on the hinges, you can tighten them with hinge screws and hopefully, your door will remain shut!

Repairing a Door That Won't Close

If the door won't close correctly, it's possible that it is rubbing against something within the frame. This may be a corner of the hinges or a component of the latch mechanism, or a hole in the strike plate that is too small for the bolt that locks the door handle to reach and lock. It is possible to fix this problem by tightening the hinge screws. If the door isn't closing you can loosen them further and adjust the hinges to ensure they are more in line.

In some instances the latch may contact the strike plate because the bolt pocket is too high and doesn't match the strike plate's hole. Put a stripe of lipstick or other marking material on the latch to determine the position of the contact. When you open the door, you should look to see the area where the mark is placed. This will tell you whether the latch is touching above or below the strike plate hole and can help you fix the issue.

You may be able to expand the bolt pocket by moving the strikeplate a small amount. If this isn't possible it is possible to use a screwdriver to move the strikeplate. Remove the screw that holds the strike plate. Put the blade of a screwdriver into the hole, and hammer the top of the plate using the hammer. Repeat this procedure a few times until the strike plate is positioned exactly where it should be and then screw it back into its place.

If you enlarged the bolt pocket or moved the strike plate, you will have to fill in the old holes with screws and patch any holes in the mortise below or above the new strike plate's position. Wood filler that matches the color of your door's frame is the best choice. Once you've completed this step, your door should close correctly and stay shut. If it doesn't, then you'll be required to examine the hinges for damage or looseness and replace any that are damaged.

Repairing a Leak in a Door

Water leaks around the door can cause problems for your home. Water puddles around exterior doors can be a sign that your threshold, sill pan or door was not properly set up. This could lead to massive damage and even mold.

The best method to stop leaks is to replace old caulking. This provides a good seal against the elements, however as time passes, it may crack and peel leaving gaps that let water to get in. It is essential to use flexible and paintable caulking so that it can be able to withstand weathering.

Then, look over the frame for signs of rot. This can happen in wood frames and doors if not addressed promptly. If you notice decay, you'll need to remove the damaged part and make repairs as needed. Then, it's a good idea to apply a paint or stain to the wood.

If you do not see any signs of rot around the security door repairs frame molding it may be due to air leaking in. Fill in all the gaps with non-expanding caulking, gap filler rods or foam. You can also use spackle to make a quick and cheap double glazing repair.

Some projects are best left to the professionals. It's best to let a professional replace your door if it has extensive or complex damage. This will save you money and give you a door that is durable and will last for years to come.

It's also worth considering whether you need to have your door repaired or replaced entirely when it's not meeting your practical needs or aesthetically appealing. If you're thinking of replacing your door, Security door repairs begin by looking over the options on the market and selecting the type that will meet your needs and Security Door Repairs match your style. You can then be confident that your new door will perfectly into your home. If you decide to go ahead an expert will assist with the installation and make sure that the door appears at its best.