How to Fix Common Door Repair Problems

Many issues with doors can be fixed easily in the event that the work is completed by you. However, there are times when a task isn't feasible without help.

Most of the time, the reason for a sticking door is simply that the hinges need to be tightened or shifted. If the issue persists, you may need to plane or sand down the latch side of the door.

Check the door for damage.

Many homeowners clean their yards and inspect their upvc doors repairs when the weather cools. This annual inspection should look for damage and also reveal any areas that aren't performing as they should.

Find corrosion and rust on door hardware, such as hinges, as well as on the frame. Similarly, check for broken or damaged weather stripping. This will stop drafts from entering your home and stop air leaks which could reduce the efficiency of your home's energy consumption.

Also note whether any doors are sticking, particularly after a storm. A door that is more difficult to open or close will wear out faster and will cost more to fix. This type of problem can be caused by swollen wood, which occurs when humidity changes the moisture content of the door's wood. A simple test with the aid of a hygrometer will help determine the source of this issue.

If your door is swollen you can tighten the hinge screws with a screwdriver. If the issue persists then you may try shimming the hinges or replace them altogether.

It's also important to check the door for cosmetic damage. While minor scratches and dents are expected in time, any major damage that wasn't there before should be repaired as soon as is possible.

While it is sometimes possible to fix a door that has repairing a door large crack, any cracks in the wood should be filled and painted as soon as possible to avoid further issues. Any wood rot should be replaced as well to ensure the strength of the structure. If you discover significant structural issues with the door, it's recommended to contact an experienced door systems technician to evaluate and glass window repair any damage that is required.

Tighten the Hinges

Door hinge screws can become loose over time. If you leave them unattended they could damage the hinge or rip out the screw holes. The screws can be tightened by hand or using a power drill. Be cautious not to bend the hinge of your door and take out the pins.

First, locate the sticking points and decide the best way to proceed. If the door rubs on the top or drags, you can countersink a long screw onto the hinge's latch side (the side that is attached to the strike plate). This will increase the gap and usually solve the issue.

This can also resolve the problem. The most drastic solution is to remove the hinge pins, then hammer them until they are dispersed, and then replace them. However it's not recommended as it can damage the hinge, and should only be done when the door isn't shut correctly.

A damaged screw hole or a door frame that is sagging, can also cause the screw to not tighten. In this case, insert the wood plug (or match) dipped into carpenter's adhesive into the screw hole. Let it dry before you can reattach your hinge. This will fill in the hole and strengthen the area to allow the screw to hold the screw. Repeat as necessary for any screw holes that won't tighten. Close the door and test to see if it shuts correctly. If the issue continues, you may have to tackle the issue again. It is best to begin with the simplest solutions first and then move on to more involved upvc window repairs near me when necessary.

Shim the Hinges

If the gap between the door and jamb is too large (a condition known as toe-in), shimming the hinges can aid in ensuring that the door is straight. You can do this by placing a small amount of wood or cardboard on the jamb-side hinge, and then placing one or two thin wooden shims between the hinges and the frame of the door. The shims pull the hinge leaf from the door frame and close the gap, removing the binding.

It's not an easy process however, with a bit of caution, you can accomplish it without causing harm to the door or hinge. It is best to remove the screws from each hinge prior to shimming (Knowledge How to Remove the Pin from the Door Hinge). This could require prying the door off its hinges in order to keep them from slipping off.

You'll have to open and close the door several times after the hinges are moved to make sure they are working properly. If the door is still stuck then you can use shims to close the gaps between the hinge and the door.

Another way to correct the binding hinge is to make the mortise bigger. This can be accomplished by scraping the hole with a chisel and filling it up with wood putty. Make sure to sand and paint the putty before you use it on the hinge to match the frame's rest. It's not as precise as shimming but it's an easy fix for a hinge that isn't aligned. It's also less damaging than attempting to rehang the door.

Draw in the Jamb

If your door is still bound after tightening the hinges and shifting it, there could be an issue with the jamb out of alignment. This can be resolved by tapping gently on wooden shims that are located on the latch side 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 make sure it is plumb.

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

Sometimes, nicks, dents and gouges in the frame may cause it to become a binder against the door. If it's just tiny dents, you can smooth the surface with wood filler that is the same color as the trim around the repairing upvc door and then sand it before painting or staining. If the dents are more extensive it may be necessary to replace the damaged part of the jamb.

If you've tried sanding or filling and your door continues to bind, it's probably time to remove the door and start working on the frame from scratch. It's best to do this when you're able to buy new parts and do it right, but sometimes you'll be able to save the door by working on tiny portions of the frame, without completely taking it off. Be careful not to undermine the strength of the rest of the frame, especially if you're dealing with older wood that's been exposed to humidity over time.

Adjust the Strike Plate

The strike plate catches the door bolt and holds the door in the closed position. The movement and setting of a door over time may cause the strike plate to misalign with the latch. If the latch cannot seat into the strikeplate, it won't close, which can result in burglaries or upvc windows repairs near me door kick-ins. To fix this, tighten the screws that are holding the strike plate. If this doesn't work, changing the hinges' angle or adding wood fill may help.

Before adjusting the strike plate apply a strip of lipstick or a similar marking substance to the latch. Close the door, and then open it. If the lipstick marks suggest that the latch is located above or below the the strike plate, the problem could be related to the hinges.

If the marks show that the latch is sitting too high or low in the strike plate hole then use a small piece cardboard to fit the hinge mortise. Replace the hinge. This can often resolve the problem, when it's caused due to sunken or recessed hinges. It can also make it easier to create upvc Windows repairs near me that look professional.

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. A half-round filing is ideal because it is in line with the shape of the hole to accommodate the strike plate. Close the door, install the strikeplate and check if the latch is now clearing the strikeplate hole properly. If the latch is not clearing the hole, use a chisel to reshape the area of the jamb that faces the strike plate.