Simple Door Repairs You Can Do Yourself

Your door is the primary barrier against water, dust, insects and heat. It's also the most important way to control how much conditioned air seeps out of your home.

Small dents and dings can be easy to fix by applying spackle. It is readily available and reasonably priced at any hardware store. It's also a good choice but it can take longer to dry.

Repairing a loose knob

A loose door handle or knob could cause a lot of trouble and can even be dangerous, particularly for those who use their doors often. This problem can get worse over time and end in a much more costly repair or Broken Window replacement.

Most door handles are secured by a set of screws that secure the handle to the base. The screws can become loose over time due to a variety reasons. Most often, they are simply loose due to normal wear and broken window (telegra.ph's website) tear, but they can also come loose due to abrasions or moisture. They may also become loose due to dirt and dust that build up over the course of time in the hardware.

The first step is to determine the screws that are loose. It is possible to do this based on the type and size of the handle. The handle itself could have a slot that you can wedge a flathead screwdriver into or a small hole through which you can place the paperclip. If not, you'll have to remove the rose in order to reveal the inner screws. Once you've reached the base, it is recommended to remove the knob from the door and then separate the base.

When the screws inside are exposed, you will be able to tighten them using the same method that you used to loosen them. If needed, apply threadlocker to the screws to keep them from coming loose again.

After the screws have been securely tightened, reinstall the handle and doorknob by putting the base back in place. Before replacing decorative faceplates and other accessories, it's an excellent idea to test the handle. Examine the handle frequently to ensure it is still in good shape. You might also want to apply a coat or polish to keep its appearance. If you have to apply additional polish or wax, make sure you use a soft cloth. It is not advisable to apply anything that is rough, as it could cause damage to the hardware.

Repairing a Door that Swings Open

If your door is swaying open when you close it, the cause could be that the latch isn't properly aligned with the strike plate hole in the frame. This is a typical issue that usually can be fixed by following a few easy steps. Experts from Family Handyman explain that the first step is to sit down and observe the gap between the door and the frame. This gap is usually caused by a hinge that is not plumb. It means that it is not aligned with other hinges.

If this is the case, you'll have to loosen the screw and move the hinge a bit forward or backward to fill in the gap. It's a good idea, after you've done this, to tighten up all the hinge screws. You may have to adjust the hinges and then move the strike plate closer to the stop molding of the jamb on the door. If you've shifted your hinges, enlarged the strike plate's hole or even moved the strikeplate itself then you'll have to fill in any old screw holes and gaps using wood filler that is compatible with the door frame.

If the methods above don't work it is possible to rehang the door and reinstall the hinge pins. If you need help get someone to hold the door to stop it from falling. To take the hinge off tap the pin's base the pin using an hammer, and then tilt the blade of a large flathead screwdriver. Then, put shims on the hinges that have binds or swings - starting at the bottom of the door and working towards the top. It is necessary to place several shims in each spot. It is crucial that they are made of the same material as your door hinges. After the shims are put in place in the appropriate locations, you can tighten the hinge screws, and hopefully your door will be shut!

Repairing the door that won't shut

If the door isn't closing correctly, it's possible that it is rubbing against something inside the frame. This may be an edge of the hinges or a part 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. This problem can be solved by tightening the hinge screws. If the door isn't shut, you can try loosening them even more and adjusting the hinges to make them more symmetrical to each other.

In some instances the latch can rub against the strike plate due to the fact that the bolt pocket is too high and doesn't match the strike plate's hole. To identify the location where contact is taking place, put a strip of lipstick or a similar marking material on the latch. Check the mark every time you open the door. This will let you know if the latch is contacting the strike plate above or below.

Depending on how much the strike plate must move, you might be able to enlarge the bolt pocket without moving the strike plate. If this is not possible it is possible to use a screwdriver to move the strikeplate. Loosen the screw that holds the strike plate, then insert the blade of the screwdriver into the hole and then hit the top with a hammer to push it down. Repeat this procedure a few times until the strike plate is positioned where it should be, and then screw it back into place.

If you've moved or enlarged the strike plate or bolt pocket, you will also have to fill in any existing screw holes. It is also possible to patch any gaps that are below or above the area where the strike plate is now situated. A wood filler that matches the color of your door's frame is ideal. Once you've done this, your door will close properly and remain shut. If it does not you'll need to check for looseness or damaged hinges and replace hinges.

Repairing a door that leaks

Water leaks around doors can be a problem for your home. Puddles around your exterior doors could indicate that the threshold or sill pan is damaged or your door was not installed properly and can result in significant water damage and the development of mold.

One of the best ways to stop leaking is to replace the caulking that was previously used. This seals well against the elements but can peel and crack over time, leaving gaps through which water can get in. It is important to use flexible and paintable caulking so that it can stand up to weathering.

The next step is to look at the frame of the door for indications of decay. If you don't react promptly, this could happen to wood doors and frames. If you find decay, you'll have to take away the damaged part and make repairs as necessary. Then, it's a good idea to apply a protective stain or paint to the wood.

If you do not notice any indications of rot around the door frame molding, it could be because air is leaking in. You can stop this from happening by filling the gaps with foam that is not expanding or gap filler rod caulking. For a fast, inexpensive repair, you could employ spackle.

Some projects are best left to professionals. It is best to let professionals replace your door if it's damaged significant or complicated damage. This will save you money and give you a door that is durable and will last for many years to come.

It's also worth thinking about whether you need to have your door repaired or replaced entirely when it's not meeting your practical requirements or looks appealing. Start by looking for the perfect door to match your needs and style. You can be certain that the new door will perfectly to your home. Once you've decided to move forward, a professional can help in the installation process and ensure that the new door will look its best.