How to Fix Common Door Repair Problems
Many door issues are simple to fix, particularly when you are able to do the work yourself. However, sometimes a project can't be completed without assistance.
A stuck door can be caused by the hinges being too tight or loose. If double glazing window repairs continues, you may need to sand or sand the latch side of your door.
Check the Door
As the weather gets cooler homeowners often take this time to clean the yard and inspect their doors. This once-a year inspection should look for damage and also reveal any areas which aren't working as they should.
Check for corrosion or rust on door hardware, including hinges, and on the frame. Also, look for damaged or damaged weather stripping. This will keep drafts from entering the home and prevent air leaks that can affect the efficiency of a home's energy usage.
Be aware of any doors that are stuck, particularly in the aftermath of a strong wind. A door that is more difficult to open or close will wear out more quickly and will cost more to fix. This issue can occur by the fact that the wood of the door becomes swelling due to humidity. A simple test with the aid of a hygrometer will help determine the root of the problem.
If your door is swelling and you are unable to close it, you can make use of a screwdriver to tighten the hinge screws. If the problem persists then you may try shimming the hinges or replace them all.
It's crucial to inspect the door for cosmetic damages. While minor scratches and dents are to be expected however any damage that was not there before should be repaired.
It is possible to repair a large door crack. However, all wood cracks should be filled in and painted as fast as possible to avoid any further problems. Any wood rot needs to be replaced as well to ensure the integrity of the structure. It is recommended to contact an expert in door systems when you spot structural issues that are significant. They will be able to assess the damage and make any needed repairs.
Tighten the Hinges
Door hinge screws can loosen over time. If you don't watch them, they may damage the hinge or strip the screw holes. You can tighten these screws by hand or with a drill, but be careful not to bend the hinge and make sure you remove the pins as well.
First, find the sticking points and decide the best way to proceed. If the door rubs against the top or drags on the floor, you can draw the jamb in by using a long screw through the latch side of the hinge (the side that connects to the strike plate) and countersinking it. This will make the gap a slightly larger and can often resolve the problem.
This will also fix the problem. The most drastic solution is to take off the hinge pins, hammer them until they are dispersed, and then replace them. This is not recommended since it could damage the hinge. It should only be done when the door isn't closing properly.
Another possibility is a screw that does not tighten, which could result from a sagging screw hole or a sliding doorframe. In this case, insert a wood plug (or match) coated with carpenter's glue into the screw hole. Let it dry before reattaching the hinge. This will fill the hole and strengthen the area so that the screw can grip. Repeat as needed for any remaining screw holes that won't tighten. Then close the door and test to see whether it has shut correctly. If the problem persists, you may have to keep attempting to solve the issue. Begin with the simplest solutions and then make more complex repairs if necessary.
Change the Hinges
When the gap between the door and jamb is too large (a condition referred to as a toe-in) shifting the hinges can aid in ensuring that the door is straight. This can be done by placing a small piece of cardboard or wood under the hinge on the jamb side, and then adding one or more thin wooden shims between the hinge and the door frame. The shims push the leaf of the hinge away from the frame closing the gap and eliminating the bind that caused the problem.
It's a tricky method however, with a bit of care you can do it without causing damage to the hinge or door. Shimming is most effective when the screws already in place are removed from each hinge first. (Knowledge: How to Remove the Pin from a Door Hinge). It might be necessary to pull the door off of its hinges to stop the screws from slipping out.
You'll need to open and close the door a number of times after the hinges are moved to ensure that they are working properly. If the door is still stuck it is possible to add shims to seal the gaps between the hinge and door.
You can also correct the hinge that is binding by expanding the size of the mortise. This is accomplished by removing the hole with a chisel, and then filling it with wood putty. Make sure you paint and sand the putty before putting it on the hinge to match the frame's rest. It's not as precise as shifting, but it's a quick fix for an out-of-alignment hinge. It's also less destructive than trying to rehang the door.
Draw in the Jamb
If your door still sticks after tightening hinges and shimming it, the jamb may be out of alignment. This can be resolved by gently tapping wooden shims on the latch's side to the frame between the jambs and the wall. The shims are measured using a carpenter's square, then move them around the frame to make sure it is plumb.
After you've shimmed your door frame, you can tighten the screws that hold the strike plate to the frame's latch side to prevent it from scraping against the latch. You can either use the manual Phillips screwdriver or drill, depending on the severity of damage.
Occasionally, dents, nicks and gouges within the frame could cause it to bind against the door. If it's just a few minor dents, you can smooth the surface with wood filler that matches the color of the trim around the door, and then sand it prior to staining or painting. For more severe dents and gouges, you might need to replace the damaged section of the jamb.
If your door is still stuck after you've tried filling, sanding and refining the frame, it might be time to get rid of the entire door and start from scratch. It's best to do this when you're able to purchase new components and do it properly however, sometimes you'll be able to save the door by working on small portions of the frame, without completely eliminating it. Be careful not to compromise strength of the frame, particularly if you are dealing with old wood that has been exposed to moisture over time.
Adjust the Strike Plate
The strike plate is able to catch the bolt that holds the door in an open position. Over time the strike plate may become unbalanced. If the latch does not fit into the strikeplate, it won't close, which could lead to burglaries and door kick-ins. An easy fix is to simply tighten the screws holding the strike plate. If it doesn't work, then changing the hinges' angle or adding wood fill could aid.
Apply a thin strip of lipstick or other marking material on the latch prior to adjusting the strike plate. Close the door, and then open it. If the lipstick marks show that the latch is touching with the strike plate hole, it could be a problem with hinges that are sagging, not the strike plate's location.
If the marks indicate that the latch is resting too low or high in the strike plate hole, use small pieces of cardboard that fits into the mortise of the hinge and then replace the hinge. This will often fix the problem, if it's caused by the sunken or hinges that are recessed or sunken. It can also make it easier to do repairs that look professional.
To adjust the strikeplate, remove it from your door jamb. Then, you can use a file to make the hole where the strikeplate is supposed to be. A half-round file is the best because it is in line with the shape of the hole for the strike plate. Reinstall the strike plate, close the door and see if the latch is now able to clear the strike plate hole correctly. If the latch still does not clear the hole then use the chisel on the jamb to shape it where the strike plate meets the jamb.