How to Fix Common Door Repair Problems

Many issues with doors are easily fixed in the event that the work is done by you. Sometimes, a project cannot be accomplished without assistance.

Most of the time, double glazing Windows Repair the reason for sticking doors is that the hinges must be tightened or moved. If the problem persists you may need to sand or sand the latch side of your door.

Check the door for damage.

Many homeowners clean up their yards and check their doors as the weather gets cooler. This annual inspection should check for damage and also reveal any areas that aren't performing as they should.

Check for corrosion or rust on door hardware, such as hinges, and on the frame. Look for broken or damaged weather stripping. This helps keep drafts out of the house and stops air leaks that can cause a home to become less energy efficient.

Note whether any doors are stuck, especially after a strong wind. A door that is stuck is more difficult to open and close, which adds wear each time you use it and could lead to higher repair costs down the road. This kind of issue could be caused by swollen or swollen wood which happens when humidity alters the moisture content of the wood of the door. A simple test with an hygrometer can help pinpoint the cause of this problem.

If your door is becoming swollen, then you can use a screwdriver to tighten the hinge screws. If the problem continues, you might try shimming the hinges or replacing them.

It's also important to examine the door for any cosmetic damage. While minor scratches and dents are normal in time, any major damage that was not there before should be windows repaired as soon as possible.

It is possible to Repair Door a significant door crack. However, all wood cracks should be filled in and painted as quickly as possible to avoid further problems. To ensure the structural integrity of your home, any wood rot has to be replaced. It is recommended to speak with an expert in door Repair Door systems when you find significant structural issues. They will evaluate the damage and make any necessary repairs.

Close the Hinges

Door hinge screws can become loose over time. If you leave them unattended they could damage the hinge or strip the screw holes. You can tighten the screws by hand or using a drill however, be cautious not to bend the hinge and make sure you take out the pins as well.

First, locate the points of friction and decide what to do next. If the door rubs against the top or drags, you could countersink a long screw onto the latch side of the hinge (the side that is connected to the strike plate). This will widen the gap, and in most cases, solve the issue.

A more drastic approach is to simply remove the hinge pins and hammer them out until they're more spread apart and will solve the problem. However, this isn't recommended since it can cause damage to the hinge, and should only be done when the door doesn't shut properly.

Another issue that could be a problem is a screw that does not tighten, which can be caused by a damaged screw hole or sagging doorframe. If this is the case, insert a wood block or match dipped in carpenter's glue into the screw hole and allow it to set before reattaching the hinge. This will fill the hole and reinforce the area to allow the screw to grip. Repeat as necessary to fill any remaining screw holes that won't tighten. Close the door and check to see if it shuts correctly. If not, you'll be required to continue tackling the issue. Start with the easiest fixes and only perform more complex repairs double glazed windows if necessary.

Change the Hinges

Shimming hinges can be utilized to help the door hang straight when the gap between the jamb and the door frame is too large (a condition called toe-in). You can do this by placing a small amount of wood or cardboard on the jamb-side hinge, and then adding two or three wooden shims between the hinges and the frame of the door. The shims will pull the hinge leaf away from the frame, closing the gap and eliminate the bind that caused the problem.

It's a tricky method however with a little attention, you can complete it without causing damage 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 a Door Hinge). It is possible to pull the door off of its hinges in order to stop the screws from slipping out.

You'll have to open and close the door a number of times after the hinges are moved to ensure they're functioning properly. If the door still binds you can increase the shims until the gaps between the hinge and the door and between the hinge and the door are sealed.

You can also correct a binding door hinge by increasing the size of the mortise. This is accomplished by removing the hole using a chisel and then filling it with wood putty. Be sure to sand and paint the putty prior to placing it on the hinge to match the frame's other components. It's not as precise as shmming but it's a simple 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 is still bound after tightening the hinges and shimming, you may have a problem with the jamb being out of line. This can be fixed by gently tapping wooden shims between the jamb and the wall at the latch side of the frame to bring it back in line. Be sure to take measurements of the shims using a carpenter's square and move them around the frame until it's aligned on both sides of the frame.

After you have shimmed the door frame you can tighten screws that hold the strikeplate to the latch side, to keep it from rubbing against the latch. You can use the manual Phillips screwdriver or drill, based on the severity of damage.

Sometimes, dents, gouges and nicks in the frame will cause it to stick to the door. If it's only tiny scratches, you can smooth the surface with wood filler that matches the color of the trim around the door, and then sand it down prior to staining or painting. If the dents are more extensive it may be necessary to replace the damaged section of the jamb.

If your door continues to bind after filling, sanding, or refining the frame, it could be time to take down the entire door and start over. It's best to do this if you can afford to buy new parts and do it properly however, sometimes you'll be able to save the door by working on tiny portions of the frame, without completely eliminating it. Be careful not to compromise structural integrity of the frame especially if you're dealing with old wood that has been exposed to moisture over time.

Adjust the Strike Plate

The strike plate keeps the door in the closed position by catching the bolt that holds the door. The movement and setting of a door over time could cause the strike plate to misalign with the latch. If the latch does not fit into the strikeplate, it won't close, which can result in burglaries and door kick-ins. To fix this, tighten the screws that are holding the strike plate. If this doesn't help, you can try shifting or Repair door adding wood fill to the hinges.

Apply a thin strip of lipstick or another marking material on the latch prior to adjusting strike plate. Close the door and then open it. If the lipstick marks indicate that the latch is either between the strike plate hole, it could be an issue with sagging hinges, rather than the strike plate's location.

If the marks suggest that the latch is positioned too low or high in the strike plate hole then take a small piece of cardboard to fit into the hinge mortise. Replace the hinge. This is often a solution to the issue, especially if it's caused by the sunken or receding hinges. It also makes it easier to make an attractive repair.

To alter the strikeplate's position, remove it from your door jamb. Then, use a file on the hole where the strikeplate is meant to go. Half-round files are ideal because it matches the curvature of the strike plate hole. Close the door, then reinstall the strikeplate, and then check that it is now able to clear the strike plate hole correctly. If the latch is not clearing the hole, use a chisel to shape the area of the jamb where it is in contact with the strike plate.