How to Fix Common Door Repair Problems
Many issues with doors can be easily fixed, especially if the work is done by you. Sometimes, a project isn't possible without help.
A door that is stuck can be caused by the hinges being too tight or loose. If the problem persists you may need to sand or sand the latch side of your door.
Inspect the Door
As the temperature drops, many homeowners use this time to clean up the yard and inspect their doors. This once-a-year inspection should not just look for signs of damage, but also reveal any areas that aren't working as they should.
Check for corrosion and rust on door hardware, such as hinges, and on the frame. Look for broken or damaged weather stripping. This will keep drafts out of the house and prevents air leaks that can cause a home to become less energy efficient.
Also note whether any doors are sticking, particularly after a wind event. A door that is more difficult to open or close will wear faster and cost more to repair. This issue can arise when the wood of the door is swollen due to humidity. A simple test with an hygrometer can help pinpoint the cause of this problem.
If your door is swelling, then you can use a screwdriver to tighten the hinge screws. If the issue persists, then you can try shimming the hinges or replace them altogether.
It's important to check the door for cosmetic damage. While minor scratches and dents are common over time, any significant damage that was not present prior to repair should be done immediately.
Although it's sometimes possible to repair doors that have large cracks, any cracks in the wood should be filled and painted as soon as possible to avoid further issues. Wood rot must be replaced as well to ensure the integrity of the structure. If you notice serious structural issues with the door, it's recommended to contact a certified door system technician to assess and repair any necessary damage.
Close the Hinges
It's normal for screws on door hinges to loosen over time However, if you let them too long it can cause damage to the hinge, and the holes for screws to be stripped. The screws can be tightened manually or with the power drill. Be careful not to bend the door hinge and remove the pins.
The first step is to locate the points of friction and decide what to do next. If the door rubs on the top or drags, you could countersink a long screw into the hinge's latch side (the side attached to the strike plate). This will increase the gap, and in most cases, solve the problem.
A more drastic approach is to remove the hinge pins, then hammer them out so that they're more evenly spaced and will solve the issue. However, this isn't recommended since it could damage the hinge, and should only be done if the door isn't shut correctly.
Another possible issue is a screw that doesn't close, which could be caused by a damaged screw hole or sagging doorframe. 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 the hole and strengthen it so that the screw can grab hold. Repeat this procedure for any holes that do not tighten. Then close the door and check to see whether it is now shut correctly. If the issue continues, you may have to continue troubleshooting. Begin with the simplest solutions and then make more complex repairs when needed.
Change the Hinges
Shimming hinges are a great option to aid in hanging the door straight when the gap between the jamb and door frame is too wide (a condition known as toe-in). You can do this by placing a small piece cardboard or wood on the jamb-side hinge, and then placing two or three thin wooden shims between the hinges and the frame of the door. The shims pull the hinge leaf away from the door frame and close the gap, removing the binding.
This procedure can be difficult however if you're careful you can complete the task without causing damage to the hinge or door. Shimming is most effective when the existing screws are removed from each hinge first (Knowledge How to Remove the Pin From a Door Hinge). This may require prying the door off its hinges in order to avoid unscrewing them.
You'll have to open and close the door several times after the hinges have been moved to ensure that they are working properly. If the door still sticks then you can use shims to seal the gap between the hinge and the door.
You can also fix the binding hinge of a door by expanding the size of the mortise. This is done by scraping the hole out with a chisel, and then filling it with wood putty. Be sure to polish and sand the putty before you use it on the hinge so that it matches the rest of the frame. This isn't as precise as shimming, but it's an easy fix for hinges that are out of alignment. It's also less harmful than trying to fix the door.
Draw in the Jamb
If your door continues to bind after closing the hinges and shimming it, there could be an issue with the jamb being out of alignment. It is possible to fix this by gently tapping wooden shims between the jamb and the wall at the latch side the frame to bring it back in line. Take measurements of the shims with a carpenter’s square, and then move them around the frame to ensure it is plumb.
After you've shimmed your door frame, you can tighten the screws that secure the strike plate to the latch side of the frame to stop it from scraping against the latch. You can employ the manual Phillips screwdriver or a drill, based on the extent of the damage.
Sometimes, nicks, dents and gouges in the frame may cause it to be bowed against the door. If there are only small scratches on the frame, you can fill in the surface with a wood filler that matches the trim around the door. Sand double glazing window repairs down, then paint or stain it. If the dents are deeper, you may have to replace the damaged part of the jamb.
If your door continues to bind after filling, sanding and refining the frame, it may be time to remove the entire door and start over. If you can afford it, it's best to replace the components and do it correctly. However, you may be able save the door if you work on a small portion of the frame without removing the whole thing. Just be careful not to compromise the strength of the entire frame, especially when you're dealing with wood that has been subjected to humidity over time.
Adjust the Strike Plate
The strike plate grabs the bolt that holds the door in the closed position. Over time the strike plate could become unbalanced. If the latch can't seat into the strike plate it won't be able to stay closed, which can cause burglaries or door kick-ins. To remedy this, tighten the screws that hold the strike plate. If this doesn't help then you can try shredding or adding wood filler to the hinges.
Apply a strip of lipstick or any other marking substance to the latch before adjusting the strike plate. Close the door, and then open it. If the lipstick marks suggest that the latch is touching above or below the hole of the strike plate, the issue could be with the hinges.
If the marks show that the latch is resting too low or high in the strike plate hole, then use a small piece of cardboard that fits into the hinge mortise, and then replace the hinge. This will usually fix the problem if it is caused by sunken hinges and makes it easier to do a professional-looking repair.
To adjust the strikeplate, take it from your door jamb. Then, use a file on the hole in which the strikeplate is intended to be. Half-round files are ideal because it is in line with the curvature of the strike plate hole. Close the door, then reinstall the strikeplate, and then check that the latch now clears the strike plate hole in a proper manner. If the latch still does not clear the hole, use the chisel on the jamb to alter its shape where the strike plate is positioned to meet the jamb.