An In-Depth Look Into The Future: What Will The Door Repair Industry Look Like In 10 Years?
How to Fix Common Door Repair Problems
Many door problems are easy to fix, especially if you can do the work yourself. However, sometimes a project isn't doable without help.
Most of the time, the reason for a sticking door is simply that the hinges have to be re-tightened or moved. If the issue persists it is possible to plane or sand down the latch side of the door.
Check the Door
As the weather turns cooler homeowners often take this time to clean the yard and check their doors. This annual inspection should be a lookout for any damage and also reveal any areas which aren't working as they should.
Check for rust or corrosion on door hardware, such as hinges, and also on the frame. Similarly, check for broken or damaged weather stripping. This will prevent drafts from entering the home and stop air leaks which could reduce the efficiency of your home's energy consumption.
Be aware of any doors that are sticking, especially after a storm. A door that is more difficult to open or close will wear faster and cost more to repair. This problem can be caused when the wood of the door becomes more swollen as a result of humidity. A simple test with an hygrometer can help pinpoint the root of the problem.
If double glazed window repairs is swelling, you can tighten the hinge screws using a screwdriver. If the problem persists, then you can try to shimm the hinges or replace them all.
It is important to examine the door for cosmetic damages. While minor dents and scratches are normal, any damage that was not present before must be repaired.
It is possible to repair a significant door crack. However all wood cracks must be filled in and painted as soon as possible to avoid any further issues. To ensure the structural integrity of your home, any wood rot must be replaced. If you notice serious structural issues with doors, it's best to call in an experienced door systems technician to evaluate and repair any necessary damage.
Close the Hinges
Door hinge screws may loosen over time. If you do not watch them they may cause damage to the hinge or strip the screw holes. The screws can be tightened by hand or using a power drill. Be cautious not to bend the hinge and then remove the pins.
Find the sticking points first, and then decide what to do. If the door rubs against the top or drags on the floor, you can draw the jamb in by inserting a long screw into the latch side of the hinge (the side that connects to the strike plate) and countersinking it. This will make the gap bit larger and usually solves the problem.
This can also resolve the issue. A more drastic solution is to remove the hinge pins, then hammer them to make them more spread apart and then replace them. However it's not recommended as it can cause damage to the hinge and should only be done if the door isn't shut correctly.
Another issue that could be a problem is a screw that won't tighten, which could be caused by a damaged screw hole or sagging doorframe. In this situation, insert an apron (or match) that has been dipped in carpenter's adhesive into the screw hole. Allow it to dry before you can reattach your hinge. This will fill the hole and reinforce the area so that the screw will be able to be held in place. Repeat as needed for any remaining screw holes that don't tighten. Close the door and test to determine if it is shut properly. If the problem persists it may be necessary to tackle the issue again. It's best to start with the simplest fixes first and only do more involved repairs when necessary.
Change the Hinges
If the gap between the door and jamb is too large (a condition referred to as toe-in), shimming the hinges can help the door hang straight. This can be accomplished by placing a small wedge of wood or cardboard 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 hinge leaf away from the door frame, closing the gap and eliminate the bind that caused the problem.
It's a tricky method however, with a bit of caution, you can accomplish it without damaging the door or hinge. Shimming is most effective if the screws already in place are removed from each hinge first (Knowledge: How to Remove the Pin from a Door Hinge). This could mean removing the door off its hinges in order to avoid unscrewing them.
You'll have to open and close the door a number of times after the hinges have been moved to ensure that they're functioning properly. If the door is still binding, you can add more shims until the gaps between the hinge and the door as well as the hinge and the door are sealed.
You can also fix the hinge that is binding by expanding the size of the mortise. This is done by removing the hole with a chisel, and then filling it with wood putty. Make sure you paint and sand the putty before you use it on the hinge so that it matches the frame's rest. This isn't as precise as shimming but it's a quick fix for a hinge that is out of alignment. It's less destructive than rehanging the door.
Draw in the Jamb
If your door remains stuck after tightening hinges and shimming it the jamb might be out of alignment. This can be fixed by gently tapping wooden shims between the jamb and wall on the latch side of the frame to bring it back to level. The shims are measured using a carpenter's square, then move them around the frame to ensure that they are in line.
After you have shimmied the door frame, you can tighten the screws that secure the strikeplate to the latch side to stop it from scratching against the latch. You can use either the manual Phillips screwdriver or a drill for this, based on the extent of the damage.
Sometimes, nicks, dents and gouges within the frame could cause it to become a binder against the door. If it's only tiny scratches, you can smooth the surface using 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 larger, you may have to replace the damaged part of the jamb.
If your door is still stuck after filling, sanding and refining the frame, it may be time to get rid of the entire door and start over. It's best if you can afford to purchase new components and do it right, but sometimes you'll be able to save the door by working on tiny portions of the frame, without completely eliminating it. Be cautious not to compromise the integrity 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 used to hold the door in its closed position by catching the bolt of the door. In time the strike plate may become unbalanced. If the latch can't seat into the strike plate it will not stay closed, which can result in burglaries and door kick-ins. To fix this issue, tighten the screws that hold the strike plate. If this doesn't work then you can try shimming or adding wood fill to the hinges.
Apply a stripe of lipstick or other marking substance on the latch prior to adjusting strike plate. Close the door and open it. If the lipstick marks suggest that the latch is positioned above or below the hole of the strike plate, the issue could be with the hinges.
If the marks show that the latch is sitting too low or high in the strike plate hole then you can use a small piece of cardboard to fit the hinge mortise. Replace the hinge. This is often a way to fix the issue caused by sunken hinges and makes it easier to make a professional-looking repair.
To adjust the strike plate, remove it from the jamb of the door and then use a file to enlarge the hole in the jamb where the strike plate will go. A half-round file is the best since it matches the curve of the hole to accommodate the strike plate. Reinstall the strike plate close the door and see if the latch is now clearing the strike plate hole in a proper manner. If the latch still isn't able to clear the hole, use the chisel on the jamb to alter its shape where the strike plate meets the jamb.