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How to Fix Common Door Repair Problems
Many issues with doors can be fixed easily, especially if the work is completed by you. Sometimes, a project isn't possible without help.
A door that is stuck can be caused by the hinges not tight enough or too loose. If the problem continues, you might need to plane or sand the latch side of your door.
Check the door for damage.
As the temperature drops homeowners take this time to tidy up the yard and inspect their doors. This annual inspection should not only check for signs of damage, but also uncover areas that aren't working as they should.
Check for corrosion and rust on door hardware like hinges, and on the frame. Examine for broken or damaged weather stripping. This helps keep drafts out of your home and also prevents air leaks, which can make a home less efficient in energy use.
Check if any doors are stuck, especially after a storm. A door that is stuck is more difficult to open and close, which causes wear each time it's used and could lead to more expensive repairs in the future. This issue can arise when the wood used to construct the door gets more swollen as a result of humidity. A simple test using a hygrometer can help identify the cause of this problem.
If your door is swelling, you can tighten the hinge screws using the help of a screwdriver. If the problem persists you might try shimming the hinges or replacing them.
It is important to examine the door for cosmetic damage. While minor dents and scratches are common over time, any serious damage that wasn't there prior to the repair should be addressed immediately.
While it's possible to repair a door that has large cracks, any cracks in the wood should be filled and painted as soon as is possible to avoid any further issues. To ensure the integrity of the structure, any wood rot has to be replaced. It is recommended to contact an expert in door systems if you notice significant structural issues. 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 do not watch them, they may damage the hinge or strip the screws' holes. You can tighten the screws by hand or with a drill, but be careful not to bend the hinge, and make sure you remove the pins as well.
Locate the points of friction first, and then decide what you'll do. If the door rubs on the top or drags, you can countersink a long screw into the hinge's latch side (the side that is connected to the strike plate). This will make the gap bit larger and usually solves the problem.
The most drastic option is to simply take out the hinge pins and hammer them out to make them more evenly spaced, which will also solve the problem. This isn't recommended as it can damage the hinge. It should only be done if the door isn't closing properly.
Another possible issue is a screw that won't tighten, which could be caused by a damaged screw hole or a sliding doorframe. If this is the case, insert a wood plug or match that has been soaked in carpenter's glue into the screw hole and allow it to set before attaching the hinge. This will fill the hole and strengthen it so that the screw can take hold. Repeat as necessary for any remaining screw holes that aren't tight enough. Close the door and test to see if now it is shut properly. If the issue persists it may be necessary to continue troubleshooting. Start with the easiest 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 the door is too large (a condition called toe-in). This can be accomplished by placing a small piece 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 pull the hinge leaf away from the door frame and close the gap, eliminating the binding.
It's a tricky method, but with a little caution, you can accomplish it without causing damage to the door or hinge. Shimming is most effective when the screws that are in place are removed from each hinge first (Knowledge How to Remove the Pin from a Door Hinge). This could require prying the door off its hinges in order to keep them from slipping off.
You'll have to open and close the door a number of times after the hinges have been shifted to ensure that they are working properly. If the door still sticks, you can add shims to fill in the gaps between the door and hinge.
Another method to correct the binding hinge is by making the mortise bigger. This is done by scraping out the hole using the chisel, then filling it with wood putty. Be double glazed window repair to sand and paint the putty before putting it on the hinge to match the rest of the frame. This isn't as precise as shimming, but it's a quick fix for hinges that are out of alignment. It's also less damaging than trying to rehang the door.
Draw in the Jamb
If your door still sticks after the hinges have been pushed tight and shimming them, the jamb may be out of alignment. This can be resolved by gently tapping wooden shims that are located on the latch's edge to the frame between the jambs and the wall. Measure the shims using a carpenter’s square, and then move them around the frame to ensure that it is level.
After you've shimmied the door frame, you can tighten the screws that hold the strikeplate to the latch side, to keep it from rubbing against the latch. You can employ either the manual Phillips screwdriver or a drill for this, depending on the scope of the damage.
Sometimes, gouges, dents, and nicks in the frame cause it to become stuck against the door. If there are just small scratches on the frame you can fill in the holes using wood filler that matches trim around the door. Sand it down and then paint or stain it. If the dents are deeper they may require you to replace the damaged portion of the jamb.
If you've tried sanding, gluing, and filling and your door continues to bind, it's probably time to remove the door and start working on the frame from scratch. If you can afford it, it's best to replace the parts and do it properly. However, you might be able save the door by working on a small portion of the frame without taking away the entire thing. Be sure not to undermine the strength of the remainder of the frame, especially if you're working with wood that has been subjected to moisture over time.
Adjust the Strike Plate
The strike plate catches the bolt that holds the door in a closed position. Over time the strike plate may be disaligned. If the latch can't seat into the strike plate it won't remain closed, which could result in burglaries and door kick-ins. An easy fix is to simply tighten the screws holding the strike plate. If this doesn't help you, try shifting or adding wood filler to the hinges.
Before making adjustments to the strike plate, apply a thin strip of lipstick or other marking substance to the latch. Close the door and open it. If the lipstick marks indicate that the latch is touching above or below the hole of the strike plate, the issue could be with the hinges.
If the marks suggest that the latch is too high or low in the strike plate's hole, you can use a small piece of cardboard to fit into the mortise on the hinge. Replace the hinge. This will usually fix the issue caused by sunken hinges. This allows for an attractive repair.
To adjust the strikeplate, remove it from your door jamb. Then use a file to make the hole in which the strikeplate is intended to go. A half-round filing is ideal since it matches the curve of the hole to accommodate the strike plate. Install the strike plate close the door and see if the latch is now clearing the strike plate hole correctly. If the latch still cannot clear the hole then use the chisel on the jamb to alter its shape where the strike plate is positioned to meet the jamb.