This Week's Most Remarkable Stories Concerning Door Repair
How to Fix Common Door Repair Problems
Many door issues are easily fixed particularly if the work is done by you. Sometimes, a task isn't possible without help.
A door that is stuck can be caused by hinges being too tight or loose. If the issue persists, you may have to plane or sand the latch side of your door.
Check the Door
Many homeowners clean up their yards and check their doors as the weather cools. This once-a-year inspection should not only check for signs of damage, but also reveal any areas that aren't performing as they should.
Check for corrosion or rust on door hardware, like hinges, and 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 a home's energy usage.
Be aware of any doors that are sticking, 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 result in more expensive repairs later on. This kind of issue can be caused by swollen wood that occurs when humidity changes the moisture content of the door's wood. A simple test with the aid of a hygrometer will help determine the root of the problem.
If your door is swelling, you can tighten the hinge screws using the help of a screwdriver. If the issue persists then you should try to shimm the hinges or replace them all.
It's also important to check the door for any damage that appears to be cosmetic. While minor dents and scratches are normal in time, any major damage that wasn't there prior to the repair should be addressed as soon as possible.
It is possible to repair a major door crack. However all wood cracks must be filled in and painted as quickly as possible to avoid any further issues. To ensure the structural integrity of your home wood rot, it should be replaced. It is best to contact an expert in door systems if you find significant structural issues. They will assess the damage and make any needed repairs.
Close the Hinges
It's common for hinge screws on doors to loosen up over time however if you leave them too long it can cause damage to the hinge, and the screw holes to become stripped. The screws can be tightened manually or with the aid of a power drill. Be careful not to bend the door hinge and take out the pins.
Locate the sticking points first, and then decide what you'll do. If the door rubs near the top or drags onto the floor it is possible to 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 increase the gap and will usually resolve the problem.
This will also solve the issue. A more drastic solution is to take off the hinge pins, then hammer them until they are dispersed, and then replace them. However, this isn't recommended since it could damage the hinge and should only be done when the door isn't shut correctly.
A hole that is stripped of screws or a door frame that is sagging, can also cause the screw to loosen. If this is the case, simply insert a wood plug or match dipped in carpenter's glue into the screw hole and let it to set before reattaching the hinge. This will fill the hole and strengthen it so that the screw will be able to grab hold. Repeat as necessary for any screw holes that won't tighten. Then close the door and test to see whether it is now shut properly. If the issue continues then you might need to keep attempting to solve the issue. Start with the easiest fixes and only perform more complex repairs when needed.
Shim the Hinges
Shimming hinges can be used 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). It is possible to do this by placing a small amount of wood or cardboard on the jamb-side hinge, and then adding two or three wooden shims that are placed between the hinges and the door frame. The shims will push the hinge leaf away from the frame to close the gap, getting rid of the bind that created the issue.
It's not an easy process however with a little attention, you can complete it without causing harm to the hinge or door. Shimming is most effective if the screws that are 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 keep them from slipping off.
You'll need to open and close the door a number of times after the hinges have been shifted to ensure they are working properly. If the door still binds, you can add more shims until the gaps between the hinge and the door and between the hinge and the door are sealed.
Another way to fix a binding hinge is by making the mortise bigger. double glazing window repair can be done by removing the hole using an axe and then filling it in with wood putty. Make sure to paint and sand the putty before you use it on the hinge so that it matches the frame's other components. It's not as accurate as shifting, but it's a quick fix for a hinge that isn't aligned. It's less damaging than hanging the door from the ceiling.
Draw in the Jamb
If your door is still bound after tightening the hinges and shifting it, there could be an issue with the jamb not being of alignment. This can be fixed by gently tapping wooden shims between the jamb and the wall on the latch side of the frame in order 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 that they are in line.
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 it's just tiny dents then you can smooth the surface using wood filler that matches the color of the trim around the door and then sand it down before painting or staining. If the dents are more extensive, you may have to replace the damaged section of the jamb.
If you've tried sanding and filling your door and it continues to get stuck, it's time to get rid of the door and begin to work on the frame from scratch. If you're able to afford it, it's recommended to replace the parts and do it correctly. However, you might be able to save the door by working on small sections of frame without having to remove the whole thing. Be careful not to compromise the strength of the rest of the frame, especially when you're dealing with older wood that has been subjected to humidity over time.
Adjust the Strike Plate
The strike plate keeps the door in its closed position by locking the door bolt. The movement and setting of a door over time can cause the strike plate to misalign with the latch. If the latch cannot seat into the strikeplate, it won't close, which can lead burglaries and door kick ins. To remedy this, tighten the screws that are holding the strike plate. If this doesn't work, changing the hinges' angle or adding wood fill could aid.
Apply a strip of lipstick or other marking material on the latch prior to adjusting strike plate. Close the door, then open it. If the lipstick marks indicate that the latch is located above or below the the strike plate, the problem could be with the hinges.
If the marks indicate that the latch is resting too low or high in the strike plate hole, use small pieces of cardboard to fit into the hinge mortise, and then replace the hinge. This will often fix the problem, in the event that it's caused by sunken or hinges that are recessed or sunken. It can also make it easier to make repairs that look professional.
To adjust the strike plate, take it from the jamb on the door and then make use of a file to increase the hole in the jamb that the strike plate goes. A half-round filing is ideal because it is in line with the shape of the hole for the strike plate. Close the door, reinstall the strikeplate, and then check that the latch is now clearing the strike plate hole correctly. 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.