How to Fix Common Door Repair Problems
Many door issues can be fixed easily in the event that the work is completed by you. Sometimes a project just isn't possible without help.
The most common cause of a sticking door is simply that the hinges need to be tightened or moved. If the problem continues, you might need to plane 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 be a lookout for any damage and also reveal any areas that aren't functioning as they should.
Check for rust or corrosion on door hardware, like hinges, and on the frame. Check for damaged or broken weather stripping. This will stop drafts from entering the home and also stop air leaks that can reduce the efficiency of a home's energy usage.
Note whether any doors are stuck, especially after a storm. A door that is difficult to open or close will wear faster and cost more to repair. This issue can occur when the wood of the door is more swollen as a result of humidity. A hygrometer test is used to identify the cause of this problem.
If your door is swollen you can tighten the hinge screws with the help of a screwdriver. If the problem continues, you might try shimming the hinges or replacing them.
It's also important that you check the door for any damage that appears to be cosmetic. While minor dents and scratches are common over time, any serious damage that was not there prior to repair should be done as soon as possible.
It is possible to repair a significant door crack. However all wood cracks must be filled in and painted as fast as possible to avoid any further problems. To ensure structural integrity any wood that is rotting must be replaced. It is recommended to contact a door systems technician if you notice significant structural issues. They will evaluate the damage and make the necessary repairs.
Then tighten the Hinges
It's common for screws on door hinges to work themselves loose as time passes, but if you leave them too long it can cause damage to the hinge, and the holes in the screws to become stripped. You can tighten these screws by hand or using a drill but be careful not to bend the hinge and be sure to remove the pins as well.
First, find the points of friction and decide what to do next. If the door rubs at the top or drags, you can countersink a long screw onto the latch side of hinge (the side attached to the strike plate). This will increase the gap, and in most cases, solve the issue.
This will also solve the problem. The most 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 can cause damage to the hinge, and should only be done if the door isn't shut properly.
A damaged screw hole, or a sagging doorframe could also cause the screw to loosen. In this situation, insert a wood plug (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 strengthen it so that the screw can take hold. Repeat this procedure for any holes that will not tighten. Close the door and test to see if it closes properly. If the issue continues, you may have to continue troubleshooting. It is recommended to start with the simplest fixes first, and then do more complicated repairs if necessary.
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 large (a condition called toe-in). This can be done by placing a small bit of cardboard or wood under the hinge on the jamb side, then adding one or more thin, wooden shims between the hinge and the door frame. The shims push the hinge leaf from the door frame and close the gap, removing the binding.
It's a difficult process, but 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 before shifting (Knowledge - How to Remove the Pin from the Door Hinge). It might be necessary to remove the door of its hinges to stop the screws from slipping out.
After the hinges have been moved and the door is closed, you'll have to shut and open the door a few times to make sure that they're operating properly. If the door still sticks, you can add shims to close the gaps between the door and hinge.
You can also correct the binding hinge of a door by expanding the size of the mortise. This is accomplished by removing the hole with a chisel, and then filling it with wood putty. Make sure to paint and sand the putty prior to placing it on the hinge to match the frame's rest. This is not as accurate as shimming, but it's a quick fix for hinges that are out of alignment. It's less destructive 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 line. This can be fixed by gently tapping on wooden shims on the latch's side 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 make sure that they are in line.
After you have shimmed the door frame, you are able to tighten the screws that hold the strikeplate to the latch side, to keep it from rubbing against the latch. You can use a manual Phillips screwdriver, or a drill, depending on the severity of the damage.
Occasionally, dents, nicks and gouges in the frame may cause it to be bowed against the door. If there are just small scratches on the frame you can fill in the surface with a wood filler that matches the trim around the door. Sand repair timber windows down and then paint or stain it. If the dents are larger, you may have to replace the damaged part of the jamb.
If your door continues to bind after filling, sanding, or refining the frame, it may be time to remove the entire door and start over. It's best to do this in the event that you have the money to purchase new components and do it right however, sometimes you can save the door by working on small sections of the frame without completely taking it off. Be sure not to damage the 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 holds the door in its closed position by engaging the bolt that holds the door. As time passes the strike plate could become misaligned. If the latch can't seat into the strike plate it won't be able to remain closed, which can lead to burglaries and door kick-ins. To fix this, tighten the screws that hold the strike plate. If it doesn't work, then shifting the hinges or adding wood fill can help.
Apply a thin strip of lipstick or other marking substance to the latch prior to adjusting the strike plate. Close the door, and then open it. If the lipstick marks show that the latch is contacting between the strike plate's hole, it may be a problem with sagging hinges, rather than the strike plate's position.
If the marks indicate the latch is positioned too high or low in the strike plate hole, use a small piece cardboard to fit the mortise on the hinge. Replace the hinge. This can often correct the problem if it is caused by sunken hinges and makes it easier to make a professional repair.
To adjust the strikeplate, take it from your door jamb. Then use an appropriate file to mark the hole in which the strikeplate is intended to be. A half-round file is ideal because it matches the shape of the strike plate hole. Close the door, install the strikeplate, and then check that the latch now clears the strikeplate hole properly. If the latch is still not clearing the hole, use a chisel to shape the area of the jamb that faces the strike plate.