How to Fix Common Door Repair Problems
Many door problems are easily fixed in the event that the work is completed by you. However, there are times when a task isn't feasible without help.
A door that is stuck could be due to the hinges not tight enough or too loose. If the issue persists it is possible to sand or plane the latch side of the door.
Check the Door
Many homeowners clean out their yards and inspect their doors as the weather cools. This annual inspection should look for damage, and also highlight any areas that aren't performing as they should.
Find corrosion and rust on door hardware like hinges, as well as on the frame. Examine for broken or damaged weather stripping. This will stop drafts from entering the house and prevent air leaks that can affect the efficiency of your home's energy consumption.
Also note whether any doors are sticking, particularly following a wind storm. A door that is more difficult to open or close will wear faster and will cost more to fix. This type of problem can be caused by swollen wood, which happens when humidity changes the moisture content in the wood of the door. A hygrometer test is used to determine the source of this problem.
If your door is swollen you can tighten the hinge screws with a screwdriver. If the problem continues, you can try shimming the hinges or replacing them.
It's also important to check the door for any damage that appears to be cosmetic. While minor dents and scratches are normal, any damage that was not present before must be fixed.
Although it's sometimes possible to repair the door that has large cracks, any cracks in the wood should be filled in and painted as soon as it is possible to avoid further issues. To ensure the structural integrity of your home any wood that is rotting has to be replaced. It is recommended to speak with a door systems technician if you spot structural issues that are significant. They will examine the damage and make any needed repairs.
Tighten window repair near me is common for screws on door hinges to work themselves loose over time However, if you let them in place for too long, it could cause damage to the hinge, and the screw holes to become stripped. The screws can be tightened by hand or using a power drill. Be cautious not to bend the hinge and remove the pins.
Find the sticking points first and then decide what you'll do. If the door rubs close to 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 is attached to the strike plate) and countersinking it. This will make the gap bit larger and usually solves the problem.
A more drastic approach is to simply take out the hinge pins and then hammer them out to make them more evenly spaced, which will also solve the problem. This isn't recommended as it could cause damage to the hinge. It should only be done when the door does not close properly.
Another possible issue is a screw that won't close, which could be caused by a stripped screw hole or a sagging doorframe. If this is the case, simply insert a wood block or match dipped 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 this procedure for any remaining holes that do not tighten. Close the door and check to determine if it closes properly. If the issue continues it may be necessary to keep attempting to solve the issue. Start with the most basic fixes and only perform more complex repairs when needed.
Shim the Hinges
When the gap between the jamb and door is too large (a condition referred to as toe-in), shimming the hinges can aid in ensuring that the door is straight. This can be done by placing a small amount of cardboard or wood on the hinge that is jamb-side, and then adding one or two thin wooden shims between the hinges and the door frame. The shims pull the hinge leaf from the door frame and close the gap, eliminating the binding.
It's not an easy process however, with a bit of caution, you can accomplish it without causing harm to the door or hinge. It is best to remove the screws from each hinge prior to shimming (Knowledge - How to remove the Pin from a Door Hinge). It might be necessary to pry the door off of its hinges to stop the screws from slipping out.
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 continues to bind you can increase the shims until the gaps between the hinge and the door as well as the hinge and the door are closed.
You can also fix the binding hinge of a door by increasing the size of the mortise. This is accomplished by scraping the hole using a chisel and then filling it with wood putty. Make sure you paint and sand the putty before putting it on the hinge to match the frame's rest. This isn't as precise as shimming, but it's an easy fix for hinges that are out of alignment. It's also less destructive than attempting to rehang the door.
Draw in the Jamb
If your door still binds after tightening the hinges and shifting the hinges, you could have a problem with the jamb being out of alignment. This can be resolved by tapping gently on wooden shims on the latch's side to the frame between the jambs and the wall. Make sure you measure the shims with a carpenter's square before moving them around the frame until they are level on both sides of the frame.
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 prevent it from scraping against the latch. You can use an manual Phillips screwdriver, or a drill, depending on the extent of the damage.
Sometimes, gouges, dents, and nicks in the frame cause it to stick against the door. If there are just a few minor scratches on the frame you can fill in the area using wood filler that matches trim around the door. Sand it down, then paint or stain it. If the dents are larger, you may have to replace the damaged part of the jamb.
If your door still binds after you've tried filling, sanding, and re-sanding the frame, it could be time to take down the entire door and start over. If you're able to afford it, it's best to replace the parts and do it correctly. However, you might be able save the door if you work on small pieces of the frame without removing the whole thing. Be cautious not to compromise the strength of the frame, especially if you're dealing with older wood which has been exposed to moisture over time.
Adjust the Strike Plate
The strike plate holds the door in the closed position by engaging the bolt of the door. As time passes, the strike plate can become disaligned. If the latch does not fit into the strikeplate, it won't close, which can lead burglaries and door kick ins. To fix this, tighten the screws holding the strike plate. If this doesn't work you, try shredding or adding wood filler to the hinges.
Apply a strip of lipstick or other marking substance to the latch before adjusting the strike plate. Close the door and open it. If the lipstick marks suggest that the latch is located above or below the the strike plate, the issue could be related to the hinges.
If the marks indicate that the latch is resting too low or high in the strike plate hole, use a small piece of cardboard to fit into the mortise of the hinge and then replace the hinge. This will often fix the issue, particularly in the event that it's caused by the sunken or receding hinges. It will also make it easier to do repairs that look professional.
To alter the strikeplate's position, remove it from the jamb on your door. Then use a file to make the hole where the strikeplate is meant to be. A half-round file is the best since it matches the curve of the hole for the strike plate. Close the door, install the strikeplate and check if the latch is now clearing the strike plate hole in a proper manner. If the latch is not clearing the hole using a chisel, reshape the area of the jamb where it is in contact with the strike plate.