How to Fix Common Door Repair Problems
Many door issues can be easily fixed in the event that the work is performed by you. Sometimes, a task isn't feasible without help.
Most of the time, the reason for stuck doors is that the hinges need to be tightened or moved. If the issue persists it is possible to sand or plane the latch side of the door.
Inspect the Door
Many homeowners clean up their yards and inspect their doors when the weather gets cooler. The annual inspection should check for damage, and also highlight any areas that aren't functioning as they should.
Check for corrosion or rust on door hardware, like hinges, as well as on the frame. Examine for broken or damaged weather stripping. This will prevent drafts from entering the home and prevent air leaks that can affect a home's energy efficiency.
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 cost more to repair. This kind of issue could be caused by swollen wood, which happens when humidity alters the moisture content of the door's wood. A simple test using a hygrometer can help identify the cause of this problem.
If your door is swollen, then you can make use of a screwdriver to tighten the hinge screws. If the problem continues then you should try shimming the hinges or even replace them completely.
It is important to examine the door for cosmetic damage. While minor scratches and dents are common in time, any major damage that was not there prior to repair should be done as soon as is possible.
It is possible to repair a major door crack. However cracks in wood should be filled in and painted as quickly as is possible to avoid recurring problems. Any wood rot should be repaired to ensure the strength of the structure. It is best to contact an expert in door systems if you find significant structural issues. They will be able to assess the damage and make any needed repairs.
Close the Hinges
It's normal for door hinge screws to work themselves loose as time passes However, if you let them for too long, they could cause damage to the hinge and the holes in the screws to become stripped. These screws can be tightened manually or with the power drill. Be careful not to bend the hinge of your door and take out the pins.
Locate the sticking points first, and then decide what to do. If the door rubs at the top or drags, you can countersink a long screw onto the latch side of hinge (the side that is attached to the strike plate). This will increase the gap, and in most cases, solve the issue.
This will also solve the problem. A more drastic solution is to remove the hinge pins, then hammer them to make them more spread apart 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 properly.
A damaged screw hole, or a sagging doorframe, can also cause the screw to not tighten. If this is the case, insert a wood block or match dipped in carpenter's glue into the screw hole and let it to set before attaching the hinge. This will fill the hole and make it stronger so that the screw can take hold. Repeat as necessary for any remaining screw holes that won't tighten. Then close the door and check to see whether it has shut properly. If not, you'll be required to continue tackling the issue. It is recommended to start with the simplest fixes first and only do more involved repairs when necessary.
Shim the Hinges
If the gap between the jamb and door is too wide (a condition referred to as toe-in) Shimming the hinges can help the door hang straight. This can be done by placing a small piece of wood or cardboard on the jamb's side hinge and then putting two or three wooden shims between the hinges and the frame of the door. The shims push the hinge leaf from the door frame and close the gap, removing the bind.
It's a tricky method, but with a little attention, you can complete it without causing harm to the door or hinge. It is recommended to remove the screws from each hinge before shimming (Knowledge How to remove the pin from a Door Hinge). It may be necessary to remove the door of its hinges in order to prevent the screws from coming loose.
Once the hinges have been shifted and the door is closed, you'll have to close and open the door several times to ensure that they're working properly. If the door continues to bind you can increase the shims until the gaps between the hinge and the door and between the hinge and the door are shut.
You can also fix a binding door hinge by expanding the size of the mortise. This is done by scraping the hole with a chisel then filling it with wood putty. To make it look like the frame's other components, sand the putty and paint it prior to applying it to the hinge. This isn't as accurate as shimming but it's an easy fix for an out-of-alignment hinge. It's less damaging than hanging the door from the ceiling.
Draw in the Jamb
If your door is still stuck after closing hinges and shimming it, the jamb may be out of line. It is possible to fix this by gently tapping wooden shims between the jamb and wall at the latch side of the frame to get it back in line. The shims are measured using the 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 hold the strike plate to the latch side of the frame to prevent it from scraping against the latch. You can use either the manual Phillips screwdriver or a drill to do this, based on the severity of the damage.
Sometimes, nicks, dents and gouges within the frame could cause it to be bowed against the door. If it's just a few minor dents, 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 you glass window repair have more serious dents or gouges, you might need to replace the damaged section 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 begin again. If you're able to afford it, it's recommended to replace the components and do it properly. However, you may be able to save the door by working on small sections of frame without having to remove the whole thing. Be sure not to damage the integrity of the frame, especially if you're working with wood that has been exposed to moisture over the years.
Adjust the Strike Plate
The strike plate is able to catch the door bolt and holds the door in the closed position. Over time the strike plate may be disaligned. If the latch can't seat into the strike plate it will not stay closed, which can lead to burglaries and door kick-ins. To fix this, tighten the screws that hold the strike plate. If this doesn't help you, try shredding or adding wood filler to the hinges.
Apply a stripe of lipstick or any other marking substance to the latch prior to adjusting strike plate. Close the door, and then open it. If the lipstick marks suggest that the latch is positioned above or below the the strike plate, the problem could be with the hinges.
If the marks suggest that the latch is positioned too low or high in the strike plate hole, take a small piece of cardboard to fit the hinge mortise. Replace the hinge. This will often fix the issue, particularly when it's caused due to sunken or hinges that are recessed or sunken. It will also make it easier to create an attractive repair.
To adjust the strike plate, take it from the door jamb and then employ a file to widen the hole in the jamb where the strike plate is. A half-round filing is ideal, as it matches the shape of the hole for the strike plate. Close the door, then reinstall the strikeplate and verify that it is now able to clear the strikeplate hole properly. If the latch still does not clear the hole then use the chisel on the jamb to reshape it where the strike plate is positioned to meet the jamb.