How to Fix Common Door Repair Problems
Many issues with doors can be easily fixed in the event that the work is performed by you. Sometimes, a project isn't possible without help.
A door that is stuck can be due to the hinges being too tight or loose. If the issue persists then you might need to plane or sand down the latch side of the door.
Inspect the Door
Many homeowners clean up their yards and check their doors as the weather gets cooler. This once-a-year inspection should not only check for signs of damage but also identify areas that aren't performing as they should.
Check for rust or corrosion on door hardware, like hinges, as well as on the frame. Examine for broken or damaged weather stripping. This helps keep drafts out of the house and stops air leaks that can cause a home to become less efficient in energy use.
Be aware of any doors that are stuck, particularly after a strong wind. A door that is more difficult to open or close will wear faster and cost more to repair. This problem can be caused when the wood of the door gets more swollen as a result of humidity. A hygrometer test could be used to determine the cause of this problem.
If your door is swelling or swollen, you can make use of a screwdriver to tighten the hinge screws. If the problem persists then you may try shimming the hinges or replace them altogether.
It's crucial to inspect the door for cosmetic damages. While minor dents and scratches are expected in time, any major damage that wasn't there prior to the repair should be addressed immediately.
It is possible to repair a significant door crack. However all wood cracks must be filled in and painted as soon as is possible to avoid recurring issues. To ensure the integrity of the structure wood rot, it has to be replaced. It is best to contact an expert in door systems when you spot structural issues that are significant. They can evaluate the damage and make any needed repairs.
Close the Hinges
It's common for screws on door hinges to loosen as time passes however if you leave them in place for too long, it could cause damage to the hinge, and the holes for screws to be stripped. You can tighten the screws by hand or using a drill but be cautious not to bend the hinge and make sure you remove the pins as well.
The first step is to locate the points of friction and decide what to do next. If the door rubs on the top or drags, you could countersink a long screw into the latch side of hinge (the side attached to the strike plate). This will increase the gap and will usually resolve the problem.
This will also solve the issue. The most drastic solution is to take off the hinge pins, hammer them until they are separated, and then replace them. This is not recommended since it could cause damage to the hinge. It should only be done when the door does not close properly.
A damaged screw hole or a door frame that is sagging could cause a screw to not tighten. 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 the area so that the screw can be held in place. Repeat as necessary to fill any remaining screw holes that don't tighten. Close the door and check to see if now it is shut properly. If the problem persists then you might need to continue troubleshooting. Begin with the simplest solutions and then make more complex repairs if necessary.
Change the Hinges
When the gap between the jamb and the door is too wide (a condition known as toe-in) Shimming the hinges can help the door hang straight. This can be accomplished by placing a small piece of wood or cardboard 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 away from the door frame and close the gap, eliminating the bind.
It's a tricky method however, with a bit of caution, you can accomplish it without damaging the hinge or door. Shimming is most effective if the existing screws 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.
Once the hinges have been shifted and the door is closed, you'll have to close and open the door several times to make sure that they're working properly. If the door still sticks then you can use shims to seal the gaps between the hinge and the door.
You can also fix the binding hinge of a door by expanding the size of the mortise. This is accomplished by scraping the hole with a chisel then filling it with wood putty. Make sure you sand and paint the putty before putting it on the hinge to match the rest of the frame. This is not as accurate as shimming, but it's a simple fix for hinges that are out of alignment. It's less damaging than hanging the door from the ceiling.
Draw in the Jamb
If your door still binds after closing the hinges and double glazing window repairs shimming it, there could be an issue with the jamb being out of line. This can be resolved by tapping gently on wooden shims on the latch's side to the frame between the jambs and the wall. Be sure to take measurements of the shims using a carpenter's square and move them around the frame until it's level on both sides of the frame.
Once you've shimmed the door frame and tightened the screws that secure the strike plate on the latch side of the frame to prevent it from scraping against the latch. You can make use of an manual Phillips screwdriver or a drill, based on the severity of damage.
Sometimes, gouges, dents, and nicks in the frame can cause it to stick to the door. If it's just tiny dents then you can smooth the surface with wood filler that is the same color as the trim around the door and then sand it prior to staining or painting. For more severe dents and gouges, you may need to replace the damaged part of the jamb.
If your door is still stuck after filling, sanding and re-sanding the frame, it could be time to remove the entire door and start over. It's best if you can afford to purchase new parts and do it correctly, but sometimes you can save the door by working on small parts of the frame without completely eliminating it. Be cautious not to compromise the structural integrity of the frame especially if you're working with wood that has been exposed to moisture over time.
Adjust the Strike Plate
The strike plate catches the door bolt and holds the door in the closed position. Over time the strike plate could be unbalanced. If the latch cannot seat into the strikeplate, it won't close, which can lead burglaries and door kick ins. The easiest solution is to simply tighten the screws that hold the strike plate. If this doesn't work you, try shredding or adding wood fill to the hinges.
Apply a thin strip of lipstick or another marking substance to the latch prior to adjusting strike plate. Close the door, and then open it. If the lipstick marks reveal that the latch is touching between the strike plate's hole, it could be a problem with hinges that are sagging, not the strike plate's location.
If the marks indicate that the latch is too high or low in the strike plate hole, then use small pieces of cardboard to insert into the hinge mortise, and then replace the hinge. This is often a way to fix the issue caused by sunken hinges. It also allows for a professional-looking repair.
To adjust the strikeplate, remove it from the jamb on your door. Then use a file to make the hole where the strikeplate is supposed to go. A half-round file is the best choice because it is in line with the shape of the strike plate's hole. Reinstall the strike plate, close the door and see if the latch is now able to clear the strike plate hole in a proper manner. If the latch is not clearing the hole, use a chisel to reshape the area of the jamb where it faces the strike plate.