Notes

5 Killer Qora's Answers To Door Repair
How to Fix Common Door Repair Problems

Many door issues are easy to fix, especially when you are able to do the work yourself. However, there are times when a task can't be completed without assistance.

Often, the cause of a sticking door is simply that the hinges have to be re-tightened or moved. If the issue continues, you may need to plane or sand down the latch side of the door.

Check the Door

Many homeowners clean up their yards and inspect their doors as the weather gets cooler. This once-a-year inspection should not only be a lookout for signs of damage, but also uncover areas that aren't performing as they should.

Look for rust and corrosion on door hardware such as hinges, as well as on the frame. Check for damaged or broken weather stripping. This will keep drafts from entering the house and prevent air leaks that can reduce the efficiency of a home's energy usage.

Also note whether any doors are sticking, especially after a wind event. A door that is sticking is more difficult to open and close, which causes wear every time it's used and can lead to more expensive repairs down the road. This problem can be caused when the wood of the door gets swollen due to humidity. A hygrometer test can be used to identify the cause of this issue.

If your door is becoming swollen or swollen, you can make use of a screwdriver to tighten the hinge screws. If the problem continues then you should try shimming the hinges or replace them all.

It's also important that you check the door for cosmetic damage. While minor scratches and dents are to be expected however any damage that wasn't present before must be fixed.

While it's possible to repair the door that has a large crack, any cracks in the wood should be filled and painted as soon as it is possible to prevent further problems. Any wood rot should be replaced as well to ensure the strength of the structure. If you find significant structural issues with the door, it's recommended to call a trained door systems technician to examine and repair any damage that is required.

Close the Hinges

Door hinge screws can loosen over time. If you leave them unattended they may cause damage to the hinge or strip the screws' holes. You can tighten these screws by hand or using a drill however, be cautious not to bend the hinge, and be sure to remove the pins too.

Find the sticking points first and then decide what you'll do. If the door rubs against the top or drags, you can countersink a long screw onto the latch side of the hinge (the side that is connected to the strike plate). This will make the gap little larger and often solves the issue.

This will also solve the issue. The most drastic solution is to remove the hinge pins, then hammer them so they are more dispersed, and then replace them. This isn't recommended as it can damage the hinge. It should only be done when the door doesn't close properly.

Another possibility is a screw that won't close, which could result from a sagging screw hole or a sagging doorframe. In this case, insert the wood plug (or match) coated with carpenter's glue into the screw hole. Let it dry before reattaching your hinge. This will fill the hole and reinforce the area to allow the screw to grip. Repeat this procedure for any remaining holes that will not tighten. Close the door, and test to see whether it is now shut correctly. If the issue continues, you may have to tackle the issue again. It's best to start with the easiest fixes first and only do more complex repairs if needed.

Shim the Hinges


If the gap between the door and jamb is too wide (a condition referred to as a toe-in), shimming the hinges can aid in ensuring that the door is straight. This can be done by placing a small bit of cardboard or wood under the hinge on the jamb side, and then adding one or more thin, wooden shims between the hinge and the door frame. The shims will push the hinge leaf away from the door frame and close the gap, removing the binding.

This technique can be a bit tricky however if you're careful you can get the job done without damaging the hinge or door. Shimming is most effective if the screws already in place 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 avoid unscrewing them.

After the hinges have been moved then you'll need to shut and open the door several times to ensure that they're working properly. If the door still sticks then you can use shims to fill in the gaps between the hinge and door.

You can also fix the binding hinge of a door by increasing the size of the mortise. This is accomplished by scraping the hole with a chisel then filling it with wood putty. To be able to match the frame's rest make sure to sand the putty, then paint it prior to applying it to the hinge. It's not as precise as shimming but it's an easy fix for hinges that are out of alignment. It's less destructive than hanging the door again.

Draw in the Jamb

If your door still binds after tightening the hinges and shimming it, there could be a problem with the jamb being out of alignment. You can fix this by gently tapping wooden shims between the jamb and wall at the latch side of the frame in order to bring it back to level. The shims are measured using a carpenter's square, then move them around the frame to ensure that they are in line.

After repair double glazed windows have shimmied the door frame, you can tighten screws that hold the strikeplate on the latch side to stop it from scratching against the latch. You can employ either the manual Phillips screwdriver or a drill to accomplish this, depending on the extent of the damage.

Sometimes, dents, gouges and nicks in the frame will cause it to stick to the door. If it's only small scratches and nicks, you can smooth out the surface using wood filler that is the same color as the trim around the door and then sand it down prior to staining or painting. If the dents are larger they may require you 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 may be time to get rid of the entire door and start over. If you can afford it, it's recommended to replace the parts and do it correctly. However, you may be able save the door by working on a small portion of the frame without having to remove the whole frame. Be sure not to damage the structural integrity of the frame particularly if you are dealing with old wood that has been exposed to moisture over the years.

Adjust the Strike Plate

The strike plate keeps the door in its closed position by engaging the door bolt. Over time the strike plate may become disaligned. If the latch cannot seat into the strikeplate, it won't close, which can lead burglaries and door kick ins. An easy fix is to simply tighten the screws that support the strike plate. If this doesn't help, you can try shifting or adding wood filler to the hinges.

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 suggest that the latch is touching above or below the hole of the strike plate, the issue could be with the hinges.

If the marks suggest that the latch is positioned too high or low in the strike plate's hole, you can use a small piece of cardboard to fit the hinge mortise. Replace the hinge. This will usually fix the issue caused by sunken hinges. It also makes it easier to make a professional repair.

To adjust the strike plate, take it from the jamb of the door 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 curvature of the hole for the strike plate. Close the door, reinstall the strikeplate, and then check that it is now able to clear the strike plate hole correctly. If the latch does not clear the hole, use the chisel on the jamb to alter its shape where the strike plate meets the jamb.

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