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10 Tell-Tale Warning Signs You Should Know To Get A New Door Repair
How to Fix Common Door Repair Problems

Many door problems are easy to fix, especially if you can do the work yourself. But, sometimes a job isn't feasible without help.

A door that is stuck could be caused by the hinges not tight enough or too loose. If the problem continues, you might need to plane or sand the latch side of your door.

Check the door for damage.

Many homeowners clean their yards and check their doors when the weather cools. The annual inspection shouldn't just check for signs of damage but also uncover areas that aren't functioning as they should.

Check for corrosion and rust on door hardware like hinges, as well as on the frame. Also, look for damaged or damaged weather stripping. upvc window repairs will keep drafts from entering the home and prevent air leaks that can reduce the efficiency of a home's energy usage.

Be aware of any doors that are stuck, especially after a storm. A door that is stuck is more difficult to open and close, which increases wear each time it's used and could result in higher repair costs later on. This kind of issue could be caused by swollen wood, which occurs when humidity alters the moisture content of the door's wood. A hygrometer test can be used to identify the cause of this issue.

If your door is becoming swollen, you can tighten the hinge screws with the help of a screwdriver. If the issue persists then you may try to shimm the hinges or replace them altogether.

It's important to check the door for cosmetic damage. While minor dents and scratches are common over time, any significant damage that was not present prior to repair should be done immediately.

While it's possible to repair the door that has a significant crack, all cracks in the wood should be filled and painted as soon as possible to avoid any further issues. Any wood rot needs to be repaired to ensure the strength of the structure. If you discover significant structural issues with doors, it's recommended to call an experienced door systems technician to evaluate and repair any necessary damage.

Close the Hinges

It's normal for hinge screws on doors to loosen up over time however if you leave them too long it can cause damage to the hinge, and the screw holes to become stripped. You can tighten the screws manually or with a drill, however, be cautious not to bend the hinge and be sure to take out the pins as well.

Find the points of friction first, and then decide what you'll do. If the door rubs on the top or drags, you could countersink a long screw into the latch side of the hinge (the side attached to the strike plate). This will widen the gap, and in most cases, solve the problem.

The most drastic option is to simply remove the hinge pins and hammer them out to make them more evenly spaced and will solve the issue. This is not recommended since it could damage the hinge. It should only be done when the door does not close properly.

Another issue that could be a problem is a screw that does not tighten, which can result from a sagging screw hole or a sagging doorframe. If this is the case, simply insert a wood plug or match that has been soaked in carpenter's glue into the screw hole and allow it to set before reattaching the hinge. This will fill the hole and make it stronger so that the screw will be able to grab hold. Repeat this process for any remaining holes that do not tighten. Close the door and check to see if it now shuts correctly. If not, you may have to keep trying to solve the problem. It is recommended to start with the easiest fixes first, and then do more complicated repairs if necessary.


Shim the Hinges

When the gap between the jamb and the door is too large (a condition referred to as toe-in) shifting the hinges can help the door hang straight. This can be accomplished by placing a small wedge of wood or cardboard under the hinge on the jamb side, and then adding one or more thin, wooden shims between the hinge and the frame of the door. The shims will pull the hinge leaf away from the door frame closing the gap and getting rid of the bind that created the problem.

This method can be tricky however, if you're cautious you can get the job done without causing damage to the hinge or the door. 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 remove the door of its hinges in order to stop the screws from slipping out.

You'll need to open and close the door several times after the hinges have been shifted to ensure they're functioning properly. If the door still binds it, you can put on more shims until the gaps between the hinge and the door as well as the hinge and the door are closed.

Another way to correct a binding hinge is by making the mortise larger, which can be done by scraping out the hole using an axe and then filling it up with wood putty. Be sure to sand and paint 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 a hinge that is out of alignment. It's less damaging than hanging the door from the ceiling.

Draw in the Jamb

If your door still binds after tightening the hinges and shifting it, there could be an issue with the jamb being out of line. This can be fixed by gently tapping wooden shims between the jamb and the wall at the latch side the frame to get it back to level. Be sure to measure the shims with a carpenter's square before moving them around the frame until it's plumb on both sides of the frame.

After you've shimmed your door frame and tightened the screws that secure the strike plate to the frame's latch side to stop it from scraping against the latch. You can either use the manual Phillips screwdriver, or a drill, depending on the severity of the damage.

Sometimes, dents, gouges and nicks within the frame can cause it to stick against the door. If it's only a few minor scratches, you can smooth the surface with wood filler that is the same color as the trim around the door and then sand it down before painting or staining. If you have more serious dents or gouges, you may need to replace the damaged part of the jamb.

If your door continues to bind after you've tried filling, sanding, or re-sanding the frame, it may be time to take down the entire door and start over. If you're able to afford it, you should replace the components and do it right. However, you may be able save the door by working on small pieces of the frame without removing the whole thing. Just be careful not to undermine the strength of the rest of the frame, especially when you're dealing with older wood that's been exposed to humidity over time.

Adjust the Strike Plate

The strike plate holds the door in the closed position by locking the door bolt. Over time the strike plate could become unbalanced. If the latch cannot seat into the strikeplate, it won't close, which can result in burglaries and door kick ins. An easy fix is to simply tighten the screws that support the strike plate. If this doesn't work then you can try shredding or adding wood filler to the hinges.

Before adjusting the strike plate apply a thin strip of lipstick or another marking substance to the latch. Close the door and open it. If the lipstick marks show that the latch is touching above or below the strike plate hole, it may be a problem with sagging hinges, rather than the strike plate's position.

If the marks indicate that the latch is too low or high in the strike plate hole, you can use small pieces of cardboard that fits into the hinge mortise and then replace the hinge. This will often fix the problem, if it's caused by the sunken or recessed hinges. It will also make it easier to make an attractive repair.

To alter the strikeplate's position, remove it from the jamb on your door. Then use a file to make the hole in which the strikeplate is intended to be. A half-round file is ideal since it conforms to the curve of the strike plate hole. Install the strike plate, close the door and see if the latch is now clearing the strike plate hole properly. If the latch is still not clearing the hole then use a chisel reshape the area of the jamb where it is in contact with the strike plate.

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