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How To Explain Door Repair To Your Grandparents
How to Fix Common Door Repair Problems

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

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

Check the door for damage.

Many homeowners clean up their yards and inspect their doors when the weather gets cooler. This annual inspection should look for damage, and also highlight any areas that aren't performing as they should.

Examine for corrosion or rust on door hardware, including hinges, and on the frame. Check for damaged or broken weather stripping. This helps keep drafts out of the house and also prevents air leaks, which can make a home less energy efficient.

Also note whether any doors are sticking, particularly after a wind event. A door that is more difficult to open or close will wear faster and will cost more to fix. This issue can arise by the fact that the wood of the door becomes more swollen as a result of humidity. A hygrometer test is used to determine the source of this issue.

If your door is swollen you can tighten the hinge screws with a screwdriver. If the problem continues, you might try shimming the hinges or replacing them.

It's important to check the door for cosmetic damages. While minor dents and scratches are to be expected however any damage that wasn't there before should be fixed.

It is possible to repair a significant door crack. However all wood cracks must be filled in and painted as fast as is possible to avoid recurring issues. To ensure the integrity of the structure, any wood rot has to be replaced. If you notice significant structural issues with doors, it's best to call in a trained door systems technician to evaluate and repair any necessary damage.

Close the Hinges

Door hinge screws can become loose over time. If you don't watch them, they may damage the hinge or damage the screw holes. The screws can be tightened by hand or with the aid of a power drill. Be cautious not to bend the hinge of your door and take out the pins.

First, locate the sticking points and determine how to proceed. If the door rubs against the top or drags onto the floor, you can draw in the jamb by using a long screw through the latch side of the hinge (the side that connects to the strike plate) and countersinking it. This will make the gap a little larger and often solves the issue.

This will also solve the issue. Another option is to take off the hinge pins, hammer them until they are separated, and then replace them. This isn't recommended as it can damage the hinge. It should only be done if the door doesn't close properly.

Another possible issue is a screw that does not close, which could be caused by a damaged screw hole or sagging doorframe. If this is the case, simply insert a wood block or match coated with carpenter's glue into the screw hole and let it to set before reattaching the hinge. This will fill the hole and reinforce the area so that the screw will be able to grip. Repeat this procedure for any holes that do not tighten. Close the door and check to see if now it shuts correctly. If the issue persists it may be necessary to keep attempting to solve the issue. It is best to begin with the most basic fixes first, and then do more complicated repairs if necessary.

Change the Hinges

Shimming hinges are a great option to help the door hang straight when the gap between the jamb and the door is too large (a condition known as toe-in). This can be done by placing a small bit of cardboard or wood under the hinge on the jamb side, then adding one or more thin, wooden shims between the hinge and the door frame. The shims will pull the hinge leaf away from the door frame, closing the gap and getting rid of the bind that created the issue.

This technique can be a bit tricky, but if you're careful you will be able to complete the task 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 the Door Hinge). It is possible to pull the door off of its hinges to prevent the screws from coming loose.

Once the hinges have been shifted, you'll need to shut and open the door several times to ensure that they're functioning correctly. If the door doesn't stay in place, you can add shims to fill in the gaps between the hinge and door.

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 match windows repairs near me make sure to sand the putty, then paint it prior to affixing it to the hinge. It's not as precise as shifting, but it's a quick fix for an out-of-alignment hinge. It's not as destructive as hanging the door again.

Draw in the Jamb

If your door is still stuck after closing hinges and shimming it, the jamb may be out of line. This can be fixed by gently tapping on wooden shims at the latch's side to the frame between the jambs and the wall. Take measurements of the shims with a carpenter’s square, and then move them around the frame to ensure that they are in line.

After you have shimmied the door frame, you are able to tighten the screws that secure the strikeplate on the latch side, to keep it from rubbing against the latch. You can use an manual Phillips screwdriver or drill, depending on the extent of the damage.

Sometimes, dents, gouges and nicks in the frame cause it to stick against the door. If there are only a few minor dents on the frame, you can fill in the area using wood filler that matches trim around the door. Sand it down and then paint or stain it. For deeper dents and gouges, it may be necessary to replace the damaged part of the jamb.

If your door is still stuck after you've tried filling, sanding and refining the frame, it may be time to remove the entire door and start over. It's best in the event that you have the money to buy new parts and do it correctly however, sometimes you'll be able to save the door by working on small sections of the frame without completely taking it off. Be careful not to compromise integrity of the frame, especially if you're working with older wood which has been exposed to moisture over the years.


Adjust the Strike Plate

The strike plate grabs the bolt that holds the door in the closed position. In time, the strike plate can be 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 tighten the screws that support the strike plate. If this doesn't help you, try shredding or adding wood filler to the hinges.

Before adjusting the strike plate, apply a strip of lipstick or a similar marking substance to the latch. Close the door, and then open it. If the lipstick marks indicate that the latch is touching between the strike plate's hole, it could be a problem with sagging hinges, rather than the strike plate's position.

If the marks indicate the latch is sitting too high or low in the strike plate hole then you can use a small piece of cardboard to fit into the hinge mortise. Replace the hinge. This can often correct the issue caused by sunken hinges. This makes it easier to make a professional-looking repair.

To adjust the strikeplate, take it from the jamb of your door. Then, use a file to make the hole where the strikeplate is meant to be. A half-round file is the best choice because it matches the shape of the strike plate's hole. Close the door, then reinstall the strikeplate and check if the latch is now clearing the strike plate hole correctly. If the latch is still not clearing the hole using a chisel, reshape the area of the jamb that is in contact with the strike plate.

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