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11 Ways To Completely Redesign Your Door Repair
How to Fix Common Door Repair Problems

Many door problems can be fixed easily, especially if the work is done by you. However, there are times when a task isn't feasible without help.

Often, the cause of a sticking door is simply that the hinges have to be re-tightened or moved. If the problem persists it is possible to sand or plane the latch side of the door.

Check the Door

As the weather gets cooler, many homeowners use this time to clean the yard and inspect their doors. This once-a-year inspection should not only check for signs of damage but also uncover areas that aren't working as they should.

Find corrosion and rust on door hardware, such as hinges, and on the frame. Examine for broken or damaged weather stripping. This helps keep drafts out of your home and prevents air leaks, which can make your home less efficient in energy use.

Be aware of any doors that are sticking, especially after a wind event. A door that is more difficult to open or close will wear faster and cost more to repair. This kind of issue can be caused by swollen or swollen wood which happens when humidity changes the moisture content of the door's wood. A hygrometer test is used to identify the cause of this problem.

If your door is becoming swollen, you can tighten the hinge screws using the help of a screwdriver. If the problem persists then you should try shimming the hinges or replace them all.

It's also important to examine the door for cosmetic damage. While minor dents and scratches are normal however any damage that wasn't present before must be repaired.

Although it's sometimes possible to repair doors that have a significant crack, all cracks in the wood should be filled and painted as soon as is possible to prevent further problems. To ensure the structural integrity of your home, any wood rot has to be replaced. If you discover structural issues that are significant to doors, it's best to call in a trained door systems technician to evaluate and repair any damage that is required.

Then tighten the Hinges

It is common for hinge screws on doors to work themselves loose as time passes However, if you let them too long it can cause damage to the hinge, and the holes for screws to be stripped. You can tighten the screws by hand or with a drill, but be cautious not to bend the hinge and make sure you take out the pins as well.

The first step is to locate the sticking points and decide how to proceed. If the door rubs close to the top or drags on the floor it is possible to draw in the jamb by inserting a long screw into the latch side of the hinge (the side that is attached to the strike plate) and countersinking it. This will make the gap bit larger and usually solves 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 dispersed, and then replace them. However, this isn't recommended since it could damage the hinge and should only be done if the door doesn't shut properly.

Another possibility is a screw that does not close, which could be caused by a stripped screw hole or a sagging doorframe. In this instance, place a wood plug (or match) that has been dipped in carpenter's adhesive in the screw hole. Allow it to dry before you can reattach your hinge. This will fill the hole and make it stronger so that the screw can take hold. Repeat this procedure for any remaining holes that will not tighten. Then close the door and check to see whether it has shut properly. If not, you might need to continue troubleshooting the issue. Start with the easiest fixes and only perform more complex repairs when needed.

Shim the Hinges

Shimming hinges can be used to help the door hang straight when the gap between the jamb and door frame is too wide (a condition called toe-in). It is possible to do this by placing a small piece of cardboard or wood on the jamb-side hinge, and then putting two or three wooden shims between the hinges and the frame of the door. The shims will push the hinge leaf away from the door frame and close the gap, removing the bind.

It's a difficult process, but with a little 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 the Door Hinge). This may require prying the door off its hinges to prevent them from coming loose.

You'll have to open and close the door a number of times after the hinges have been shifted to make sure they're functioning properly. If the door is still binding 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 sealed.

You can also correct a binding door hinge by expanding the size of the mortise. This is accomplished by scraping the hole with a chisel, and then filling it with wood putty. To be able to match the frame's rest, sand the putty and paint it prior to applying it to the hinge. It's not as precise as shmming, but it's a quick fix for an out-of-alignment hinge. It's also less harmful than trying to fix the door.

Draw in the Jamb

If your door is still stuck after the hinges have been pushed tight and shimming them the jamb might be out of alignment. You can fix this by gently tapping wooden shims between the jamb and wall at the latch side the frame in order to bring it back to level. The shims are measured using the carpenter's square and then move them around the frame to ensure it is plumb.

After you have shimmed the door frame you can tighten the screws that secure the strikeplate on the latch side to stop it from hitting the latch. You can employ either the manual Phillips screwdriver or a drill to accomplish this, depending on the scope of the damage.


Sometimes, gouges, dents and nicks within the frame will cause it to stick to the door. If there are just small dents on the frame, you can fill in the holes using wood filler that matches trim around the door. Sand it down and then paint or stain it. If the dents are more extensive they may require you to replace the damaged part of the jamb.

If you've tried sanding and filling but your door is still to bind, it's probably time to remove the door and begin working on the frame from scratch. If you're able to afford it, you should replace the parts and do it correctly. However, you may be able to save the door by working on small sections of frame without taking away the entire thing. Be sure not to damage the strength of the frame, particularly if you are dealing with old wood that has been exposed to moisture over time.

Adjust the Strike Plate

The strike plate keeps the door in its closed position by catching the door bolt. The movement and setting of doors over time could cause the strike plate to become misaligned with the latch. If the latch cannot seat into the strikeplate, it will not close, which can result in burglaries and door kick-ins. A quick fix for this is to tighten the screws holding the strike plate. If this doesn't work, you can try shredding or adding wood filler to the hinges.

Before making adjustments to the strike plate, apply a strip of lipstick or another marking substance to the latch. Close the door, and then open it. If the lipstick marks indicate that the latch is touching above or below the hole of the strike plate, the issue may be with the hinges.

If the marks indicate the latch is too high or low in the strike plate hole then take a small piece of cardboard to fit the hinge mortise. Replace the hinge. This will often fix the problem, when it's caused due to the sunken or hinges that are recessed or sunken. double glazed window repair can also make it easier to do repairs that look professional.

To adjust the strike plate, remove it from the jamb of the door and then employ a file to widen the hole in the jamb where the strike plate will go. A half-round file is the best since it matches the curve of the hole to accommodate the strike plate. Close the door, reinstall the strikeplate and verify that the latch is now clearing the strike plate hole in a proper manner. If the latch 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.

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