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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 easily fixed in the event that the work is done by you. Sometimes, a task cannot be accomplished without assistance.

The most common cause of sticking doors is that the hinges must be tightened or moved. If the issue persists, you may have to plane or sand the latch side of your door.

Inspect the Door

As the weather gets cooler homeowners take this time to clean the yard and inspect their doors. The annual inspection should look for damage, and also highlight any areas which aren't working as they should.

Look for rust and corrosion on door hardware like hinges, as well as on the frame. Look for broken or damaged weather stripping. This keeps drafts out of your home and also prevents air leaks that could make a home less efficient in energy use.

Be aware of any doors that are stuck, particularly in the aftermath of a strong wind. A stickier door is harder to open and close, which increases wear every time it's used and can lead to more expensive repairs down the road. This type of problem can be caused by swollen wood, which happens when humidity alters the amount of moisture in the wood of the door. A hygrometer test could be used to determine the source of this issue.

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

It's important to check the door for cosmetic damages. While minor scratches and dents are expected in time, any major damage that was not present prior to the repair should be addressed as soon as possible.

It is possible to repair a significant door crack. However cracks in wood should be filled in and painted as quickly as possible to avoid further problems. To ensure structural integrity any wood that is rotting must be replaced. It is recommended to speak with an expert in door systems when you notice significant structural issues. They can assess the damage and make any necessary repairs.

Close the Hinges

It is common for hinge screws on doors to work themselves loose over time however if you leave them for too long, they could damage the hinge and cause the holes for screws to be stripped. The screws can be tightened manually or with the aid of a power drill. Be cautious not to bend the hinge and remove the pins.

The first step is to locate the points of friction and decide how to proceed. If the door rubs against the top or drags, you could countersink a long screw into the hinge's latch side (the side that is connected to the strike plate). This will increase the gap and will usually resolve the problem.

The most drastic option is to simply remove the hinge pins and hammer them out until they're more spread apart and will solve the issue. This is not recommended as it could cause damage to the hinge. It is only recommended to do this when the door isn't closing properly.

Another issue that could be a problem is a screw that doesn't tighten, which could be caused by a damaged screw hole or sagging doorframe. If this is the case, simply insert a wood plug or match dipped in carpenter's glue into the screw hole and allow it to set before reattaching the hinge. This will fill the hole and strengthen the area to allow the screw to be held in place. Repeat this procedure for any holes that do not tighten. Close the door and check to see if now it closes properly. If not, you'll have to keep trying to solve the problem. It is recommended to start with the most basic fixes first and only do more involved repairs when necessary.

Change the Hinges

If the gap between the jamb and door is too wide (a condition referred to as a toe-in), shimming the hinges can help the door hang straight. This can be done by placing a small bit of wood or cardboard under the hinge on the jamb side and adding one or more thin wooden shims between the hinge 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.

This technique can be a bit tricky however if you're careful you will be able to complete the task without damaging the hinge or door. Shimming is most effective when the screws that are in place are removed from each hinge first. (Knowledge How to Remove the Pin From a Door Hinge). This may require prying the door off its hinges in order to avoid unscrewing them.

You'll have to open and close the door several times after the hinges are moved to ensure that they're functioning properly. If the door continues to bind it, you can put on more shims until the gaps between the hinge and the door and between the hinge and the door are closed.

Another way to correct the hinge's binding is by making the mortise wider. This is done by scraping out the hole using the chisel, then filling it with wood putty. Be sure to polish and sand the putty prior to placing it on the hinge so that it matches the frame's other components. It's not as precise as shimming but it's a simple fix for a hinge that's out of alignment. It's less damaging than hanging the door again.

Draw in the Jamb

If your door continues to bind after closing the hinges and shimming, you may have a problem with the jamb being out of alignment. double glazed window repairs near me can be fixed by gently tapping on wooden shims at the latch side to the frame between the jambs and the wall. Make sure you measure the shims with the help of a carpenter's ruler and move them around the frame until it's level on both sides of the frame.

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

Sometimes, dents, gouges, and nicks in the frame will cause it to become stuck against the door. If it's just tiny scratches then you can smooth the surface using wood filler that matches the color of the trim around the door, and then sand it prior to staining or painting. If the dents are larger, you may have to replace the damaged part of the jamb.

If you've tried sanding, gluing, and filling and your door continues to bind, it's probably time to remove the door and begin to work on the frame from scratch. It's best when you're able to purchase new components and do it properly, but sometimes you can save the door by working on small sections of the frame without completely taking it off. Be cautious not to compromise the strength 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 keeps the door in the closed position by catching the door bolt. Over time, the strike plate can become unbalanced. If the latch is not able to fit into the strikeplate, it won't close, which can lead burglaries or door kick-ins. The easiest solution is to simply tighten the screws holding the strike plate. If this doesn't help, you can try shimming or adding wood filler to the hinges.

Apply a stripe of lipstick or other marking material on the latch prior to adjusting the strike plate. Close the door and open it. If the lipstick marks indicate that the latch is contacting above or below the strike plate's hole, it could be a problem with sagging hinges rather than the strike plate's location.

If the marks indicate that the latch is resting too low or high in the strike plate hole, use a small piece of cardboard to fit into the hinge mortise, and then replace the hinge. This will usually fix the issue if it's caused by sunken hinges. It also makes it easier to make an attractive repair.

To adjust the strike plate, remove it from the door jamb and then employ a file to widen the hole in the jamb where the strike plate will go. Half-round files are ideal since it conforms to the shape of the strike plate's hole. Close the door, then reinstall the strikeplate and check if the latch is now clearing the strikeplate hole properly. If the latch is still not clearing the hole, use a chisel to alter the shape of the jamb where it meets the strike plate.

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