Notes

10 Quick Tips About Door Repair
How to Fix Common Door Repair Problems

Many issues with doors can be fixed easily, especially if the work is completed by you. But, sometimes a job isn't doable without help.

Often, the cause of stuck doors is that the hinges must be re-tightened or moved. If the problem persists you might need to plane or sand the latch side of your door.

Inspect the Door

As the temperature drops homeowners take this time to clean the yard and inspect their doors. This once-a year inspection should check for damages and also identify any areas that aren't functioning as they should.

Examine for corrosion or rust on door hardware, such as hinges, and also on the frame. Similarly, check for broken or damaged weather stripping. This will keep drafts from entering the home and also stop air leaks that can affect a home's energy efficiency.

Be aware of any doors that are stuck, especially after a strong wind. A door that is more difficult to open or close will wear out faster and cost more to repair. This problem can be caused by the fact that the wood of the door gets more swollen as a result of humidity. A hygrometer test could be used to determine the source of this problem.

If your door is swollen you can tighten the hinge screws using the help of a screwdriver. If the issue persists then you should try to shimm the hinges or replace them all.

It's crucial to inspect the door for cosmetic damages. While minor scratches and dents are expected over time, any significant damage that wasn't there before should be repaired as soon as is possible.

While it is sometimes possible to fix a door that has a significant crack, all cracks in the wood should be filled and painted as soon as is possible to avoid further issues. To ensure structural integrity any wood that is rotting must be replaced. If you find serious structural issues with doors, it's recommended to call a certified door system technician to evaluate and repair any necessary damage.

Tighten the Hinges

It's common for door hinge screws to loosen over time, but if you leave them for too long, they could cause damage to the hinge, and the holes for screws to be stripped. You can tighten these screws by hand or using a drill but be cautious not to bend the hinge, and be sure to remove the pins as well.

The first step is to locate the points of friction and decide the best way to proceed. If the door rubs at the top or drags, you could countersink a long screw onto the latch side of hinge (the side attached to the strike plate). This will make the gap a bit larger and usually solves the issue.

This can also resolve the issue. A more drastic solution is to remove the hinge pins, hammer them so they are more spread apart and then replace them. sash windows repair is not recommended since it could cause damage to the hinge. It should only be done when the door does not close properly.

A damaged screw hole or a door frame that is sagging could cause the screw to loosen. If this is the case, insert a wood block or match dipped in carpenter's glue into the screw hole and let it to set before attaching the hinge. This will fill the hole and make it stronger so that the screw can grab hold. Repeat as needed for any remaining screw holes that don't tighten. Close the door and test to determine if it shuts correctly. If not, you'll need to continue troubleshooting the problem. It is recommended to start with the easiest fixes first and only do more involved repairs when necessary.

Change the Hinges

Shimming hinges can be utilized to aid in hanging the door straight when the gap between the jamb and door frame is too large (a condition known as toe-in). You can 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 door frame. The shims pull the hinge leaf away from the door frame and close the gap, removing the binding.

It's not an easy process however, with a bit of care you can do it without damaging the hinge or door. Shimming is most effective when the screws already in place are removed from each hinge first. (Knowledge How to Remove the Pin From the Door Hinge). This could require prying the door off its hinges in order to avoid unscrewing them.


Once the hinges have been shifted, you'll need to shut and open the door a few times to make sure that they're functioning properly. If the door is still stuck then you can use shims to close the gap between the hinge and door.

You can also correct the hinge that is binding 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 rest of your frame, sand the putty and paint it prior to applying it to the hinge. This isn't as precise as shimming but it's a simple fix for a hinge that's out of alignment. It's also less harmful than attempting to rehang the door.

Draw in the Jamb

If your door is still stuck after tightening hinges and shimming it, the jamb may be out of line. This can be resolved by gently tapping wooden shims on the latch side to the frame between the jambs and the wall. Make sure you take measurements of the shims using the help of a carpenter's ruler and move them around the frame until they are level on both sides of the frame.

After you've shimmied the door frame, you are able to tighten screws that hold the strikeplate to the latch side to prevent it from scratching against the latch. You can use either the manual Phillips screwdriver or a drill to do this, based on the severity of the damage.

Sometimes, dents, gouges and nicks in the frame can cause it to stick against the door. If there are just a few minor scratches on the frame, you can fill in the surface by using a wood filler that is compatible with the trim around the door. Sand it down, then paint or stain it. If the dents are more extensive they may require you to replace the damaged portion of the jamb.

If your door still binds after you've tried filling, sanding and re-sanding the frame, it might be time to get rid of the entire door and start over. It's best when you're able to buy new components and do it correctly, but sometimes you'll be able to save the door by working on smaller portions of the frame, without completely removing it. Be sure not to damage the 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 an open position. As time passes, the strike plate can be unbalanced. If the latch cannot seat into the strikeplate, it won't close, which can result in burglaries or door kick-ins. To fix this, tighten the screws that hold the strike plate. If this doesn't work, shimming the hinges or adding wood fill can aid.

Apply a thin strip of lipstick or other marking substance on the latch before adjusting the strike plate. Close the door, and then open it. If the lipstick marks suggest that the latch is located above or below the the strike plate, the issue could be with the hinges.

If the marks indicate the latch is sitting too high or low in the strike plate hole then use a small piece cardboard to fit the hinge mortise. Replace the hinge. This is often a way to fix the issue if it's caused by sunken hinges. This allows for a professional-looking repair.

To alter the strikeplate's position, remove it from the jamb of your door. Then use a file on the hole in which the strikeplate is intended to go. A half-round filing is ideal, as it matches the curve of the hole for the strike plate. Close the door, then reinstall the strikeplate and verify that the latch is now clearing the strike plate hole correctly. If the latch is still not clearing the hole then use a chisel alter the shape of the jamb that faces the strike plate.

Here's my website: https://doormandwindowrepairs.top/