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13 Things About Door Repair You May Never Have Known
How to Fix Common Door Repair Problems

Many door issues are easy to fix, especially when you can complete the work yourself. Sometimes a project just isn't feasible without help.

A door that is stuck could be caused by the hinges being too tight or too loose. If the issue continues, you may need to plane or sand down the latch side of the door.

Check the Door


As the weather gets cooler homeowners take this time to clean up the yard and inspect their doors. This once-a year inspection should check for damages and also identify any areas which aren't working as they should.

Look for rust and corrosion on door hardware such as hinges, and on the frame. Also, look for damaged or damaged weather stripping. This will stop drafts from entering your home and prevent air leaks that can affect the efficiency of a home's energy usage.

Be aware of any doors that are stuck, particularly after a strong wind. A stickier door is harder to open and close, which adds wear every time it's used and could result in higher repair costs in the future. This problem can be caused when the wood of the door gets swollen due to humidity. A simple test using the aid of a hygrometer will help determine the cause of this problem.

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

It's also important to examine the door for cosmetic damage. While double glazed window repairs near me and dents are normal over time, any serious damage that was not there prior to the repair should be addressed immediately.

It is possible to repair a large door crack. However, all wood cracks should be filled in and painted as soon as possible to avoid further issues. Any wood rot should be repaired to ensure the strength of the structure. If you notice serious structural issues with a door, it is recommended to contact a certified door system technician to examine and repair any damage that is required.

Close the Hinges

It's normal for door hinge screws to loosen as time passes however if you leave them too long it can cause damage to the hinge, and the holes in the screws to become stripped. These screws can be tightened by hand or using a power drill. Be cautious not to bend the hinge and then remove the pins.

Locate the sticking points first, and then decide what to do. If the door rubs on the top or drags, you can countersink a long screw onto the hinge's latch side (the side that is attached to the strike plate). This will make the gap bit larger and usually solves the issue.

This can also resolve the problem. The most drastic solution is to take off the hinge pins, hammer them to make them more separated, and then replace them. However, this isn't recommended since it could damage the hinge, and should only be done when the door isn't shut correctly.

Another issue that could be a problem is a screw that doesn't 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 attaching the hinge. This will fill the hole and strengthen the area to allow the screw to be held in place. Repeat as needed for any screw holes that aren't tight enough. Close the door and verify whether it has shut properly. If the issue continues then you might need to keep attempting to solve the issue. Begin with the simplest fixes, and then proceed to more complex repairs when needed.

Shim the Hinges

When the gap between the jamb and the door is too large (a condition referred to as toe-in), shimming the hinges can help the door hang straight. This can be accomplished by placing a small piece of cardboard or wood under the hinge on the jamb side, and 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 to close the gap, eliminating the bind that caused the problem.

This technique can be a bit tricky, but if you're careful you can get the job done without damaging the hinge or door. Shimming is most effective when the existing screws are removed from each hinge first (Knowledge How to Remove the Pin from a Door Hinge). This could require prying the door off its hinges to avoid unscrewing them.

You'll need to open and close the door a few times after the hinges have been shifted to ensure they're functioning properly. If the door doesn't stay in place it is possible to add shims to fill in the gap between the hinge and door.

You can also fix the binding hinge of a door by increasing the size of the mortise. This is done by removing the hole with a chisel, and then filling it with wood putty. Make sure to paint and sand the putty prior to placing it on the hinge so that it matches the rest of the frame. This isn't as precise as shimming, but it's a quick fix for hinges that are out of alignment. It's also less harmful than attempting to rehang the door.

Draw in the Jamb

If your door still binds after tightening the hinges and shimming, you may have an issue with the jamb not being of plumb. This can be fixed by gently tapping on wooden shims that are located on 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 make sure it is plumb.

After you've shimmed your door frame then 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 either use a manual Phillips screwdriver or a drill, depending on the severity of damage.

Sometimes, dents, gouges and nicks in the frame cause it to stick to the door. If there are just a few minor dents on the frame, you can fill in the holes with a wood filler that matches 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 is still stuck after you've tried filling, sanding and refining the frame, it may be time to take down the entire door and begin again. If you can afford it, it's recommended to replace the components and do it properly. However, you may be able to save the door by working on small sections of frame without having to remove the whole frame. Be careful not to compromise strength of the frame, particularly if you are dealing with old wood that has been exposed to moisture over the years.

Adjust the Strike Plate

The strike plate catches the door bolt and holds the door in the closed position. The shifting and setting of doors over time can cause the strike plate to be misaligned with the latch. If the latch can't seat into the strike plate, it won't remain closed, which can lead to burglaries and door kick-ins. An easy fix is to tighten the screws that support the strike plate. If this doesn't work, shimming the hinges or adding wood fill may aid.

Apply a thin strip of lipstick or another marking substance on the latch prior to adjusting strike plate. Close the door, and then open it. If the lipstick marks show that the latch is either between the strike plate hole, it could be an issue with sagging hinges rather than the strike plate's location.

If the marks suggest that the latch is sitting too low or high in the strike plate hole then take a small piece of cardboard to fit the mortise of the hinge. Replace the hinge. This is often a solution to the problem, when it's caused due to sunken or receding hinges. It also makes it easier to create a professional looking repair.

To alter the strikeplate's position, remove 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 since it conforms to the shape of the strike plate's hole. Install the strike plate and close the door to 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 shape the area of the jamb that meets the strike plate.

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