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10 Tell-Tale Warning Signs You Need To Get A New Door Repair
How to Fix Common Door Repair Problems

Many door problems can be easily fixed in the event that the work is completed by you. However, sometimes a project isn't feasible without help.

A door that is stuck can be caused by the hinges being too tight or too loose. If the problem persists you may need to sand or sand the latch side of your door.

Check the Door

Many homeowners clean up their yards and inspect their doors as the weather cools. This once-a-year inspection shouldn't just check for signs of damage, but also identify areas that aren't working as they should.

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

Check if any doors are stuck, particularly in the aftermath of a strong wind. A door that is difficult to open or close will wear out more quickly and will cost more to fix. This kind of issue could be caused by swollen wood which happens when humidity changes the amount of moisture in the wood of the door. A simple test with the aid of a hygrometer will help determine the root of the problem.

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

It's also important that you check the door for any damage that appears to be cosmetic. While minor dents and scratches are normal but any damage that wasn't there before should also be repaired.

It is possible to repair a large door crack. However all wood cracks must be filled in and painted as fast as possible to avoid any further issues. Wood rot must be replaced as well to ensure the integrity of the structure. It is recommended to speak with an expert in door systems if you notice significant structural issues. They can assess the damage and make any needed repairs.

Tighten the Hinges

It is common for screws on door hinges to loosen up over time however if you leave them for too long, they could cause damage to the hinge, and the holes for screws to be stripped. These screws can be tightened by hand or using the power drill. Be careful not to bend the hinge and remove the pins.


Locate the points of friction first, and then decide what you'll do. If the door rubs close to the top or is dragging on the floor, you can draw the jamb in by using a long screw through the latch side of the hinge (the side that attaches to the strike plate) and countersinking it. This will widen the gap, and in most cases, solve the problem.

A more drastic approach is to simply remove the hinge pins, then hammer them out so that they're more spread apart which will also resolve the problem. However it's not recommended as it can cause damage to the hinge and should only be done when the door doesn't shut properly.

Another issue that could be a problem is a screw that won't tighten, which can result from a sagging screw hole or a sliding doorframe. If upvc door repairs near me is the case, insert a wood block or match dipped in carpenter's glue into the screw hole and let it to set before reattaching the hinge. This will fill in the hole and strengthen the area so that the screw will be able to hold the screw. Repeat this procedure for any holes that aren't tightening. Close the door and test to see if it closes properly. If not, you may need to continue troubleshooting the problem. Start with the most basic solutions and then make more complex repairs if necessary.

Change the Hinges

When the gap between the door and jamb is too wide (a condition referred to as a toe-in), shimming the hinges can help the door hang straight. This can be accomplished by placing a small wedge of cardboard or wood under the hinge on the jamb side, then adding one or more thin, wooden shims between the hinge and the frame of the door. The shims push the leaf of the hinge away from the frame to close the gap, eliminate the bind that caused the problem.

This procedure can be difficult, but if you're careful you can get the job done without damaging the hinge or the door. Shimming is most effective if the existing screws 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 to prevent them from coming loose.

After the hinges have been moved, you'll need to shut and open the door a few times to make sure that they're functioning properly. If the door still binds, you can add more shims until the gaps between the hinge and the door and the hinge and the door are closed.

You can also fix the binding hinge of a door by expanding the size of the mortise. This is done by scraping the hole out using a chisel and then filling it with wood putty. Be sure to polish and sand the putty before putting it on the hinge so that it matches the frame's rest. It's not as precise as shimming, but it's an easy fix for hinges that are out of alignment. It's less destructive than hanging the door again.

Draw in the Jamb

If your door remains stuck after tightening hinges and shimming it the jamb could be out of line. It is possible to fix this by gently tapping wooden shims between the jamb and wall at the latch side the frame in order to bring it back in line. Be sure to take measurements of the shims using a carpenter's square and move them around the frame until it is level on both sides of the frame.

After you have shimmed the door frame you can tighten screws that hold the strikeplate on the latch side, to keep it from hitting the latch. You can either use a manual Phillips screwdriver or a drill, based on the severity of the damage.

Sometimes, dents, gouges and nicks within the frame can cause it to stick against the door. If it's just small dents, you can smooth the surface using wood filler that matches the color of the trim around the door and then sand it down prior to staining or painting. If the dents are larger it may be necessary to replace the damaged portion of the jamb.

If you've tried sanding and filling and your door continues to lock, it's time to get rid of the door and begin working on the frame from scratch. If you can afford it, you should replace the components and do it properly. However, you may be able to save the door by working on small pieces of the frame without removing the whole frame. Be careful not to compromise integrity of the frame, especially if you're 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 locking the bolt that holds the door. The shifting and setting of a door over time can cause the strike plate to misalign with the latch. If the latch can't seat into the strike plate, it will not remain closed, which can lead to burglaries and door kick-ins. An easy fix is to simply tighten the screws that support the strike plate. If this doesn't help you, try shredding or adding wood fill to the hinges.

Apply a stripe of lipstick or any other 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 contacting above or below the strike plate hole it could be an issue with sagging hinges rather than the strike plate's position.

If the marks show that the latch is resting too low or high in the strike plate hole, then use a small piece of cardboard that fits into the mortise of the hinge and then replace the hinge. This is often a solution to the issue, especially in the event that it's caused by sunken or receding hinges. It also makes it easier to do a professional looking repair.

To adjust the strikeplate, take it from your door jamb. Then, you can use a file on the hole where the strikeplate is meant to go. A half-round filing is ideal because it is in line with the curve of the hole to accommodate the strike plate. Close the door, install the strikeplate and verify that it is now able to clear the strike plate hole in a proper manner. If the latch isn't able to clear the hole, use the chisel on the jamb to alter its shape where the strike plate is positioned to meet the jamb.

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