How to Fix Common Door Repair Problems
Many door problems can be easily fixed particularly if the work is done by you. But, sometimes a job isn't feasible without help.
A stuck door can be caused by hinges not tight enough or too loose. If the problem continues, you may have to plane or sand the latch side of your door.
Check the Door
Many homeowners clean out their yards and check their doors when the weather gets cooler. This once-a year inspection should be a lookout for any damage and also reveal any areas that aren't performing as they should.
Find corrosion and rust on door hardware like hinges, as well as on the frame. Look for broken or damaged weather stripping. This keeps drafts from the home and prevents air leaks that can make a home less energy efficient.
Also, take note of whether any doors are sticking, particularly after a storm. A stickier door is harder to open and close, which adds wear each time it's used and can lead to higher repair costs later on. This problem can be caused by the fact that the wood of the door gets swollen due to humidity. A hygrometer test is used to determine the cause of this problem.
If your door is swelling, then you can make use of a screwdriver to tighten the hinge screws. If the issue persists, you might try shimming the hinges or replacing them.
It is important to examine the door for cosmetic damage. While minor dents and scratches are to be expected, any damage that was not present before must be fixed.
While it's possible to repair a door that has a significant crack, all cracks in the wood should be filled in and painted as soon as is possible to avoid further issues. To ensure the integrity of the structure wood rot, it has to be replaced. It is best to contact an expert in door systems when you find significant structural issues. They can evaluate the damage and make any necessary repairs.
Then tighten the Hinges
It's normal for screws on door hinges to loosen up as time passes, but if you leave them too long it can cause damage to the hinge, and the holes in the screws to become stripped. The screws can be tightened manually or with a power drill. Be cautious not to bend the hinge and then remove the pins.
Locate the sticking points first, and then decide what you'll do. If the door rubs against the top or drags onto the floor then you can draw in the jamb 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 increase the gap and will usually resolve the problem.
A more drastic approach is to remove the hinge pins and then hammer them out until they're more spread apart, which will also solve the problem. However it's not recommended as it can damage the hinge, and should only be done when the door doesn't shut properly.
A hole that is stripped of screws, or a sagging doorframe, can also cause the screw to not tighten. In this situation, insert an apron (or match) coated with carpenter's glue in the screw hole. Allow it to dry before you can reattach your hinge. This will fill the hole and strengthen it so that the screw will be able to grab hold. Repeat this process for any holes that will not tighten. Close the door and verify whether it is now shut correctly. If not, you'll be required to continue tackling the problem. It's best to start with the most basic solutions first and then move on to more complex repairs if needed.
Shim the Hinges
If the gap between the jamb and the door is too large (a condition known as toe-in) Shimming the hinges can aid in ensuring that the door is straight. This can be done by placing a small wedge 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 frame of the door. The shims pull the hinge leaf away from the door frame and close the gap, removing the binding.
This technique can be a bit tricky however, if you're cautious you can complete the task without damaging the hinge or the door. It is best to remove the screws from each hinge before shifting (Knowledge - How to remove the pin from a Door Hinge). It is possible to pull the door off of its hinges to avoid unscrewing.
You'll need to open and close the door a few times after the hinges have been shifted to make sure they are working properly. If the door doesn't stay in place it is possible to add shims to seal the gaps between the hinge and door.
You can also correct the hinge that is binding by expanding the size of the mortise. This is accomplished by scraping the hole out with a chisel, and then filling it with wood putty. To make it look like the rest of your frame, sand the putty and paint it prior to applying it to the hinge. It's not as accurate as shmming but it's a simple fix for an out-of-alignment hinge. It's also less damaging than trying to rehang the door.
Draw in the Jamb
If your door is still bound after tightening the hinges and shimming, you may have an issue with the jamb being out of line. This can be fixed by gently tapping wooden shims at the latch's side to the frame between the jambs and the wall. Measure the shims using a carpenter’s square, and then move them around the frame to make sure that they are in line.
After you've shimmed your door frame, you can tighten the screws that hold the strike plate on the frame's latch side to stop it from scraping against the latch. You can either make use of a manual Phillips screwdriver or drill, depending on the extent of the damage.
Occasionally, dents, nicks and gouges in the frame can cause it to bind against the door. If there are just a few minor scratches on the frame you can fill in the area 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 deeper it may be necessary to replace the damaged section of the jamb.
If your door still binds after you've tried filling, sanding, or refining the frame, it may be time to get rid of the entire door and start over. It's best if you can afford to purchase new parts and do it correctly but there are times when you'll be able to save the door by working on tiny portions of the frame, without completely taking it off. Be cautious not to compromise the integrity of the frame, especially if you're dealing with old wood that has been exposed to moisture over the years.
Adjust the Strike Plate
The strike plate is used to hold the door repair near me door in its closed position by locking the bolt of the door. The movement and setting of a door over time can cause the strike plate to become misaligned with the latch. If the latch can't seat into the strike plate it will not remain closed, which could lead to burglaries and door kick-ins. An easy fix is to simply tighten the screws holding the strike plate. If it doesn't work, then shimming the hinges or adding wood fill may help.
Before adjusting the strike plate apply a thin strip of lipstick or other marking substance to the latch. Close the door, and then open it. If the lipstick marks suggest that the latch is touching above or below the hole of the strike plate, the issue could be related to the hinges.
If the marks indicate the latch is too low or high in the strike plate's hole, use a small piece cardboard to fit the mortise of the hinge. Replace the hinge. This can often correct the problem if it is caused by sunken hinges. This allows for a professional-looking repair.
To adjust the strike plate, remove it from the jamb on the door and then employ a file to widen the hole in the jamb where the strike plate goes. A half-round filing is ideal since it matches the curvature of the hole for the strike plate. Close the door, install the strikeplate, and then check that the latch now clears the strike plate hole in a proper manner. If the latch still isn't able to clear the hole, use the chisel on the jamb to shape it where the strike plate is positioned to meet the jamb.