How to Fix Common Door Repair Problems
Many issues with doors are easily fixed in the event that the work is done by you. Sometimes a project just isn't possible without help.
Often, the cause of sticking doors is that the hinges must be tightened or moved. If the issue continues then you might need to sand or plane the latch side of the door.
Check the door for damage.
As the weather turns cooler homeowners take this time to clean the yard and check their doors. The annual inspection should look for damage, and also highlight any areas which aren't working as they should.
Check for rust or corrosion on door hardware, including hinges, as well as on the frame. Look for broken or damaged weather stripping. This will prevent drafts from entering the home and stop air leaks which can reduce the efficiency of a home's energy usage.
Be aware of any doors that are sticking, especially after a wind event. A door that is difficult to open or close will wear out faster and will cost more to fix. This kind of issue can be caused by swollen or swollen wood which happens when humidity alters the amount of moisture in the door's wood. A hygrometer test is used to determine the source of this issue.
If your door is becoming swollen, you can tighten the hinge screws using a screwdriver. If the issue persists, then you can try to shimm the hinges or replace them all.
It's also important to check the door for any cosmetic damage. While minor dents and scratches are normal, any damage that wasn't there before should be fixed.
It is possible to repair a major door crack. However all wood cracks must be filled in and painted as quickly as possible to avoid further problems. Wood rot must be replaced as well to ensure the integrity of the structure. If you notice structural issues that are significant to doors, it's recommended to contact a trained door systems technician to evaluate and repair any damage that may be required.
Close the Hinges
It's common for hinge screws on doors to loosen up over time, but if you leave them in place for too long, it could cause damage to the hinge and the holes in the screws to become stripped. You can tighten the screws by hand or with a drill, but be cautious not to bend the hinge and make sure you remove the pins as well.
Find the sticking points first and then decide what to do. If the door rubs against the top or drags on the floor it is possible to draw the jamb in by inserting a long screw into the latch side of the hinge (the side that connects to the strike plate) and countersinking it. This will make the gap slightly larger and can often resolve the problem.
This will also solve the problem. The most drastic solution is to take off the hinge pins, then hammer them so they are more dispersed, and then replace them. This is not recommended since it could cause damage to the hinge. It is only recommended to do this when the door isn't closing properly.
Another possibility is a screw that won't tighten, which can be caused by a damaged screw hole or a sagging doorframe. In this instance, place a wood plug (or match) coated with carpenter's glue into the screw hole. Allow it to dry before you can reattach your hinge. This will fill the hole and strengthen the area so that the screw will be able to hold the screw. Repeat as necessary to fill any remaining screw holes that aren't tight enough. Close the door and check to see if it is shut properly. If not, you might be required to continue tackling the problem. It is best to begin with the most basic fixes first, and then do more involved repairs when necessary.
Change the Hinges
Shimming hinges are a great option to aid in hanging the door straight when the gap between the jamb and the door frame is too wide (a condition known as toe-in). This can be done by placing a small piece of wood or cardboard on the jamb's side hinge and then putting two or three wooden shims that are placed between the hinges and the door frame. The shims push the hinge leaf away from the door frame and close the gap, removing the bind.
This procedure can be difficult however, if you're cautious you will be able to complete the task without causing damage to the hinge or the door. Shimming is most effective if the screws already in place are removed from each hinge first (Knowledge: How to Remove the Pin From the Door Hinge). It might be necessary to remove the door of its hinges to stop the screws from slipping out.
You'll have to open and close the door several times after the hinges are moved to make sure they are working properly. If the door continues to bind, you can add 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 binding hinge is to make the mortise bigger. This can be accomplished by removing the hole with the chisel, then filling it with wood putty. To make it look like the frame's other components make sure to sand the putty, then paint it prior to affixing it to the hinge. It's not as precise as shimming, but it's a quick solution for a hinge that's out of alignment. It's also less harmful than trying to rehang the door.
Draw in the Jamb
If your door still binds after closing the hinges and shimming it, there could be an issue with the jamb being out of plumb. This can be resolved by gently tapping wooden shims that are located on the latch's edge to the frame between the jambs and the wall. Be sure to take measurements with a carpenter's square and move them around the frame until they are aligned on both sides of the frame.
After you've shimmed your door frame then you can tighten the screws that secure the strike plate on the latch side of the frame to prevent it from scraping against the latch. You can use either a manual Phillips screwdriver or a drill for this, based on the extent of the damage.
Sometimes, nicks, dents 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 holes with a wood filler that matches the trim around the door. Sand it down, then paint or stain it. For deeper dents and gouges, you may need to replace the damaged portion of the jamb.
If you've tried sanding, gluing, and filling your door and it continues to bind, it's probably time to get rid of the door and start working on the frame from scratch. It's best when you're able to buy new components and do it right, but sometimes you can save the door by working on tiny sections of the frame without completely removing it. Be sure not to damage the structural integrity 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 is able to catch the bolt that holds the door in the closed position. In time the strike plate could become unbalanced. If the latch isn't able to fit into the strike plate it will not remain closed, which can result in burglaries and door kick-ins. To remedy this, tighten the screws holding the strike plate. If this doesn't work, shimming the hinges or adding wood fill can help.
Before making adjustments to the strike plate, apply a strip of lipstick or a similar marking substance to the latch. Close the door, then open it. If the lipstick marks suggest that the latch is touching above or below the hole of the strike plate, the problem could be related to upvc window repair the hinges.
If the marks indicate that the latch is too high or low in the strike plate hole, use small pieces of cardboard to fit into the hinge mortise, and then replace the hinge. This can often correct the problem if it is caused by sunken hinges. This allows for an attractive repair.
To adjust the strikeplate, remove it from the jamb of your door. Then use a file on the hole where the strikeplate is meant to be. A half-round file is the best since it matches the curve of the hole to accommodate the strike plate. Install the strike plate close the door and check if the latch is now clearing the strike plate hole properly. If the latch still does not clear the hole make use of the chisel in the jamb to shape it where the strike plate is positioned to meet the jamb.