The Expert Guide To Door Repair
How to Fix Common Door Repair Problems
Many door issues are simple to fix, particularly when you are able to do the work yourself. However, sometimes a project isn't doable without help.
A stuck door can be caused by hinges not tight enough or too loose. If the issue persists, you may need to sand or plane the latch side of the door.
Check the Door
Many homeowners clean out their yards and check their doors when the weather gets cooler. The annual inspection shouldn't just check for signs of damage but also reveal any areas that aren't working as they should.
Look for rust and corrosion on door hardware, such as hinges, as well as on the frame. Check for damaged or broken weather stripping. This will prevent drafts from entering the house and stop air leaks which can reduce the efficiency of a home's energy usage.
Also, take note of whether any doors are sticking, especially after a storm. A door that is stuck is more difficult to open and close, which increases wear each time you use it and could result in higher repair costs later on. This kind of issue could be caused by swollen wood that occurs when humidity alters the moisture content of the door's wood. A simple test using the aid of a hygrometer will help determine the source of this issue.
If your door is swelling, you can tighten the hinge screws with a screwdriver. If the problem persists then you should try to shimm the hinges or replace them altogether.
It is important to examine the door for cosmetic damages. While minor dents and scratches are normal but any damage that was not there before should also be repaired.
It is possible to repair a large door crack. However cracks in wood should be filled in and painted as soon as is possible to avoid recurring problems. Any wood rot needs to be replaced as well to ensure the strength of the structure. If you discover structural issues that are significant to the door, it's best to call in a trained door systems technician to examine and repair any damage that may be required.
Tighten the Hinges
Door hinge screws can loosen over time. If you don't watch them they may cause damage to the hinge or strip the screw holes. The screws can be tightened by hand or with a power drill. Be cautious not to bend the hinge of your door and take out the pins.
Locate the sticking points first and then decide what you'll do. If the door rubs close to the top or drags on the floor it is possible to draw the jamb in by using a long screw through the latch side of the hinge (the side that is attached to the strike plate) and countersinking it. This will make the gap a bit larger and usually solves the problem.
A more drastic approach is to simply take out the hinge pins and then hammer them out until they're more spread apart which will also resolve the problem. This is not recommended since it could cause damage to the hinge. It should only be done when the door doesn't close properly.
Another issue that could be a problem is a screw that does not tighten, which could be caused by a stripped screw hole or sagging doorframe. If this is the case, insert a wood block or match coated with carpenter's glue into the screw hole, and allow it to set before attaching the hinge. This will fill the hole and make it stronger so that the screw can grab hold. Repeat this process for any remaining holes that do not tighten. Close the door and test to see if it shuts correctly. If the issue persists, you may have to tackle the issue again. Start with the easiest fixes, and then proceed to more complicated repairs if needed.
Change the Hinges
Shimming hinges can be utilized to assist in keeping the door straight when the gap between the jamb and door frame is too large (a condition known as toe-in). This can be done by placing a small piece of cardboard or wood on the jamb's side hinge and then putting two or three wooden shims between the hinges and the frame of the door. The shims will push the leaf of the hinge away from the frame to close the gap, eliminating the bind that caused the problem.
It's not an easy process however with a little care you can do it without causing damage to the hinge or door. It is best to remove the screws from each hinge prior to shifting (Knowledge How to Remove the Pin from the Door Hinge). This may require prying the door off its hinges in order to keep them from slipping off.
After the hinges have been moved, you'll need to close and open the door a few times to make sure they're functioning correctly. If the door still sticks then you can use shims to seal the gap between the hinge and the door.
You can also correct the binding hinge of a door by increasing the size of the mortise. This is accomplished by removing the hole with a chisel then filling it with wood putty. To make it look like the frame's rest, sand the putty and paint it before applying it to the hinge. It's not as precise as shifting, but it's a quick solution for a hinge that's out of alignment. It's also less damaging than trying to rehang the door.
Draw in the Jamb
If your door still binds after tightening the hinges and shimming the hinges, you could have a problem with the jamb being out of alignment. This can be corrected by tapping gently on wooden shims on the latch side to the frame between the jambs and the wall. Make sure you take measurements with a carpenter's square and move them around the frame until they are level on both sides of the frame.
After you've shimmied the door frame, you can tighten the screws that secure the strikeplate on the latch side to prevent it from rubbing against the latch. You can either employ an manual Phillips screwdriver, or a drill, based on the severity of the damage.
Occasionally, dents, nicks and gouges within the frame could cause it to be bowed against the door. If there are just small 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 more extensive it may be necessary to replace the damaged part of the jamb.
If your door is still stuck after you've tried filling, sanding, and re-sanding the frame, it could be time to remove the entire door and start from scratch. It's best in the event that you have the money to purchase new components and do it right however, sometimes you'll be able to save the door by working on small parts of the frame without completely removing it. Be cautious not to compromise the structural integrity of the frame particularly if you are dealing with old wood that has been exposed to moisture over time.
Adjust windows repair Plate
The strike plate catches the bolt of the door and keeps the door in a closed position. As time passes the strike plate could be misaligned. If the latch does not fit into the strikeplate, it won't close, which can result in burglaries and door kick ins. To fix this issue, tighten the screws that are holding the strike plate. If this doesn't help you, try shifting or adding wood fill to the hinges.
Before making adjustments to 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 reveal that the latch is either with the strike plate hole, it may be a problem with hinges that are sagging, not the strike plate's location.
If the marks suggest that the latch is sitting too low or high in the strike plate hole then you can use a small piece of cardboard to fit the mortise of the hinge. Replace the hinge. This is often a solution to the problem, if it's caused by sunken or receding hinges. It also makes it easier to make an attractive repair.
To adjust the strikeplate, take it from the jamb of your door. Then, you can use an appropriate file to mark the hole in which the strikeplate is intended to be. A half-round file is the best, as it matches the curvature of the hole to accommodate the strike plate. Close the door, install the strikeplate and check if the latch is now clearing the strikeplate hole properly. If the latch still does not clear the hole, use the chisel on the jamb to reshape it where the strike plate is positioned to meet the jamb.