10 Quick Tips On Door Repair
How to Fix Common Door Repair Problems
Many door problems are easy to fix, particularly if you can do the work yourself. However, there are times when a task can't be completed without assistance.
A stuck door can be due to the hinges being too tight or too loose. If the issue persists, you may have to plane or sand the latch side of your door.
Check the Door
Many homeowners clean up their yards and check their doors as 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.
Check for rust or corrosion on door hardware, like hinges, as well as on the frame. Look for broken or damaged weather stripping. This keeps drafts out of your home and stops air leaks, which can make a home less energy efficient.
Also, take note of whether any doors are sticking, particularly following a wind storm. A door that is difficult to open or close will wear out more quickly and cost more to repair. This problem can be caused by the fact that the wood of the door becomes more swollen as a result of humidity. A hygrometer test can be used to determine the source of this problem.
If your door is swollen, then you can use a screwdriver for tightening the hinge screws. If the issue persists, then you can try shimming the hinges or even replace them completely.
It's also important to check the door for any damage that appears to be cosmetic. While minor scratches and dents are to be expected however any damage that wasn't there before should also be fixed.
It is possible to repair a significant door crack. However, all wood cracks should be filled in and painted as fast as is possible to avoid recurring issues. Any wood rot should be replaced to ensure the strength of the structure. If you notice significant structural issues with a door, it is best to call in a trained door systems technician to examine and repair any damage that is required.
Close the Hinges
It's common for screws on door hinges to loosen as time passes However, if you let them for too long, they could cause damage to the hinge, and the screw holes to become stripped. These screws can be tightened by hand or using the power drill. Be careful not to bend the door hinge and take out the pins.
First, find the sticking points and determine how to proceed. If the door rubs close to the top or drags on the floor it is possible to draw the jamb in by driving a long screw through the latch side of the hinge (the side that attaches to the strike plate) and countersinking it. This will make the gap a little larger and often solves the problem.
This will also solve the issue. Another option is to take off the hinge pins, then hammer them so they are more dispersed, and then replace them. This is not recommended as it could cause damage to the hinge. It should only be done when the door isn't closing properly.
Another possibility is a screw that does not tighten, which could be caused by a damaged screw hole or a 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 procedure for any remaining holes that will not tighten. Close the door, and check to see whether it has shut properly. If not, you may be required to continue tackling the problem. It is best to begin with the simplest fixes first, and then do more complicated repairs if necessary.
Shift the Hinges
When the gap between the jamb and door is too wide (a condition referred to 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 wood or cardboard under the hinge on the jamb side and adding one or more thin, wooden shims between the hinge and the door frame. The shims will push the hinge leaf from the door frame and close the gap, removing the binding.
This method can be tricky however if you're careful you will be able to complete the task without causing damage to the hinge or door. Shimming is most effective when the screws already in place are removed from each hinge first (Knowledge How to Remove the Pin from the Door Hinge). This could require prying the door off its hinges in order to prevent them from coming loose.
You'll have to open and close the door several times after the hinges have been moved to ensure that they're functioning properly. If the door is still stuck it is possible to add shims to seal the gaps between the door and hinge.
You can also correct a binding door hinge by increasing the size of the mortise. This is done by removing the hole with a chisel, and then filling it with wood putty. Be sure to paint and sand the putty prior to placing it on the hinge so that it matches the frame's other components. This isn't as precise as shimming, but it's a quick fix for a hinge that's out of alignment. It's not as destructive as hanging the door again.
Draw in the Jamb
If your door is still stuck after the hinges have been pushed tight and shimming them, the jamb may be out of alignment. This can be corrected by gently tapping on wooden shims that are located on the latch side to the frame between the jambs and the wall. Be repairing upvc windows to take measurements with a carpenter's square before moving them around the frame until it is plumb on both sides of the frame.
After you've shimmied the door frame, you can tighten the screws that hold the strikeplate to the latch side to stop it from hitting the latch. You can use either the manual Phillips screwdriver or a drill to accomplish this, depending on the severity of the damage.
Occasionally, dents, nicks and gouges in the frame may cause it to be bowed against the door. If there are only small scratches on the frame you can fill in the surface by using a wood filler that is compatible with the trim around the door. Sand it down and then paint or stain it. If you have more serious dents or gouges, it may be necessary to replace the damaged section of the jamb.
If you've tried sanding, gluing, and filling your door and it continues to get stuck, it's time to take the door off and start working on the frame from scratch. If you can afford it, it's best to replace the components and do it correctly. However, you might be able save the door by working on small pieces of the frame without taking away the entire thing. Be cautious not to compromise 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 grabs the bolt that holds the door in an open position. As time passes the strike plate could be unbalanced. If the latch does not fit into the strikeplate, it will not close, which can lead burglaries and door kick ins. To fix this issue, tighten the screws that hold the strike plate. If this doesn't work then you can try shifting or adding wood fill to the hinges.
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 indicate that the latch is either above or below 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 too high or low in the strike plate hole, you can use small pieces of cardboard to insert into the hinge mortise and then replace the hinge. This can often correct the problem if it is caused by sunken hinges. It also makes it easier to do an attractive repair.
To alter the strikeplate's position, remove it from the jamb of your door. Then, you can use an appropriate file to mark the hole where the strikeplate is supposed to be. A half-round file is the best, as it matches the curve of the hole for the strike plate. Install the strike plate close the door and check if the latch is now clearing the strike plate hole correctly. If the latch isn't able to clear the hole, use the chisel on the jamb to alter its shape where the strike plate meets the jamb.