A Good Rant About Door Repair
How to Fix Common Door Repair Problems
Many door problems are easily fixed in the event that the work is completed by you. However, sometimes a project can't be completed without assistance.
garage door repairs near me stuck door can be caused by the hinges being too tight or loose. If the problem persists it is possible to sand or plane the latch side of the door.
Check the Door
Many homeowners clean out their yards and inspect their doors as the weather gets cooler. This annual inspection should not just look for signs of damage but also uncover 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. Look for broken or damaged weather stripping. This will keep drafts out of your home and stops air leaks that could make a home less efficient in energy use.
Check if any doors are stuck, especially after a storm. A door that is difficult to open or close will wear out more quickly and will cost more to fix. This kind of issue can be caused by swollen wood which occurs when humidity alters the moisture content of the door's wood. A simple test using a hygrometer can help identify the source of this issue.
If your door is becoming swollen, you can tighten the hinge screws using the help of a screwdriver. If the problem continues, then you can try shimming the hinges or even replace them completely.
It's crucial to inspect the door for cosmetic damages. While minor dents and scratches are normal but any damage that wasn't there before should be repaired.
It is possible to repair a significant door crack. However all wood cracks must be filled in and painted as quickly as is possible to avoid recurring issues. 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 doors, it's best to call in a certified door system technician to examine and repair any damage that may be required.
Then tighten the Hinges
Door hinge screws may loosen over time. If you do not watch them they may cause damage to the hinge or damage the screw holes. The screws can be tightened by hand or using the power drill. Be cautious not to bend the hinge and remove the pins.
First, locate the points of friction and decide the best way to proceed. If the door rubs at the top or drags, you can countersink a long screw onto the latch side of hinge (the side that is connected to the strike plate). This will make the gap a bit larger and usually solves the issue.
This will also fix the problem. Another option is to remove the hinge pins, then hammer them to make them more separated, and then replace them. However, this isn't recommended since it can damage the hinge and should only be done when the door isn't shut correctly.
Another issue that could be a problem is a screw that doesn't close, which could result from a sagging screw hole or a sagging doorframe. In this situation, insert a wood plug (or match) coated with carpenter's glue into the screw hole. Let it dry before reattaching the hinge. This will fill the hole and strengthen it so that the screw can grab hold. Repeat this process for any remaining holes that will not tighten. Close the door and test to see if it shuts correctly. If the problem persists it may be necessary to tackle the issue again. Start with the most basic fixes and only perform more complicated repairs if needed.
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 large (a condition called toe-in). It is possible to do this by placing a small piece of wood or cardboard on the jamb-side hinge, and then putting two or three thin wooden shims that are placed between the hinges and the door frame. The shims will push the leaf of the hinge away from the frame closing the gap and eliminate the bind that caused the problem.
This method can be tricky however, if you're cautious you can complete the task without causing damage to the hinge or the 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). It is possible to pry the door off of its hinges to prevent the screws from coming loose.
After the hinges have been moved, you'll need to shut and open the door a few times to ensure that they're functioning correctly. If the door is still binding, you can add more shims until the gaps between the hinge and the door as well as the hinge and the door are closed.
Another way to fix a binding hinge is by making the mortise wider. This is done by scraping the hole with an axe and then filling it up with wood putty. Make sure you sand and paint the putty before putting it on the hinge so that it matches the frame's other components. It's not as precise as shmming but it's an easy fix for a hinge that isn't aligned. It's not as destructive as rehanging the door.
Draw in the Jamb
If your door remains stuck after closing hinges and shimming it the jamb might be out of alignment. It is possible to fix this by gently tapping wooden shims between the jamb and wall on the latch side of the frame to bring it back in line. Make sure you take measurements of the shims using the help of a carpenter's ruler and move them around the frame until they are level on both sides of the frame.
Once you've shimmed the door frame and tightened the screws that hold the strike plate to the latch side of the frame to stop it from scraping against the latch. You can use either a manual Phillips screwdriver or a drill to do this, based on the extent of the damage.
Occasionally, dents, nicks and gouges within the frame could cause it to be bowed against the door. If there are just a few minor dents on the frame, you can fill in the holes using wood filler that matches trim around the door. Sand it down and then paint or stain it. If the dents are deeper, you may have to replace the damaged section of the jamb.
If your door is still stuck after you've tried filling, sanding and refining the frame, it could be time to get rid of the entire door and start from scratch. It's best to do this in the event that you have the money to buy new parts and do it right however, sometimes you can save the door by working on smaller portions of the frame, without completely removing it. Be sure not to damage the strength of the remainder of the frame, particularly if you're dealing with wood that's been exposed to humidity over time.
Adjust the Strike Plate
The strike plate is able to catch the bolt of the door and keeps the door in a closed position. In time the strike plate could become disaligned. If the latch does not fit into the strikeplate, it won't close, which can result in burglaries or door kick-ins. To remedy this, tighten the screws that are holding the strike plate. If this doesn't work, changing the hinges' angle or adding wood fill may aid.
Apply a thin strip of lipstick or other marking substance to the latch prior to adjusting the strike plate. Close the door, and then open it. If the lipstick marks suggest that the latch is touching above or below the the strike plate, the issue could be with the hinges.
If the marks show that the latch is too high or low in the strike plate hole, you can use a small piece of cardboard to fit into the mortise of the hinge and then replace the hinge. This can often resolve the issue, especially if it's caused by sunken or recessed hinges. It also makes it easier to make repairs that look professional.
To adjust the strikeplate, take it from your door jamb. Then use a file to make the hole where the strikeplate is meant to be. A half-round filing is ideal since it matches the curve of the hole for the strike plate. Close the door, reinstall the strikeplate, and then check that it is now able to clear the strikeplate hole properly. If the latch isn't able to clear the hole, use the chisel on the jamb to reshape it where the strike plate is positioned to meet the jamb.