How to Fix a Sticky Front Door Without a Handyman
Doors and windows on houses age so slowly we usually don’t notice deterioration until it becomes a problem. Siding is another case in point which why you should have an annual inspection.
We may become so accustomed to sticking doors we no longer realize we are slamming them. However, when we struggle to open one the penny comes home. If you have the necessary hand tools, we’ll show you how to fix a sticky front door yourself.
How to Fix a Sticky Front Door with Loose Hinges
A wooden door exerts a surprising amount of leverage on the frame through the upper hinge. If you find the opening edge (where handle is) catching on the floor or carpet, it’s quite likely that hinge has worked loose.
Open the door fully and ask an assistant to gently wedge a screw driver under the bottom of the opening edge. This takes the weight off the upper hinge screws and you should easily be able to tighten them.
If they grip fast, that’s great. However, if they just keep turning remove the lowest screw on the upper hinge as a sample and purchase a set of slightly longer screws. You now know how to fix a sticky wooden door by tightening the hinges. but that may not solve the problem.
Solving a Door that Catches on the Door Frame
There’s always movement in a building as it settles down, and the earth beneath counters the weight. This can cause a door frame to twist slightly, catching the door at the top or bottom of the opening edge.
If it catches at the top of the door this is a sign the top hinge is set to far in, or the bottom one is set too far out. Setting a hinge further out is a simple as loosening the screws, inserting packing, and tightening them again.
If that does not work, then you have to set the other hinge deeper in the frame. Open the door fully, wedge it in place and remove the offending hinge on the frame side after marking its position.
You can now gently chisel a shallow layer of wood away using the marks you made as a guide. Do this gradually with regular testing until the door closes properly. Take your time: you can’t put chiseled wood back and you don’t want an unsightly job.
If These Tips Don’t Work You May Need to Plane the Door Edge
If there’s too much distortion in the frame, you need to remove the door and plane the opening edge down. This is a job best left to an expert, because you can’t put the wood back either and you could damage the door permanently.
Perhaps your door has aged to the point you need a new one. Why not give Silverline Exteriors a call on 604-942-0488 or email them at office@silverlineexteriors.com. They fit some of the finest doors in Vancouver.
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Barrel Hinge: Sindala BY Public Domain
