Imagine trying to leave your home in a hurry, but you’re held up because your door won’t close properly or produces a loud squeak that disrupts the peace in your home. Not only will this delay what you have to get done that day, but it also means there’s something in the house that needs to be addressed right away.
Doors are more than just functional entryways—they're integral to your home's overall aesthetic and security. But what happens when these everyday essentials start causing problems? Whether it's the fact that your hinge creaks every time you open the door or your front door just won't close properly, these issues can quickly become a source of annoyance. No one wants to struggle with a sticky door on a busy morning or deal with a drafty entrance during the cold winter.
It's easy to overlook door problems, especially when life gets busy. However, ignoring these issues can lead to more damage over time and could compromise your home's security and energy efficiency. Understanding the root of these common door problems and knowing how to fix them can save you time, money, and a lot of frustration.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most common door issues homeowners face with straightforward, step-by-step solutions for getting your doors back in top shape.
And here's some good news—if you're thinking about upgrading your doors, Golden Windows is hosting a Save the Tax event from September 15th to November 2nd, 2024. It's the perfect opportunity to invest in new replacement windows and doors while saving on costs. But before you make that decision, let's learn how to fix the common door problems you might face right now.
The Issue: Squeaky Doors
According to today's top window and door companies like Golden Windows, squeaky doors are one of the most common and annoying household problems. When doors squeak, their high-pitched sound can disrupt the peace of your home, whether you're trying to enjoy a quiet evening or leave a room without waking someone up. The good news is that a squeaky door is often easy to fix once you understand why it’s happening.
Causes of Squeaky Doors
The most common reason behind a squeaky door is friction between the door's hinges. Over time, the metal features of the hinges can start to wear down, rubbing against each other and producing that familiar squeaking sound.
Dust/Debris
Another cause is dust, dirt, or debris building up within the hinges. This can create extra friction and make the squeak even louder. Sometimes, the hinge pins—the rods that hold the hinge plates together—can become slightly bent or misaligned, magnifying the noise.
Environment
Environmental factors can also play a role. Changes in humidity and temperature can cause the wood around the hinges to expand or contract, increasing pressure on the metal parts. This is especially common in older homes where the doors and hinges may not fit together as tightly as they once did.
Solutions for Fixing Squeaky Doors
Typically, fixing a squeaky door usually only requires a few basic tools and materials:
Identify the Source of the Squeak
Open and close the door slowly, listening carefully to identify which hinge is causing the noise. In most cases, you'll find it’s because of one or more hinges.
Apply Lubricant
The quickest and most effective way to eliminate this issue is by applying a lubricant to the hinges.
Start by protecting the surrounding area with a cloth or paper towel to catch any drips. Then, spray or rub the lubricant directly onto the hinge pin and its moving parts. Open and close the door several times to work the lubricant into the hinge and ensure there’s even coverage.
Tighten the Hinge Screws
If the squeak is still there after lubricating the hinges, the next step is to check the hinge screws. Over time, these screws can loosen, typically becoming misaligned and increasing friction. Use a screwdriver to tighten any loose screws. Be careful not to overtighten, as this can strip the screw holes and cause more issues.
Remove and Clean the Hinge Pins
If you’re still having trouble, you may need to remove the hinge pins entirely. Using a hammer and a nail punch or screwdriver, gently tap the bottom of the hinge pin to lift it out. Once removed, clean the pin with a cloth and apply a thin layer of lubricant before reinserting it. This can help to remove any dirt or debris that may have been causing the friction.
The Issue: Sticking Doors
Whether it’s hard to open, difficult to close, or requires more force to move, a sticking door can be frustrating to deal with on a regular basis. This problem can also cause wear and tear on both the door and the frame, which could lead to more damage over time. The good news is that, like most door issues, a sticking door is usually straightforward to identify and fix.
Causes of Sticking Doors
Temperature Changes
One of the main reasons doors stick is because of changes in humidity and temperature. Wood naturally expands in humid conditions and contracts when it's dry. This can cause the door to swell, making it too large to fit comfortably within the frame. Sticking is common during the summer months or in climates with high humidity levels.
Misaligned Hinges
Over time, the screws in the hinges can loosen, causing the door to shift slightly out of alignment. When the door isn’t hung correctly, it can rub against the frame or the floor.
Structural Changes
If you’ve experienced structural changes in your home, like settling or a shift in the foundation, this can also contribute to the problem. Even the smallest shifts in the foundation can change the door frame's shape, which will cause the door to stick in certain areas.
Solutions for Fixing Sticking Doors
Sticking doors doesn’t have to be a long, drawn-out issue. Whether you’re looking into fixing patio doors or the exterior door of your home, these solutions can help you take charge and fix current issues.
Inspect the Door and Frame
Begin by carefully inspecting the door and its frame to identify where the sticking is occurring. Check for any signs of swelling or misalignment. Then, open and close the door slowly to see where it catches, whether on the sides, top, or bottom.
Sanding the Door Edges
If you have a solid wood door and the slab sticks along the edges, the solution may be as simple as sanding down the swollen area. Use sandpaper to slowly remove small amounts of wood from the areas where the door is sticking. Make sure to sand evenly and frequently test the door's fit to avoid removing too much material. If the problem is still present, you may need to sand more aggressively, but always move with caution.
Adjust the Hinges
If the door is misaligned from loose or worn hinges, tightening the screws will often fix the issue. Use a screwdriver to make sure all hinge screws fit together. If the screws are stripped or won’t tighten, consider replacing them with longer screws that can grip more deeply into the wood.
You may need to adjust the position of the hinges themselves by loosening them and slightly repositioning them on the door or frame. This can help to realign the door and get rid of the sticking.
Check the Door Frame and Weatherstripping
Sometimes, a door that sticks can be due to a warped or misaligned frame rather than the door itself. If the frame is out of shape, you might need to adjust it by fixing the hinges or even reworking the frame. If the weatherstripping has become worn or damaged, it can cause the door to stick – so replacing the weatherstripping is a simple fix.
The Issue: Warped Doors
When a door warps, it can twist, bend, or bow out of its original shape, which makes it difficult or even impossible to close properly. This problem affects not only how the door functions but also its appearance, which can take away from the aesthetic of your home.
While it can be more challenging to fix a warped door than other common door problems, understanding the causes and potential solutions can help you address the issue.
Causes of Warped Doors
Moisture Changes
Warping is usually caused by changes in moisture levels. Wood, the most common door material, is particularly vulnerable to absorbing moisture from the air. When one side of a door absorbs more moisture than the other, it can lead to an imbalance that causes the door to warp. This is often seen in areas with high humidity, major temperature fluctuations, or areas exposed to direct sunlight.
Finishing Issues
If a door isn’t sealed or painted correctly, it can absorb moisture unevenly, leading to distortion over time. Additionally, poor-quality materials or manufacturing defects can result in a door that is more prone to warping, even under normal conditions—which is why it’s important to work with highly skilled manufacturers like Golden Windows to ensure any new doors you purchase are finished correctly.
Solutions for Fixing Warped Wood Doors
Fixing a warped wood door can be more challenging than other door problems, but these approaches can help:
Identify the Extent of the Warping
Start by determining how extreme the warping is. Lay the door on a flat surface and find out where it lifts or twists away from the surface. This will give you an idea of how much the door has warped and where the problem areas are.
Use Moisture and Weight to Correct Minor Warping
If you notice minor warping, use moisture and weight to gently coax the door back into shape. Lay the door on a flat surface with the warped side facing up. Place damp towels over the warped area and then add weight, such as bricks or heavy books, on top of the towels. Leave the door in this position for 24 to 48 hours, checking occasionally to see if the warping improves.
The combination of moisture and weight can help rehydrate the wood and gradually flatten out the warp. However, be careful not to over-saturate the door since too much moisture can end up causing more damage.
Adjust the Door Frame
If the door has warped because of an uneven or misaligned frame, correcting the frame itself might solve the problem. Check the frame for any signs of warping, misalignment, or damage. You may need to use a shim (a thin and tapered or wedged piece of material) to adjust the frame or even rehang the door so that it fits correctly within the frame.
In some cases, adding or replacing weatherstripping can help fill any gaps caused by warping, making the door more secure and functional.
Consider Replacing the Door
In cases where the warping is extensive or has significantly compromised the door’s structure, replacing the door may be the best option. If you choose to replace the door, opt for high-quality materials and ensure proper sealing and finishing to prevent future warping.
Replace Your Door with Golden Windows & Doors
Door problems are not uncommon in the home, but that doesn’t mean they have to become a regular headache. When it comes time to replace your door, you deserve a product that helps make your day-to-day life easier and more convenient.
At Golden Windows, we combine quality craftsmanship with a vast selection of door styles to help homeowners choose new interior and exterior doors that elevate how their home looks and feels. Whether you’re looking at replacing your entry doors or opting for new sliding or terrace doors, we create products that can seamlessly integrate into your existing structures.
We help customers in North America elevate their home’s aesthetics without compromising their budgets. By replacing their faulty or warped doors with new, maintenance-free options, we help them see the possibilities.
Explore our GoldenClad®, GoldenWood® and GoldenVinyl® product lines to see our dedication to quality materials and craftsmanship first-hand. Visit us online or at one of our three showrooms located in Kitchener, London and Kanata.