How To Fix a Problematic Door
Do you have a door you need to slam shut in order for it to latch, or one that doesn’t latch at all? There is no reason you have to put up with this door when you can fix it so it works as it should by closing and latching with a simple push or pull. Even if you aren’t Mr. or Ms. “fix it”, repairing a problematic door is easier than you think.
The reason is because there is more than one cause that can lead to a malfunctioning door. For instance:
- Warped door – Check to see if the top or the bottom of the door hits the stop before the latch is able to connect.
- New installations – If weatherstripping has recently been installed, it may be preventing the door from fully closing.
- Loose hinges – Make sure all screws in the door are tight. Check hinges to make sure there is no misalignment and that there is an even gap that runs across the top of the door when it is closed.
- Improper installation – When the door was first put in, the stop molding or strike plate may have been installed incorrectly creating a problem.
If you discover any of these problems, the following are some fix-it tips you can put to good practice to rectify the issue. Keep in mind that depending on what’s wrong with the door, you may require certain tools and materials.
Fix-it tip 1 – Adjusting or moving the doorstop – If youfind that the door is hitting the stop molding prior to the latch connecting with the strike plate hole, simply tap the stop in with a hammer.
If the stop molding can not be adjusted, you will need to remove it at the latch jamb and possibly on the head jamb. Begin by removing the nails with locking pliers. Any nails that will not come out, drill (cordless drills are always the most convenient) them into the jamb. Once this is complete, you will need to reinstall the molding.
First, close the door so that the latch is properly engaged.
Position the stop in the correct location and press it gently against the door. Proceed to install new 4d finishing nails. Make sure the nails are well set and then fill in the holes and make touch ups if necessary.
Fix-it tip 3 – Reposition the strike plate – If the strike plate appears to be the problem, remove it by moving it down, up or in as necessary.When it is clear of the door, take wood putty and fill in the screw holes. With a utility knife, enlarge the mortise in the precise direction that was required in order to remove the strike plate (IE. Down).
Reposition the plate so you can mark the locations of the screws. Finally, using a drill, drill pilot holes and install the strike plate. Reposition the plate so you can mark the locations of the screws. If you notice any gaps, touch them up with wood filler or caulk.
Fix-it tip 4 – Tighten Hinges – Check for lose screws on hinges and for stripped holes. If a screw hole is stripped, you won’t be able to tighten the crew. If that is the case, you will need to use your cordless drill and drill a longer pilot hole for a new three inch screw.
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