Dont get trapped by a swollen or ill-fitting door: Heres how to un-stick a stuck door.
No matter the cause, learn how to fix a sticking door by following our detailed directions below.
By locating where the door is sticking, you might narrow down potential causes for the problem.
Credit: Greg Scheidemann
If the reading is more than 70%, then humidity is likely the cause of the sticking door.
Use a clean cloth with soapy water to clean the door and doorframe.
Next, you’ll want to apply a lubricant, like WD-40, to the hinges.
Seized hinges will prevent the door from swinging freely and can be the cause of a sticking door.
Use a screwdriver to tighten the hinge screws on the frame and the door.
Similarly, a loose strike plate could protrude too far, limiting the door’s movement.
Take this opportunity to check the strike plate screws and tighten them up if necessary.
Don’t use a drill for this work.
To fix this issue, you oughta replace the screws.
Use your screwdriver to give the screw another quarter turn, then repeat this process with the next hinge.
Remember that you’ll need to apply wood filler ortouch up the repair with paintto cover the screw.
When the door gets too large for the frame, it sticks when you open or close it.
A swollen doorcanbe fixed; it just takes a little more effort than tightening some screws.
Usea planer or a belt sanderto trim the edge of the door.
The space between the door and the frame should be about 1/8 inch wide.
Shifting Foundation Problems
Sometimes the problem is more significant than a swollen door or loose screws.
Shifting foundations can also cause sticking doors, though foundation repairs are not a DIY-friendly task.
Unfortunately, foundation repairs are often a costly expense.
If you suspect the foundation is the issue,contact a professional repair companyto assess the situation.
