As the seasons change, so can the performance of your front door – changes in humidity cause the wood in your door to swell or shrink, leading to issues with your deadbolt or latch not lining up properly. This can make locking and unlocking your door frustrating—especially when you're in a hurry or carrying groceries. But don’t worry, because we’re here today to talk about how to adjust your door. Let’s walk through some common causes and practical solutions to fix this problem.
Keep Your Door Working Smoothly
Maintaining your door's alignment and making sure the hardware is installed right can save you from the headaches of a sticky door. One thing to try is the EGS Adjustable Door Hinges, which are made to adjust your door by simply turning the acorn nut clockwise or counterclockwise depending on if you want the door to rise or fall and it can also adjust side to side. Check out The Original Adjustable Door Hinge Vis HomeFixated.com at NHS 2010 video to see how the hinges work. Otherwise, by following these steps, you’ll keep your door functioning smoothly year-round, no matter what the weather throws your way:
Step 1: Assess the Gaps and Alignment
Start by checking the gaps between your door and the frame. If your door is sagging or sticking, the cause could be a shift in the wall, floor, or simply the door swelling. To fix this:
- Inspect the gaps: Notice if the door is rubbing against the frame.
- Adjust the hinges: Insert thin cardboard shims between the hinges and jamb to lift or lower the door as needed.
- Plane or sand the door: If the door sticks due to swelling, remove it from the hinges, plane or sand down the sticking edge, and repaint the exposed wood to seal it.
Step 2: Tighten and Secure Hinges
Over time, screw holes in the hinges can become stripped, making it hard to secure the screws properly.
- Fill stripped holes: Plug old screw holes with toothpicks or wooden matchsticks dipped in carpenter's glue. Once dry, shave off the ends and drill new holes.
- Install new screws: Secure the hinges with new screws, making sure the door is firmly attached to the frame.
Step 3: Fixing the Strike Plate Alignment
If your door won’t stay shut or you have trouble locking it, the latch and strike plate may be misaligned.
- Check wear marks: Look at the strike plate for wear marks to see where the latch is hitting.
- File the strike plate: If needed, file the edge of the hole in the strike plate to allow smoother operation.
- Adjust the strike plate: Move the strike plate as a last resort, as it can become a bigger job. If the old plate and jamb are damaged, replace them with a larger plate.
Step 4: Consider Upgrading to Adjustable Door Hinges
For a more permanent fix, consider installing EGS Adjustable Door Hinges. These hinges allow you to easily adjust the door's position with just a turn of the acorn nut, accommodating seasonal changes in humidity that cause swelling or shrinking.
Final Steps for a Smooth-Operating Door
By identifying common issues such as misalignment, hinge problems, or swelling, and applying straightforward solutions like tightening screws, sanding down rough spots, or adjusting the strike plate, you can resolve the problem. Regular maintenance and regular attention to these issues can prevent more significant problems down the line. With these tips in hand, you'll be able to keep your doors operating smoothly and efficiently.
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