How to Fix a Door That Sticks

If you’ve tried to open the door and the door knob turned without any problems, but you can’t seem to pry it open, this means that you have a sticky door to contend with. What causes this kind of problem and how do you deal with it? Let’s take a closer look to find out.

What Causes a Sticky Door?

A sticky door is caused by the door panel creating unnecessary friction with the frame. This friction is caused by a misaligned door panel making direct contact with the jambs (the vertical part of a door). Fixing a door that sticks is relatively easy, but the most effective approach depends on finding out what caused the misalignment.

Loose Hinges

A loose door hinge will cause the door panel to “stick out” because the weight of the door lifts the hinges off the frame. You can fix this by supporting the weight of the door while tightening the screws on the door’s hinges.

Swelling

Swelling is a common problem with wooden doors. As the door ages, the fibers in the wood tend to expand because of moisture, causing the door to press against the door frame. Depending on your budget, you can shave off the edges of the door with a wood plane or have it completely replaced with a newer door.

Damaged Frame

A damage door frame can cause misalignments as well, but fixing the frame almost always requires removing the door panel. If this is the case, you can often save on repairs by keeping the original door panel, especially if it is still in good shape.

Damaged Hardware

There are some times when the door lock’s latch doesn’t fully retract even when you turn the doorknob all the way. As a result, the latch drags across the frame, causing unnecessary friction. Other examples of damaged hardware include a loose or crooked latch plate. Fortunately, these problems can be fixed by replacing the hardware or tightening loose components.

Still having problems with a sticky door? Our door specialists at Handyman Connection of Winter Park are at your service. Contact us at (407) 270-2348 or fill out our online form for more info.