Regardless of when your door was installed, various issues can arise over time due to wear and tear. From squeaks to misalignment and more severe problems, familiarizing yourself with common door repair issues can help you save both time and money.
If you live in New York and are searching for help with any residential or commercial door repair in Rochester, this guide will provide valuable insights.
Common Door Issues & How to Fix Them
Squeaky Hinges
Problem: One of the most common door issues is squeaky hinges. This annoying sound is usually caused by the accumulation of dirt and friction between the metal parts of the hinge due to a lack of lubrication.
How to Fix It: To fix squeaky hinges, use a lubricant like WD-40. Start by removing the hinge pin and cleaning it well with steel wool. Then, spray the lubricant on the pin and the hinge. Put the pin back in and move the door back and forth to spread the lubricant. If the squeak doesn’t go away, you should replace the hinge.
Door Sticking
Problem: Doors can start to stick because of changes in humidity, the house settling, or the door frame not being aligned properly.
How to Fix It:
- Find where the door is sticking by moving it slowly.
- Once you find the spot, use sandpaper or a plane to shave off a little bit of wood from that edge.
- After sanding, repainting or refinishing the area you worked on to protect it from moisture.
If the door is still not aligned, adjust the hinges by tightening the screws or using longer screws to pull the door frame back into place.
Loose Doorknobs
Problem: Over time, doorknobs can become loose and wobbly, making it hard to open or close the door properly.
How to Fix It:
- Tighten Screws: Start by tightening any visible screws on the doorknob.
- Check for Hidden Screws: Some doorknobs have screws hidden under a decorative plate. Remove this plate to find and tighten these screws.
- Replace the Knob: If tightening the screws doesn’t work, you might need to replace the doorknob. Make sure you get a knob that fits the existing holes in your door.
Also Read: The Importance of Regular Door Maintenance for Safety and Efficiency
Drafty Door
Problem: Drafts can make your energy bills higher and your home less comfortable. Gaps around the door, usually because of poor sealing, are often the cause.
How to Fix It:
- Keep the Weather Out: Install weatherstripping around the door. It comes in different types, such as foam with adhesive, V-shaped strips, or door sweeps. This ensures that no drafts sneak in.
- Fill the Gaps: Use caulk to close any spaces between the door frame and the wall. This stops air from leaking out and saves energy.
- Fix the Threshold: Sometimes, the door’s bottom edge (the threshold) lets in drafts. Adjust or change it to make sure the door seals well.
Sagging Doors
Problem: When doors start sagging, it’s often because they’re carrying too much weight, which loosens the hinges or bends the frame.
How To Fix It: To fix a sagging door, start by tightening all the hinge screws. If the screws won’t tighten, remove them and fill the holes with wooden toothpicks coated in wood glue, then reinsert the screws. For more support, replace one screw in each hinge with a 3-inch screw to reach the wall stud. If the door continues to sag, you may need to plane the top edge of the door or adjust the hinges further.
Cracked or Broken Door Panels
Problem: Sometimes, door panels, especially wooden ones, can crack or break because they were bumped or because of the weather.
How To Fix It: If there are just tiny cracks, you can use wood filler to fill them up. Put the filler in, let it dry, then smooth it out with sandpaper and paint over it. But if it’s a big break, you might need to swap out the whole panel. That means taking off the door, removing the busted panel, and putting in a new one. If the damage is really bad, it might be easier and cheaper just to get a whole new door.
Looking For Professional Door Repair Company in Rochester?
These solutions offer a practical starting point for anyone facing door repair in Rochester. Keeping up with maintenance and fixing issues quickly can make your doors last longer and your home feel safer and cozier. Whether it’s a squeaky hinge or a chilly draft, fixing them early can prevent bigger problems later on. And if you can’t fix it yourself, don’t be afraid to call a professional for help with door repair in Rochester.
Rochester Door Company is your premier destination for door repair and installation services in Rochester. Our skilled technicians offer prompt and reliable solutions for all your door needs. Contact us today for affordable door repair services!
