How to Spot and Fix Common Door Problems
Your doors are probably the most used aspect of your home. You’re constantly opening and closing them and they go through a lot of wear and tear over time. To no surprise, there are many common door problems that homeowners face.
Although a door might perform the simple task of opening and closing, there are many parts of a door and they all need to be in working condition for the entire door to function properly.
Whether it’s something as simple as tightening a loose screw or a major project like replacing your door entirely, we’ll go over the most common door problems and what you can do to solve them.
Door Hinge Problems
Some of the most common door problems start at the hinges. Symptoms that your door hinges are damaged or broken can be a squeaky/rattling door, your door isn’t opening and closing as smoothly as it should or your door is uneven.
If your door is squeaky or not operating very smoothly, then a simple solution is to lubricate the hinges with WD-40, soap or even oilve oil. Applying a lubricant to the hinges should get rid of that squeaking instantly. If your door continues to squeak shortly after lubricating the hinges, you might need to replace them altogether.
Sometimes, doors can rattle very easily when shut. This noise is enough to annoy anyone. A common cause for this door problem is a loose hinge. If your hinges aren’t completely tight, that allows your door to move around in place. Simply tighten those hinges up and you’ll be good to go.
Another problem that may lie within the hinges is if your door is uneven or won’t close properly. The hinges could have moved over time and need to be realigned and screwed back in tightly to fix this problem.
Your Door Won’t Stay Latched
A door that won’t stay latched is a big problem because that’s one of the main purposes of a door – to stay closed. Luckily, the solution to this is often a simple one.
In the event that your door doesn’t stay latched, it could be because the latches are misaligned and the door isn’t hitting the strike plate. To fix this, you can unscrew the strike plate and find out exactly where the door meets the jamb and then screw the strike plate into that spot.
However, if the problem is that the latch itself isn’t working, then it’s most likely time to replace your door hardware.
A Drafty Door
Perhaps the most costly problem to have with your door is when it starts letting in drafts. We say it’s costly because now you’ll have to rely more heavily on your furnace or air conditioner to keep your home at the temperature you want which results in higher energy bills.
A drafty door can stem from an array of problems. One of the most common problems is worn out weatherstripping. This is the bottom seal that’s purpose is to keep drafts from entering your home. Replacing the weatherstripping is an easy project and can make a world of difference in how your home feels.
Another reason why your door is drafty could be because the door isn’t flush with the frame and there are spots where air can pass through. Finding the root to this problem can be tricky at times.
It could stem from something as simple as a hinge problem or a foundation problem, which is much more severe. Also, if you have a wood door, it could be because of warping or swelling due to excessive moisture exposure.
If you’ve done simple repairs such as a weatherstripping or hinge replacement and the door is still drafty, then your best option is to replace the door entirely. This way, you’ll know everything is getting replaced and your door will perform the way it should.
For the best entry door replacement in the Midwest, look no further than Feldco. As America’s #1 door company, we provide the best service paired with the best products. Plus, your installers will be factory trained and certified to ensure your door gets installed correctly the first time.
Your Door Is Sticking
A sticking door is a common annoyance that many homeowners deal with. Much like fixing a drafty door, there are multiple things that cause your door to stick.
One of the most common causes of a sticking door is when the hinges get dirty and covered in debris. You use your doors all the time and if you don’t keep them cleaned, they can become hard to use. Simply cleaning out the hinges should do the trick.
In cases where the hinges are clean but the door is still sticking, the problem may lie within the door jamb. A common solution is to draw in the jamb by screwing a long screw into the latch side of the door and into the frame. This can free up some space so that your door doesn’t stick anymore.
Another cause to a sticky door could also be from a foundation problem in your home. This is a more serious matter and should be looked at by a professional to find the root of the problem.
End Your Door Problems with a New Door From Feldco
For some homeowners, the door problems just won’t seem to go away, especially if you have a wood door in the Midwest. With all the moisture from rain and snow, your wood door will develop a lot of problems before you know it.
When all else fails, you can trust Feldco for the best door replacement. Our heavy duty steel and fiberglass entry doors will withstand any weather the Midwest throws at them and continue to function properly.
Plus, we offer ultra durable storm and patio doors as well. The excellence doesn’t stop there either. Without proper installation, a new door will begin to have problems very quickly. Luckily, every Feldco door is professionally installed by experienced installers to ensure a perfect and secure fit.
If you’ve had enough of your door problems and want something beautiful that’ll last through it all, get a free quote now to start your exterior door replacement with Feldco.
