A How-To Guide For Door Repair From Beginning To End
Door Repair - Simple Fixes You Can Do in a Few Easy Steps
It's easy to think a door is beyond repair There are many easy fixes that can make a huge difference. Let's start with the shimming.
To make an opening shim, open the door and press it into the frame. Use the block or jack plane to remove small pieces of wood from the binding points.
The Frame
The door frame is an important part of your home. It offers security, protects against water damage and gives your home a beautiful appearance. It is prone to damage. It could be the result of bad weather or burglaries, or just regular use, door frames can become damaged. When they do, it can cause large gaps, weak latching, and a shabby appearance. Fixing your door frame can be done in a few simple steps.
The first step is to remove the trim, also known as molding, from the door opening. This can be accomplished with either a hammer or chisel or a power saw. Once the trim has been removed, take note of its dimensions so that you can put it back in place once the repair is complete.
Next, you will need to examine the door frame for any areas that are decayed or damaged. If you find any rotten wood, you will have to replace it. They are typically available at your local hardware store and should be made of a material that matches the rest your door frame. Avoid upvc repairs near me -treated wood because it is prone to become warped and twisted over time.
After replacing any rotten sections of the frame, you will be required to ensure that it is secured in place. One method to accomplish this is using an shim. It is basically a piece of wood that sits between the frame and the wall. The shim can provide additional support to the frame, and also prevent it from moving.
After you've replaced the shims it is a good idea to caulk the frame and the sill of your door. This will prevent further water damage as well as protect your frame from insects.
Finally, you will need to reinstall the trim on the door frame. If you're lucky, the original trim might be in good condition and you'll be able to nail it back in place. If the trim isn't in good condition, you will have to purchase a new trim and repeat the same procedure.
The Threshold
A door threshold is a piece of wood that covers and insulates the space between the door and the floor. It also stops snow and water from accumulating within the entrance. Besides being an essential part of the door, a properly-installed threshold can also be a gorgeous feature that will enhance your home's curb appeal. It's time to replace your threshold if it's damaged, worn, or has been scratched. The process of replacing your threshold is not as simple as sliding it into the casing and nailing it to the frame it must be supported by wood strips called shims. They are inserted between the frame's two jambs.
To take out the threshold, first cut it away from the edges of the door frame using a circular saw (use a carbide blade if you can). If you can, remove the sub sill - the part of the frame which runs below the threshold. If it's rotting, replace it at the same time as you replace the threshold.
Before cutting the threshold to size, you can use a carpenter's square to mark layout lines on it, and note right angles to make notches that fit around the jambs. Home centers can cut thresholds to fit the dimensions of your opening.
Insert the shims, being sure to place them evenly. If needed, you may alter the thickness of the shims. However they should not exceed 1 1/2 inches. It might require some trial and error before you can get the threshold to be just right, but still able to move freely.
Close the door and see how it opens and shuts. There shouldn't be any daylight beneath the door and the sweep at the bottom of the door should lightly rub against the top of the threshold.
If the threshold is an ideal fit but requires a bit more support, put some construction adhesive on the shims, then put them in place under the threshold. Repeat the process until you achieve a tight fit and it is able to withstand the weight.
The Hinges
Over time, many hinges on doors get rusty and begin to deteriorate. This makes it difficult to close doors. It is crucial to fix the hinge so as to secure and close the door in a proper manner. When replacing the hinge, ensure that you use one that's similar in size and shape. You also want to ensure that the hinge is placed correctly in the mortise and door jamb.
First, check the hinge for looseness. If the hinge isn't tight, it could rub against the strike plate, and will bind on the frame. Examine for scratches in paint or indents on the frame to determine the location where the hinge is rubbing. If the problem is that the hinge isn't tight enough you can use a screwdriver to tighten it. If the hinge is loose, you could try an wedge between the frame of the door and the hinge, or you may have to replace it completely.
If the problem is that the knuckles of the hinge (the cylinders that the hinge pin goes) are bent in a way, you'll need to straighten them out to make them point towards the jamb on the latch. You can accomplish this by carefully bend the knuckles manually using a pair of tongue-and-groove pliers, or an adjustable wrench, although it's recommended to work on a single knuckle at a time so that you don't accidentally pull the hinge leaf out of its mortise.
It's also possible that the screws holding your hinges on your doors are loosened. If this is the situation you could replace the screws to give them a better grip on the hinges.
If the hinge is not damaged and the screw holes are fine you can use a syringe to inject carpenter’s glue into the mortise and joint of the hinge. Then screw the hinge in place, and secure it with a screwdriver or drill. If you're putting in new hinges, it's a good idea to mark the locations of the pilot holes on the door and the frame of the door so that you can be sure to put the screws exactly where they were as the previous ones.
The Hardware
The majority of people don't give much thought to door knobs, locks or levers until they stop functioning properly. The majority of these parts can be repaired easily. It's usually a issue of picking the best piece to match the style and finish of your house, and then installing it. It's a good idea, especially for doors that are exterior, to add weather-stripping.
If you have a door which is difficult to open, you may be able to solve the issue by lubricating the lock assembly. Many hinges, handles, and locks can stick when their wear surfaces get dirty or dry. It is inexpensive to keep these components lubricated and clean.
The most frequent problems with door hardware is broken or loose handle screws, a lock which won't turn on its own when you use the key and hinges which squeak or stick. In most cases you can tighten the screws or replace them. However, in certain situations, it's better to remove the lock or handle from the door and sand the spindle, lock bore hole, and escutcheon holes to ensure they're clean prior to installing the new hardware.
If doors are difficult to close, you might need to grease the locking mechanism with penetrating oil. For squeaky hinges you can take out and clean the hinge pins, and then reinstall them with longer screws that are more likely to be able to hold.
If you're planning to replace a handle, lock, or hinge, be sure to select a model that is compatible with the current hole size on your door and jamb. You'll typically find this information in the packaging or on the manufacturer's website. For instance, doorknobs or levers need a hole that is a certain spread (the distance from the center of the lock hole to the knob). It is also important to determine the backset of the replacement as this will determine whether it's appropriate for your door.