Summary: Learn how to repair a sticking door, fix a squeaking door, prevent a door from slamming, repair a crack, fix a sagging door, prevent a door from springing open and repair the base of a door.
If a door is stiff and difficult to open, it could be due to a build-up of paint on one or more edges of the door causing it to stick in the frame. You can easily check this by inserting a thin knife blade in the gap between the door and the frame. If the blade gets stuck, that is where the problem is.
The problem of squeaking hinges can easily be resolved by oiling the hinges with a lubricating product. Wipe away any surplus lubricant with a cloth. If the door is fitted with rising butt hinges you will need to lift the door off the hinge pins to lightly oil them.
To prevent a door from slamming shut, install a door closer. These are available in different sizes to suit the size and weight of your door. You can also buy door closers that can be concealed in the top of the door. Door closers are usually adjustable to allow the door to open to 90º or 180º.
Mark the position of the pivot arm, drill pilot holes and screw in place.
On painted doors, repairing a crack or split is easy - simply fill the crack with wood filler and paint over it. If your door has a natural wood finish, use dowels to close the gap.
When the adhesive is dry, saw off the excess dowel and sand the surface smooth.
If the door sags in the frame, first try tightening the screws on the hinge. If the hinges are not large or strong enough to support the door, replace them.
If the problem is caused by a loose mortise and tenon joint at the corner of the door, it will need reinforcing.
After levering the loose joint apart, apply wood adhesive then clamp the joint.
Knock wooden wedges into the ends of the joint to keep it from opening up.
If a door will not stay closed and keeps springing open, this is usually because the hinge has been set too far back into the wood on either the door or the frame. To remedy this problem simply pack out the hinge recess with cardboard.
Insert cardboard into the hinge recess and replace the hinge.
If the paintwork or finish becomes stained at the base of the door, this is probably a sign of damp. See the section on damp-proofing for information about identifying and treating damp problems.
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