Internal doors are sometimes neglected when it comes to keeping a functional home. Nonetheless, they contribute significantly to our living areas' visual appeal, insulation, and seclusion. Internal doors may experience problems over time that impair both their appearance and functionality. Although dealing with these problems can seem overwhelming, you can do it successfully if you have the correct advice. The reasons of typical internal door issues are covered in this book, along with step-by-step instructions for getting your doors back to their best.
1. Door Sticking or Swelling
Problem: Moisture in the air, particularly in homes with high humidity levels, is frequently the cause of doors that stick or don't close correctly. Because they absorb moisture, wooden doors may swell and become challenging to open or close.
Solution:
- Sand the Edges: Lightly sand the door's edges, especially the places where it adheres. Avoid over-sanding as this may result in gaps once the door dries out.
- Seal the Door: Coat the entire door with a clear sealer or varnish, paying particular attention to the sanded edges. This keeps moisture out and keeps the door in its original shape.
- Control Humidity: To avoid future swelling, use a dehumidifier in areas like kitchens and bathrooms that are prone to high humidity.
2. Door Misalignment
Problem: Doors may become misaligned as a result of wear and tear over time, improper installation, or the house's natural sinking. Doors that are misaligned may not latch correctly or drag on the floor.
Solution:
- Tighten the Hinges: To prevent the door from sagging, begin by tightening all of the hinge screws.
- Use Shims: To correct the alignment if tightening doesn't work, you might need to position thin shims behind the hinges. This works particularly well if one side of the door needs to be slightly raised.
- Trim the Bottom of the Door: To guarantee a smooth fit, carefully trim the bottom of the door using a planer or sandpaper if it scratches the floor.
3. Squeaky Hinges
Problem: Dust, debris, or inadequate lubrication on the hinges are frequently the causes of squeaky hinges, which can be bothersome.
Solution:
- Lubricate the Hinges: Coat the hinges with a lubricant like WD-40 or even common household materials like cooking oil or petroleum jelly. To ensure that the lubricant is distributed evenly, open and close the door several times.
- Clean the Hinges: Before reinstalling the hinges, take out the hinge pins, give them a wire brush cleaning, then lubricate them with new lubricant if the squeak continues.
4. Door Won't Stay Open
Problem: It can be annoying when a door repeatedly swings shut or refuses to stay open, particularly in places with lots of traffic. A crooked door frame or an uneven floor are frequently the cause of this problem.
Solution:
- Adjust the Hinges: Remove the hinge pins and give them a quick tap with a hammer to slightly bend them. This prevents the door from swinging shut on its own by providing a tiny amount of resistance.
- Install a Door Stop: To keep the door open if adjusting the hinge isn't working, install a conventional or magnetic door stop.
5. Loose Door Handle
Problem: Due to continuous use, door handles may eventually become loose, and in certain situations, the latch mechanism as a whole may malfunction.
Solution:
- Tighten the Screws: Usually, the issue can be resolved by tightening the handle's screws.
- Replace the Handle Mechanism: You might want to replace the internal mechanism if the handle or latch is broken. Just make sure you acquire the right replacement part for your door; it's a simple do-it-yourself task.
6. Difficulty Locking or Latching
Problem: Incorrectly locking or latching doors can be dangerous and are frequently caused by a worn-out latch or misaligned striking plate.
Solution:
- Adjust the Strike Plate: Try releasing the plate's screws and moving it around if the latch isn't aligning with the strike plate. As an alternative, you might have to make a little bigger hole or file the strike plate to make room for the latch.
- Change the Latch Mechanism: In the event that the latch is broken.
7. Peeling Paint or Veneer
Internal door paint or veneer may eventually peel, crack, or bubble, particularly in moist areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
Reasons
- Excessive humidity or moisture
- Paint or finish applied incorrectly
Repairs
- Sand & Repaint: Sand down any peeling paint, then apply a moisture-resistant paint that is appropriate for interior doors.
- Re-glue Veneer: If the veneer is peeling, use wood glue to reattach it, holding it in place with clamps until it dries.
8. Sticking or Stiff Door
Sticking doors can be challenging to operate and can cause damage to the frame or floor.
Reasons
- Humidity-induced warping
- Hinge misalignment or swelling wood
Repairs
- Adjust Hinges or Trim Door Edge: For a smooth fit, realign the hinges or trim the door edge with a hand planer.
- Lubricate the Door Frame: A small amount of wax applied to the edge of the door can help lessen friction, which can cause the door to occasionally stick because of friction with the frame.
9. Cracked or Damaged Wood Panels
Internal wooden doors are susceptible to dents or cracks, particularly in places with heavy traffic. These can erode the door's structural integrity if left addressed.
Reasons
- Damage from impacts
- Variations in humidity and temperature
Repairs
- Fill with Wood Filler: Apply wood filler to minor dents and cracks to cover the surface, then sand and refinish.
- Replace Panel or Door: You might need to replace the door panel or think about replacing the entire door if there are more extensive cracks or structural damage.
10. Loose or Damaged Door Frames
Over time, door frames may come loose, particularly in older homes or if they weren't put correctly the first time.
Reasons
- The building's settlement
- Repeated impact damage
Repairs
- Strengthen with Screws: To firmly fasten the frame to the wall, use longer screws.
- Use Wood Filler for Gaps: Depending on the size of the gap, use expandable foam, caulk, or wood filler to close any spaces between the wall and frame.
Conclusion
Although difficulties with internal doors might be annoying, most of them are simple to resolve with the correct strategy. You can maintain your internal doors in top shape for many years to come by recognising the typical issues—misalignment, squeaks, drafts, or even damaged handles—and implementing these doable fixes. Knowing these frequent problems and how to solve them will save you time and hassle, regardless of whether you want to bring in a professional or do it yourself.
For more information about our interior or exterior doors or door accessories, give us a call at 01603 622261 and speak to a member of our expert team today or Email us at sales@doorsuppliesonline.co.uk. We look forward to hearing from you.