Fixing a sticky door is one of the most common minor home improvement projects. One day your door works perfectly, and the next it needs more arm strength than any door should require to open. If you’re the handy sort, you already know the basics of home repair. However, if not, it can be a frustrating event. Let’s discuss some of the common problems with a sticking door and how to repair them.
Why is Your Door Sticking?
Doors can stick for various reasons, such as your geographical location and the door’s age. Each door has its own distinct characteristics and may encounter issues at some point. However, when these challenges come up, there are several methods available to fix them and restore smooth operation.
Door Stickiness Due to Wood Expanding
One of the main causes of a sticking door is the wood itself. If your door is hard to open and close, environmental causes may be to blame. Consider the humidity levels typical of St. Louis—wood tends to swell and contract in response to fluctuating weather conditions and air moisture content. This natural process can significantly impact the ease of operation of your door.
Solution:
If this is persistent, you can use a small jigsaw or belt sander to trim the parts of the door that are sticking. This is one of the reasons we use fiberglass for our entry doors: fiberglass does not shrink or swell like wood.
Door Sticking Due to Shifting Foundations
In older homes, doors may stick as a result of shifting foundations. If you’re experiencing difficulties with your windows sticking or noticing cracks forming in your walls, it’s a sign that the foundation might be settling. This settling occurs over time, often due to various factors like soil movement, changes in moisture levels or the natural aging of the structure. It’s essential to address foundation issues promptly—this will prevent further structural damage and restore the functionality of your doors and windows.
Solution:
A shifting foundation is a problem that is likely best solved by an experienced professional. If it’s just your door though, grab your trusty bag of tools. It’s time to troubleshoot that door and revisit the portions that may have shifted.
Additional Areas to Inspect on the Door Frame and Hardware
If you’ve determined it’s not your foundation at fault, look to the door frame. Are the hinges connected well to the frame? If they’re at all loose, you may have found your culprit. This is an easy fix. The humble screwdriver will take care of the issue quickly—just locate the part of the door that’s sticking and tighten the frame plate and screws.
Check the Screws
Are they screwed tightly to the frame? Any looseness can lead to problems with door movement. Be careful not to over-tighten, though—you could break the screws if you put too much pressure on them.
If the problem isn’t with the door frame or hinges, the screws may simply not be long enough for the door hinge and frame. You’ll know this is the case if you’re turning and turning with your screwdriver but not seeing any progress on the screw’s movement. In that case, you’ll need to take a trip to the hardware store and grab a longer set of screws. Again, secure your correctly sized screws nice and tight to the hinges to prevent future movement issues with the door.
Check if the Door Is Warping
If none of the above sounds like your door, the door could simply be warped. This happens over time and is most often seen in older doors or if you’ve had water damage. If this is the case, it may be time for a new door. Luckily for you, Window World of St. Louis has a great selection of high-quality doors to choose from. We make our doors from fiberglass, so you’ll never have to worry about warping.
How to Fix a Sticky Sliding Glass Door
If your sticking door is a sliding glass door, that’s an entirely different set of problems to tackle. This isn’t determined so much by your home as by the door itself, so we’ll skip on ruling out external factors this time.
Start out by checking the track and rollers. Carefully remove the problem door from the track—take it out from the top if possible to ensure no damage is done to the rollers. Use a screwdriver to remove the rollers from the door. If they’ve just gotten dirty, clean them and you should be set. If they’re damaged, you may need to order a new set of rollers from your provider.
If the rollers seem to be in good shape, check the track and clean it thoroughly. Debris stuck in the track is most likely your culprit for why your sliding glass door sticks, so if the sliding door still sticks after you’ve cleaned both the rollers and the track, it may be time for a new sliding door.
Need a Replacement Door? We’ve Got You Covered
If each method was done and you determined it is time for you to get a new door, don’t worry: our doors are secure and energy-efficient as well as made with high-quality craftsmanship. Satisfy your personal style while resting assured that should you need it, Window World doors are covered by a lifetime warranty for larger repairs. If you face a problem with the door, simply contact Window World of St. Louis and we’ll be happy to assist you.