A Guide To Door Repair From Start To Finish
Door Repair - Simple Fixes You Can Do in a Few Easy Steps
Although it's easy to believe the door isn't in good repair but there are a number of simple fixes that can make all the difference. Let's begin by the shimming.
To shim a room, open the door and press it against the frame. Use a block plane or a jack plane to remove tiny amounts of wood around the points of binding.
The Frame
The door frame is an important component of your home. It is essential for your home's security, because it helps prevent water damage. But it's also prone to being damaged. Door frames are susceptible to damage from bad weather or burglaries, as well as regular use. If they do, this can result in massive holes, a poor latching system and a dull appearance. Fortunately fixing your door frame is a easy process that can be completed in a few steps.
First, you must remove the molding or trim the area around your opening. You can use a hammer, an axe, or a power saw to take off the trim. After the trim has been removed, take note of the dimensions so that you can replace it once the repair is complete.
Next, you'll need to check the door frame for any areas that are decayed or damaged. If you notice any decayed areas, you'll require to purchase and install replacement pieces of wood. They are typically available at your local hardware store and should be made of an material that is compatible with the rest of your door frame. It is best to avoid using pressure-treated wood since it has a tendency to twist and warp over time.
After replacing any rotten components of the frame you will need to secure the frame in place. lock repair can be accomplished using an shim. A shim is a piece that is placed between the frame and wall. The shim can provide additional support for the frame and keep it from moving.
After you've replaced any shims, it is a good idea to caulk around the door's frame and sill. This will stop further water damage as well as protect your door frame from insects.
Finally, you will need to reinstall the trim on the door frame. If you're lucky, your old trim may be in good condition, and you can simply screw it back into place. If your trim is not in good condition, you'll have to purchase new trim and repeat the procedure.
The Threshold
A threshold for a door is the strip of wood that covers and seals the gap between the door and floor. It also helps prevent snow and water from accumulating in the entrance. A threshold installed properly is not just an essential element of your door, but also an attractive accent to improve the appearance of your home's exterior. It's time to replace your threshold if it's damaged, worn, or has been scratched. Installing a threshold can be more complex than simply sliding it into the casing and nailing it to the frame. It must be supported by shims put between the frame's two jambs.
Remove the threshold from the sides with a circular blade (use carbide blades if you are able). If you can remove the sub sill, which is the part of the frame that is under the threshold. If it's rotting, replace it at the same time you replace the threshold.
Before cutting the threshold to size, you can use a carpenter's square to draw layout lines on it, noting right angles to make notches that can be positioned around the jambs. You can also purchase thresholds that are pre-cut to match the dimensions of your doorway in a home center.
Install the shims evenly and make sure you space them. If needed, you may change the thickness of the shims. But, they should not be wider than 1 1/2 inches. It may require some trial and error to reach a threshold that is comfortable, yet able to move freely.
Close the door and observe the way it shuts and opens. There should be no daylight under the door. The sweep at the bottom of the door should be lightly rubbing the top of threshold.
If the threshold is snug but requires a little more support, apply a construction adhesive to the shims prior to pressing them into the threshold. Repeat the process until you have a tight fit and it can withstand weight.
The Hinges
Many door hinges rust or deteriorate over time, making it difficult to close the door. If this happens, it's important to fix the hinge so that the door can be shut and secured correctly. If you're replacing the hinge be sure to use an identical one that's a good match in regards to size and shape. It is also important to ensure that the hinge is correctly located in the mortise.
The first step is to check the hinge for looseness. If the hinge isn't tight enough it will likely to be snagged to the frame of the door and rub against its strike plate. Look for scratches in the paint or indentation on the frame to find where the hinge has been rubbing. If the hinge isn't sufficient tight you can tighten it using an screwdriver. If the hinge is still loose, you can try using a shim between the door frame and the hinge, or you could require replacing it completely.
You can straighten the hinge knuckles by bending them using a pair of large pliers with a tongue and groove or an adjustable wrench. You can do this by carefully bent the knuckles with a pair of large tongue-and-groove-pliers or an adjustable wrench, but it's recommended to work on one knuckle at a time so that you don't accidentally pull the hinge leaf out of its mortise.
You might also notice that your door hinges are loosened because the screws that secure them have been stripped. If this is the case you could replace the screws to give them a better grip on the hinges.
If the hinge isn't damaged, and the screw holes are fine then you can use a syringe to inject carpenter's glue into the hinge mortise and joint. Then screw the hinge back into its place and secure it with an screwdriver or drill. If you're installing new hinges, it's best to mark the locations of the pilot holes on the door and door frame to make certain that the screws are exactly in the same spot as the old ones.
The Hardware
Most people don't think much about door knobs, levers, and locksets until they stop functioning properly. They are easily repairable. It is usually a simple matter of selecting the best piece that will match the style and finish on your home, and then installing it. For doors that are outside, it's often recommended to add weather stripping, too.
You may be able solve the issue of a door that is difficult to open by lubricating your lock assembly. Many types of locks, door handles and hinges are prone to sticking when their wear surfaces are dirty or dry. Keeping these components clean and lubricated is an inexpensive method to ensure they are operating in a safe manner.
Some of the more common problems with door hardware are loose or broken handle screws, a lock that doesn't rotate when you use the key, and hinges that rattle or bind. In most cases you can tighten the screws or replace them. In some cases, however, it is recommended to remove the lock and handle from the door and sand the spindle as well as the bore holes for the lock cylinder and also the escutcheon holes to ensure that they are clean prior to installing the new hardware.
For doors that are difficult to close, you might need to grease the locking mechanism using penetrating oil. For squeaky hinges you can take out and clean the hinge pins, and then install them using longer screws that will be more likely to secure.
If you are replacing a lock, handle or hinge, make sure that the one you choose is compatible with the hole size of your door and jamb. This information is typically found on the packaging or the manufacturer's website. For instance, doorknobs or levers need holes that have a certain spread (the distance from the center of the hole in the lock to the knob). Examine the backset to determine if the replacement will fit.