Introduction
Interior doors are one of the most used parts of our houses. Unlike front doors; we use interior ones numerous times daily, which may cause some common problems. However, it is good that they don’t cause security problems like exterior ones. Still, there are some common door problems. For example, the noise. We all know how frustrating a noisy door can be. Furthermore, they even can make scary sounds.
Also, since we use them plenty of times a day, a little problem can bother us a lot. However, most of the common internal door problems can be fixed easily and quickly. Even though you will need some tools, they are also easy to obtain. In this guide, we will look at common door problems, what causes them, and how to fix them. With that all said, let’s start with the most common one: Hinge problems.
1. Loose Hinge Problem
A loose hinge is probably one of the most common door problems. Frequent use of doors may cause this problem. Since the screws carry all weight, they may loosen over time. A loose hinge may cause significant problems. For example, it may prevent the door from closing completely, make the door difficult to open and scratch the floor.
Furthermore, a loose hinge problem may make you feel unsafe, as if the door is about to fall. Another problem with the loose hinge problems is that screws may get stripped. However, even though it is one of the most common door problems, it is significantly easy to fix:
Solution
If screws are stripped:
- Wide open the door and level it with a batten.
- Remove the screws.
- With a 3/8 inch drill bit, drill holes.
- Glue the holes and insert dowels into the holes. Wait until they are completely dry.
- Drill pilot holes.
- Reattach the screws. Then make sure screws are settled before removing the batten.
If screws are not stripped, you can simply use a screwdriver or drill to tighten the screws.
2. Doors That Won’t Latch
Lacking a hole in the strike plate on the door frame is the cause of this problem. When it lacks a hole door won’t latch properly. Since internal doors are constantly used during the day, it may cause misalignment. Hinges may cause a door to sag with time as they are used.
However, there are a few simple methods for determining the source of the problem, and many of these problems are rather simple to resolve. Checking where the latch is striking on the strike plate, or door frame is the first step in determining the reason. The location of the latch can indicate if the problem is due to loose hinges, misaligned hinges, a small strike plate hole, or a misaligned strike plate hole.
Solution
If the hinges are causing the problem:
- Simply tighten the hinge screws with a screwdriver or a drill.
- If you have stripped screws, apply the first solution mentioned above.
- You can use longer screws if needed.
If the strike plate hole is the cause of the problem:
- You need to file the strike plate hole. Start with marking the bottom of the latch.
- Close the door entirely by slightly retracting the latch.
- Move the latch a few times until it is touching the plate.
- Only drag the file inwards; moving it outwards will harm it.
- Continue filing until you have enough clearance for your latch to align with the striking plate hole.
3. Draughty Doors
A draughty door may have a significant impact on your energy expenses because you’ll be using your air conditioning systems more frequently to assist in maintaining the temperature indoors. To repair draughty doors, you must first determine where the drafts are coming from.
This is most usually caused by damaged weatherstripping or a door that does not close flat against the frame. Generally, changing or installing new weatherstripping will keep air from entering or exiting. If it does not, you may have to change the whole door.
Solution
There are different types of solutions to prevent draught:
- You can use foam tapes. They are easy to obtain and can solve the draughty door problem.
- Another material you can use is a draft excluder. Draught excluders may be a quick and effective fix for draughty doors.
- The third way to prevent this problem is to install a door sweep. You may prevent air from reaching your entrance by installing a door sweep with elastic prongs that push against the floor.
4. Noisy Doors
One of the most common door problems is the noise they make. It may happen, like other problems, over time. Not surprisingly, it can be frustrating or, sometimes, scary, depending on the voice. We all don’t care about this problem at first. However, it keeps bothering us. The squeaky door problem is probably one of the easiest ones to solve. With that all said, let’s take a look at the solution.
Solution
There is a variety of products you can use to silence your noisy door:
- As a short-term solution, you can apply hairspray to hinges. Hairspray can silence the hinges by lubricating them.
- Another product you can apply is olive oil. You may quickly lubricate your creaking hinges with a few drops of olive oil. After you apply olive oil, make sure to wipe excess oil from the hinges.
- Another effective alternative for creaking hinges is lithium grease. A smear of lithium grease on the hinge pin should lubricate the hinge and prevent the door from squeaking. Apply a smear of lithium grease, then open and close the door a few times. This will help grease to spread equally.
- Silicone spray is another great option for repairing noisy hinges. You can find this product easily from stores, and you may simply order it online.
5. The Door Latch Is Stuck in the door
A stuck door latch may get troublesome. When it gets stuck, it prevents you from closing the door. This means a stuck door latch prevents the door from doing what it is meant to do. It may also get stuck when the door is closed, leaving you with a closed door and wasting your time.
However, there are some simple steps you can follow to solve your door problem. Even though this problem seems challenging to solve, you can use these three easy solutions listed below and prevent your door from getting stuck.
Solution
There are three solutions you can apply to solve this problem:
- Loosen the screws on the doorknob. Overtightening the screws on your door knobs might cause them to bind.
- Remove the knobs and lubricate the door lock. Turn the knobs to disperse the lubrication.
- If none of the above solves your problem, you need to consider changing your door knob. However, don’t worry, it is easy to change.
6. The Door Knob Collides with the Wall
The doorknob hitting the wall may cause significant problems. If it hits hard, it may create a hole in the wall. Also, it may get annoying when it hits the wall every time you open the door. This may also cause some safety problems since it may rebound to you when you try to close the door. So, carrying hot drinks or something to eat is a bit risky. However, the solution is pretty easy.
Solution
You can use these two solutions to solve your door problem:
- Install a door stop at the footboard behind the door.
- To the top door hinge, install a hinge pin adjustable door stopper.
Conclusion
Since we use these doors a lot in a day, it is normal for them to have different problems. Even though the material they produce significantly impacts how long they last before causing problems, it is almost impossible for them never to cause a problem.
Still, solving these problems is probably easier than you think. Most of these common door problems can be solved easily with simple steps or with products you can find. So, when you have these common door problems, there is no need to worry, just check this guide and implement these solutions to your problem.
