Door Repairs
Door repairs are one of the more common fixes that I encounter. Since a door is built with several moving parts and houses tend to settle over time, doors will always need maintenance or repair. Whether it’s an entry door, bedroom door, pocket door, folding door, or patio sliding door, the information below should have you back in business in no time.
Common Door Problems
Door won’t close – This is caused by a house settling over time. Settling is caused when the wood that your home is built from dries. As the wood dries, it also shrinks and warps slightly. This is totally natural and happens with every stick built home. Unfortunately, it can deform the frame of the door keeping the door from closing properly. When this occurs on an exterior door and the weather seals don’t make contact upon closing the door, you may start to experience a draft and heat loss. You’re actually doing the environment a favour by having the door fixed or installing a new, more insulated door.
Door won’t latch – This can be caused by either worn out hardware or settling in the home. This is a very simple fix and can usually be done in less than an hour. This issue is commonly seen on sliding patio doors due to the nature of the locking mechanism.
Patio door is hard to slide – This can be caused by either worn out rollers, a worn track, a bad door installation, or even just dirt buildup on the track. If you think your patio door is more difficult to move than it used to be, you’re probably right. Don’t worry, it can be fixed.
Drafty door – If your door is closing properly or the weather seals have broken down, you may be feeling a cold draft in the winter months. Depending on what the issue is, the weather seals can be replaced, or the door frame can be adjusted to close properly. Either way, the cost of fixing the door may save you money in the long run.
Deadbolt won’t lock – Here is another issue that can be caused by settling in the home. This is a very simple fix and can usually be done in less than an hour. Typically, there is no frame adjustment required. Simply moving the strike plate can solve this issue.
What can you do?
Just plain outdated – Older homes can benefit highly with the installation of doors if you are looking to update your home. The best part is that the newer doors are typically built much better in terms of energy efficiency. Also, if installed correctly, can be installed to save even more money on the power bill. By sealing around the perimeter of the door with expanding foam, you can eliminate heat loss through the frame of the door.
If any of this looks like too big a problem, you might want to think about giving me a call. Door repairs is something I can definitely help with.