If your front door or storm door won’t close correctly, sticks, or won’t latch, it can also affect your home’s security, energy efficiency, and/or weather protection. The good news is that many of these door issues are common, and most importantly, fixable.
I’ve listed some of the most common reasons exterior doors stop closing properly I come across with my clients, and what’s involved in fixing them.
1. Temperature and Weather Changes
Exterior doors are constantly exposed to temperature and humidity changes, especially in New Jersey when we get the four-season experience. Wood doors and even metal frames can expand and contract with these seasonal shifts.
Common signs include:
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Doors sticking in summer but closing fine in winter
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Tight gaps along the top or side of the door
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Latching issues that come and go
In most cases, minor adjustments to hinges or door hardware (i.e. tightening) is enough to compensate for seasonal movement.
2. Loose or Worn Hinges
Loose hinges are one of the most common causes of door misalignment. Over time, screws can come loose from repeated use and hinges may shift, causing the door to sag slightly.
As with above, tightening screws or replacing stripped screws with longer ones (for a tighter fit by screwing into structure) can often bring the door back into proper alignment.
3. Strike Plate Misalignment
If the door closes but won’t latch, the strike plate may be misaligned with the latch, horizontally or vertically.
This can happen due to:
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Door settling
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Frame movement
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Previous improper installation
In many cases, the fix involves either tightening the hinges (as with #1 and #2 above), or slightly adjusting or relocating the strike plate so the latch lines up properly again. In many cases, you may need to use a chisel to carve out part of the door jamb for the strike plate to be mounted flush.
4. Storm Door not completely latching when closing – Dirt, Grime, and Dry Hardware
In some cases, a storm door will get stop shy of completely closing and latching). This is because storm doors are especially exposed to dust, pollen, and the elements — all of which can build up in the latch mechanism.
This can be easily solved by a simple cleaning followed by applying a light lubrication (such as WD-40).
Note: WD-40 can solve squeaky door hinges as well!
Most of these door issues are minor annoyance, but happen often due to frequent use of exterior doors. If you’re not sure how to fix a handyman can quickly diagnose the cause and make the precise adjustments to ensure door closes and locks correctly.
Help Me Henry provides professional services, including door adjustments and repairs, for homeowners in Somerset County, NJ, helping improve security, energy efficiency, and everyday convenience.