Whether it’s your everyday mail or you want to take your vehicle out for a drive, doors are almost everywhere. Each of the doors in your house must be in optimal working condition.
What if one or two doors suddenly stop working, and you’re unsure what to do? In this article, we will talk about the 5 common door problems that can occur and how one can fix them.
Like many things in your home, your door can become old & worn out over time. The older the door becomes, the more worn out it can become, leading to many unnecessary problems.
5 Common Door Problems You Might Face
The Door Doesn’t Function Properly
The main issue people often face with their doors is that they don’t work right. This means anything that messes with your ability to use the door like it should.
It could be as simple as not being able to shut the door properly, dealing with a finicky lock, or having a bit too loose hinges.
Even the glass in your door might act up, like struggling to open a window or having foggy glass blocking your view.
So, why does this happen? If your door isn’t doing its job, it could be because it wasn’t installed right, there’s a defect from when it was made, or it’s just getting old.
How to Fix It
A simple adjustment is all that it takes to fix an unaligned door.
When a door is out of square, the hinges may require tightening, or the frame will require particular adjustments.
The same goes for the lock; let’s say if the lock isn’t working or it needs replacement. It can be an internal issue with the lock and may require a professional locksmith to look at it.
When the Door Rubs on the Frame
Another issue you might encounter with doors is when the door part starts rubbing against the frame.
You’ll know this is happening if you hear a noise when the door closes, if it becomes a workout to open and close the door, or if the door starts feeling wobbly and not so steady.
So, why does this rubbing against the frame thing occur?
Well, it means the door isn’t sitting right—either it’s not square, or it wasn’t evenly put into the door frame. Maybe the hinges got loose, causing the door to lean one way or the other, or it could be that the frame itself wasn’t set up correctly.
Sometimes, the shifting foundation of your home can also mess with how doors and windows line up.
How to Fix It
If your door is out of square and rubbing against the frame, you’ll need to adjust it. This could involve tweaking the hinges or adding shims around the door’s frame.
Shims are wedges that go between the door frame and the wall, filling in tiny gaps to ensure the door is level vertically and horizontally.
A contractor can check your door and let you know if a simple adjustment will do the trick or if the door needs replacing.
Also Read:The Dos And Don’Ts Of Door Repair For Nyc Businesses: What To Keep In Mind
Squeaky or Noisy Door
Another common headache you might encounter with doors at your workplace or home is the dreaded squeak or annoying noise that disrupts the peace.
It’s not just a nuisance for you; it’s an audible reminder to everyone within earshot that your door needs attention.
How do you identify this issue? If your door announces its presence with an unwelcome creak or groans every time it swings open or closes, you’ve got a squeaky door problem.
It’s like your door has become a reluctant musician, playing an unintentional symphony of irritating sounds.
Now, why does this squeaking happen? Most likely, it’s a sign of friction between the moving parts of the door, such as the hinges or the latch mechanism.
How to Fix It
- Lubricate the Hinges: Grab a can of silicone-based lubricant or some WD-40 and generously apply it to the hinges. Open and close the door several times to allow the lubricant to work magic.
- Check the Latch: If the noise persists, inspect the latch mechanism. Clean it and apply a small amount of lubricant. Make sure the latch is properly aligned with the strike plate.
- Hire Help: If your office doors are creaking and squeaking, it’s a sign to hire commercial door repair in NYC to get them looked at.
Light or Air Coming Through the Sides of the Door
Not as common as it may sound, but this is also quite a persistent issue that often occurs with exterior doors. You may find light or air drafts coming through the side openings of the door.
When it happens, it’s probably because of the noticeable drafts.
To check, simply move your hand around the door frame & feel the air blowing in or out from around the frame.
How to Fix It
- It may be an improper door installation or because your home’s foundation has shifted. You may need to hire apartment door repair services to get it fixed.
- It can be an issue related to door adjustments. Simply adjusting the door’s frame gets you a full replacement.
Also Read: 5 Reasons to Add a Specialty Door to Your Home
When the Door Won’t Stay Latched
One of the reasons doors often don’t get latched is a misalignment between the latch and the strike plate of the door. Sometimes, the door latch is broken, or the latch isn’t working correctly.
To fix this issue, examine the alignment of the latch and the strike plate.
If misaligned, adjust the strike plate accordingly to ensure a proper fit. Tighten or loosen the screws as needed.
If the latch is broken or malfunctioning, consider replacing it with a new one. Carefully remove the old latch and install the new one, making sure it aligns with the strike plate.
How to Fix It
Regular maintenance, such as lubricating the latch and hinges, can also contribute to smoother operation.
Apply a silicone-based lubricant to the latch mechanism and hinges to prevent friction and secure the door latches.
Who to Call To Fix Door Issues?
Is your door causing problems? Are you having difficulty accessing it? Whether it’s your apartment door that needs repairs or a door at one of your commercial properties, call Door Guys NYC today!
