If you have a door in your home that is not functioning, fixing it may be easier than you think! Diagnosing the problem early can help you determine the right solution. With a little patience and some elbow grease, you can get your door working like new again.
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Identify the problem: Is the door warped, cracked, or otherwise damaged?
Before trying to fix a door, it is important to identify the root of the problem. Inspect the door, looking for warping or cracking in the frame.
Pay attention to how well the door opens and closes. Does it seem loose in its hinges? Does one corner drag on the floor as you open or close it? Take note of any signs of damage. Knowing where the problem lies will help you decide what steps need to take to repair it.
If the door has minor warping, or sticks, use a wood planer to even out the surface, top, or bottom.
Warped doors can be the bane of any homeowner, but using the right tool can help. A wood planer removes a specific amount of material from the warped surface until it is even and smooth.
If the door is sticking on the top, then remove enough material on the top of the door for it to close. If the door is sticking on the bottom, then remove enough material on the bottom of the door for it to close.
This can make the door look as good as new in no time, and at minimal cost compared to other methods or buying a new door. So if you find yourself with a warped door, don’t despair grab your wood planer and get to work!
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If the door is cracked, use wood glue and clamps to secure it back together.
Wood glue can be a lifesaver when it comes to minor repairs around the house. When a door is cracked, the solution can be an easy fix with wood glue and clamps.
Use the wood glue to secure the crack together, making sure you fill any gaps between the two pieces. Then use clamps to ensure the pieces stay in place so that the glue can dry and make for a strong bond.
Other common damage and solutions to fix a door.
Holes in the door: If the wood door has a hole that is less than 3 – 4 inches in diameter you can use wood filler to fill the hole. Then after it has dried follow the steps to sand and refinish.
If the door is hollow or metal then you may need strips of material or different filler to repair the hole. If the hole in the door is larger than 3 – 4 inches in diameter there are other patching solutions such as fiberglass and bondo. If the hole in the door is very large or a weird shape it may need replacement.
The door hinge is loose: If the screws in the hinges are failing, loose, and won’t stay tight, there is a quick fix. A larger gauge screw that is longer than the standard size, that will still fit flush in the hinge, will resolve the problem.
Or use some wood glue and matchsticks or toothpicks to fill the old screw hole. Use the same or longer screws that fit in the hinge to re-attach the hinges to the frame.
The door knob or hardware is old and sticking: First, confirm the door knob is turning, not bound up. Check that the latch bolt moves back to the closed position. If it’s not then it may need oiled and cleaned inside or replaced.
Next, check the strike plate to confirm the latch bolt is landing. If it’s missing the hole, then adjust the strike plate so that it’s aligned.
Once the door is repaired, sand it down and repaint or refinish it as needed.
Sanding down the repaired areas will create a smooth surface for a proper coat of paint or a clear finish. Don’t skip sanding. Even if you plan to keep the existing color and not repaint the entire door. Sanding down the affected area will allow for an even finish and help blend in any repairs.
After sanding, you can choose to apply your preferred finish. This can be anything from polyurethane to a varnish, depending on the desired effect.
Refinishing the door might seem daunting. Take your time, and with care and patience, you can give your door a fabulous look that’ll last for years!
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