How To Adjust Binding Door
If you find that your binding door isn’t working as it ought to, there are a number of simple ways in which you can work to adjust a binding door without having to call out a professional to help.
If you are struggling with your binding door then you might decide that getting it adjusted is the right choice for you and your needs. But how can you adjust a binding door on your own without calling out a professional team of door repair service providers?
How To Adjust A Binding Door
If you are wondering about how to adjust a binding door, there are a number of things that you should first understand. Fixing a binding door is not necessarily as easy as it might sound, meaning that it is important that you work to ensure that you know what you are doing before you try to tamper with your binding door.
Check the Hinges
Binding doors can occur for several reasons, but the most common culprit is often the door hinges. Here’s how you can address this issue:
- Inspect the Hinges: The first thing you should do is check the hinges. Look for any signs of wear and tear, such as rubbed-off paint or varnish, which can indicate that the hinges are not functioning properly.
- Lubricate the Hinges: Giving the hinges a spray with WD-40 or a similar high-quality lubricant can often solve the problem. Lubrication reduces friction and allows the door to move more smoothly.
- Tighten the Hinges: If lubrication doesn’t solve the problem, try tightening the screws on the hinges. Over time, screws can become loose, causing the door to sag or bind. Use a screwdriver to ensure all the screws are tight.
- Replace the Hinges: If the hinges are old or damaged, you might need to replace them. Choose hinges that match the existing ones to ensure a proper fit.
Address Binding at the Top or Bottom
If your door binds at the top or bottom, there are specific steps you can take to remedy the issue:
- Check for Floor Rubbing: If the door is binding at the bottom, inspect the carpet or floor for signs of rubbing. This indicates that the door might need to be lifted slightly. Adjust the hinges or add a shim behind the bottom hinge to raise the door.
- Lower the Door: If the door is too tight at the top, you might need to lower it. This can be done by adjusting the top hinge or sanding down the top edge of the door.
- Use a Sander: If the adjustments don’t work, you might need to sand down the area where the door is binding. Remove the door from its hinges, and use a sander to take off a small amount of wood from the binding area. Be sure to sand evenly and check the fit frequently to avoid taking off too much.
Weather-Related Binding
Some doors, especially wooden ones, expand and contract with changes in weather. This can cause the door to bind during certain seasons.
- Understand Seasonal Changes: Wood doors can expand in hot, humid weather and contract in cold, dry weather. This natural expansion and contraction can cause the door to bind.
- Monitor the Weather: If your door only binds during certain times of the year, you might not need to make any permanent adjustments. Instead, wait for the weather to change, and the problem might resolve itself.
- Consider a New Door: If the binding is a constant problem and related to the material of the door, you might consider replacing the door with one that is less susceptible to weather changes, such as a composite or metal door.
When to Call a Professional
While many binding door issues can be resolved with DIY methods, some problems might require professional assistance. If you have tried the above methods and your door is still binding, or if you are unsure about making adjustments yourself, it might be time to call in a professional.
Remember, if you find yourself in need of high quality residential door repair services, come to us at the Sacramento Handyman today!