Custom doors feature a high-quality fit and incredible longevity that mass-produced wood doors can’t replicate.
Inevitably, interior custom doors will face some obstacles over time. Whether it’s an inconvenient squeak or a broken hinge, it’s important to take care of any problems as quickly as you can. Read about some of the most common custom wood door issues and how to fix them!
A Swollen Door That’s Stubborn and Sticks
Wood is quite sensitive to moisture. Humidity in homes can penetrate the wood and greatly affect the material’s quality.
Without sealants to prevent moisture, the wood can swell or warp. The wood door and any other natural wood elements in the house are at risk.
How To Fix It
A swollen wood door isn’t a lost cause. It’s possible to fix it!
Take the door off the frame and into a safe working space. Start evenly sanding the face and edge of the door. Remember to avoid going overboard while sanding. If you sand too much of the wood away, you could have a gap instead.
Next, check the humidity levels in the home. A hygrometer will measure the amount of water vapor in the air as a percentage. The ideal humidity percentage should fall between 30 and 50 percent.
A humidity level above 50 percent indicates that your home is at risk of damage. The wood is more likely to expand or warp, and bacteria and mold have a better environment to thrive.
Implement a dehumidifier in your home if the humidity levels are too high. Increase ventilation throughout the house to release excess moisture. This step will establish the balance your home needs to stay at the desired humidity range.
A Tricky Door That Doesn’t Latch
Perhaps you have the opposite problem, and the wood door isn’t latching onto the strike plate. It appears shut, but it never fully closes. If a person pushes lightly on the door, it will open in an instant.
How To Fix It
A wood door that doesn’t latch means there is some sort of misalignment between the latch and the strike plate.
Take a close look at the latch and strike plate. Determine if the latch connects above or below the plate on the doorframe.
A latch below the strike plate could be a result of a loose or broken hinge. The wood door is most likely sagging slightly from the upper or center hinge.
Loose hinges will only need a screwdriver to tighten up the screws, but a cracked or dented hinge most likely needs replacing.
If the latch sits above the strike plate, perhaps the location of the plate is the problem. Take a pencil and make a light mark on the doorframe where the center of the latch rests.
Remove the strike plate, then place it in the center of the marking on the doorframe. Screw it into place and see if your wood door is capable of fully closing!
A Sticking Door Caused by Thick Coats of Paint
Painting wood doors is great for homeowners who desire something more than shades of brown natural wood possesses. Whether you installed a painted door or the previous owner conducted a poor paint job, there are plenty of things that can go wrong.
Applying too many coats of paint on the edge of the wood door and on the doorframe can cause sticking. Fortunately, there’s a simple resolution!
How To Fix It
A quick way to fix this common wooden door issue is to sand away the paint. There are two options to resolve this scenario.
First, sand the edge of the wood door or the doorframe lightly. Clean away the dust and determine if the door shuts evenly.
If the paint is still too thick to close, sanding away all the paint on the door’s edge is the most effective technique. Wipe away the loose paint and dust. Finish the door with a singular coat of paint that matches the door.
Once the paint fully dries, close the door until it’s latched, and open it again. Determine if the singular coat of paint made a difference in the movement of the door.
A Door That Squeaks With Every Push and Pull
Squeaky wood doors aren’t only a nuisance because of their troublesome sounds. They’re also potentially dangerous because something isn’t quite right in the door’s composure.
How To Fix It
The hinges are the culprit of a squeaking door. Start by tightening each screw in place. Swing the door back and forth to see if the sound disappears.
Metal will grind and wear down over time. If the squeaking sound is still present, lubricate the hinges. This step will ensure the wood door opens and closes smoothly each time. Whenever this issue arises again, follow these same steps for a quick and easy fix.
A Door That Refuses To Stay Open
As you open a wood door, it naturally falls into the doorframe without additional force. What is causing the door’s inability to stay open?
How To Fix It
Once again, the hinge could be the problem here. Examine the hinges for any signs of damage. If there is a clear dent or crack, it’s time to replace the hinges. If they look to be in good condition, you may need to align the hinges. Afterward, you can tighten the screws and lubricate the hinges, as mentioned above.
Another cause could be a solid wood door that’s too heavy for its hinges. Solid wood doors should have at least three four-inch hinges. If the door is heavier than the average wooden door, the size of the hinges must increase to compensate.
If you suspect a heavy wood door is the cause of the problem, replace the hinges and see how the door behaves. Hopefully, this repair will provide the solution!
Always remember that if you believe your wooden door is beyond saving, there are replacement options available. A pre-finished interior oak door from Nick’s Building Supply contains the properties you’re looking for! The fresh, natural wood is ready to take on whatever comes its way, helping you maintain a sleek and sturdy finish in your home.
