Simple Door Repairs You Can Do Yourself Your home's door is your primary protection from dust, water bugs, heat and water. It's also the primary way that you can control the amount of conditioned air that seeps out of your home. Small dents and dings are easy to fix by using spackle. It's cheap and readily accessible at any hardware store. It's also a good choice however it may take longer to dry. Repairing a Loose Knob A door handle or doorknob that's loose can be a huge troublesome and even dangerous for those who use the doors frequently. This issue could easily become worse over time, and eventually lead to a more expensive repair or replacement in the near future, so it's important to check the handle on a regular basis to make sure it's secure. The majority of door handles are secured by screws that attach the handle to the base. These screws can loosen over time due to a variety of causes. They can break loose due to various reasons. In addition, they may be loosened by dust and dirt that accumulates in the hardware over time. The first step is to determine the screws that are loose. Based on the kind of handle, this might be possible without taking off the knob itself. You may find a slot in the handle to place a flathead or a small hole to hold paperclips. If not, you'll need to remove the rose to reveal the inner screws. Once you've got access to the base, it's a good idea to remove the knob and detach the base from the door. Once the inner screws have been exposed after which you can tighten them with the same method that you used to loosen them. If needed apply threadlocker to the screws to prevent them from becoming loose again. Reinstall the handle by placing the base on top of it after the screws have been tightened. It's a good idea test the handle and see how it functions before replacing any decorative faceplates, or other accessories. Make sure to check the handle regularly to ensure it is still in good condition. It is also possible to apply a coat of polish to maintain its appearance. If you have to apply more polish or wax, do it with a soft cloth. It is not advisable to use anything that can cause damage to the hardware. Repairing a door that swings Open If your door is swaying open when you shut it, the issue could be that the latch isn't aligned with the strike plate hole within the frame. This is a common problem and can usually be fixed by following a few simple steps. Experts from Family Handyman explain that the first thing to do is sit down and observe the gap between the frame and the door. This gap is often caused by a hinge which is not plumb. It means that it is not aligned with other hinges. If this is the case, you'll need to loosen the screw and move the hinge slightly forward or backward to correct the gap. It's a good idea after you've done this, to tighten up all the hinge screws. After adjusting the hinges you might need to move the strike plate opening closer to the stop molding on the door jamb. If you've shifted the hinges, increased the strike plate's hole or moved the strike plate, you'll have to clean any holes from screws or gaps with the use of a wood filler that is compatible with the door frame. You can also hang the door and re-insert the hinge pins if the above methods don't work. When you do this, ensure that you have a person to support the door so that it doesn't fall. To remove the hinge pin, tilt the blade of a flathead screwdriver against the base of the pin and tap it using a hammer to loosen and push the pin away. Then, shim hinges which have binds or swings. Start at the beginning and moving up. You'll require a few shims at each spot and it's crucial that the shims are all made of the same material as the hinges. Once the shims have been installed you'll be able tighten the hinge screws and hopefully your door will remain shut! Repairing a door that won't close If the door won't close properly, it's likely that it is rubbing against something within the frame. It could be a corner of the hinges, a part of the latch mechanism or a hole in the strike plate that is too small for the door handle bolt to reach and lock. You can usually fix this issue by tightening the hinge screws. If the door doesn't shut, you can try loosening them a bit more and adjusting the hinges to make them more symmetrical to each other. In some cases the latch may rub against the strike plate due to the fact that the bolt pocket is too high and isn't aligned with the hole in the strike plate. To identify the location where contact is taking place, place a strip of lipstick or similar marking material on the latch. When you open the door, look to see where the mark is made. This will inform you if the latch is touching either above or below the strike plate's hole and will help you to fix the problem. Depending on the amount of the strike plate needs to move, you may be able to increase the bolt pocket without moving the strike plate. If that's not possible then you can move the strike plate itself using a screwdriver and hammer. Remove the screw that holds the strike plate. Place glass repair of a screwdriver into the hole, then hammer the top of the plate using a Hammer. Repeat this procedure a few times until the strike plate is placed in the correct position, and screw it back into place. If you've widened the bolt pocket or moved the strike plate, you will have to fill in the holes from the old screws and fill any holes in the mortise that are above or below the strike plate's new position. Wood filler with a color that is compatible with the door frame will work. Once you've completed this step the door should shut properly and stay shut. If it isn't you'll need to check for looseness or damaged hinges and replace them. Repairing a door that leaks Water leaks around the door could cause problems for your house. Puddles around your exterior doors could indicate that your threshold or sill pan is damaged or that your door was not installed correctly and can result in extensive water damage and mold. One of the best ways to stop leaking is to replace the old caulking. This will provide a solid seal against the elements, but over time it can crack and peel, leaving gaps that allow water in. It is important to use flexible and paintable caulking that can be able to withstand weathering. The next step is to examine the frame of the door for signs of rot. This can happen to wood frames and doors if not addressed immediately. If you find decay, you'll need to remove the damaged part and make repairs as needed. It is best to paint or stain the wood with a protective finish. If you do not notice any signs of rot around the door frame molding, it could be due to air leaking in. You can stop this by filling in all the gaps using non-expanding foam or gap filler rod caulking. You can use spackle to make a quick and inexpensive repair. While it's great to fix your own home repairs when possible, some tasks are best left to professionals. If your door has significant or complex damage, it's recommended to let a professional handle the replacement. This can save you money as well as give you a high-quality door that will last for years to be. It's also worth considering whether you should have your door fixed or replaced entirely if it's not meeting your practical requirements or isn't appealing visually. Start by searching for the best door to meet your requirements and style. This way, you can be certain that the new door will be the perfect fit to your home. Once you've decided to move forward an expert can assist with the installation process and ensure that the new door will look its best.
glass repair
