Top 5 Door Problems & Solutions for Them

Some of the most common problems that occur with interior doors are issues that disrupt privacy, functionality, or the aesthetics of the door. Many of these issues also produce unwanted sounds.

Functional inconveniences can interfere with movement, or prevent the doors from swinging open and closed. Aesthetic issues may detract from the overall look and feel of your home. The following are some of the most common issues that arise with doors and tips for solving them fast.

1. Your Door Has Chipped Paint or Finish

Chipped paint and peeling finishes are two of the most common issues that can take away from a door’s appeal and overall aesthetic. Older doors made from wood are more prone to wear and tear because they are more susceptible to water damage. Other types of doors made from outdated fiberglass can be vulnerable to surface damage and discoloration.

Solutions

There are two main solutions when dealing with peeling or chipped paint or finish. You can either repaint and refinish the surfaces of your door or replace your door altogether. Here’s how to go about both of these solutions:

1. Repaint and Refinish Your Door

If you are going to repaint and refinish your door, first work out if you will need to spot-paint or paint the entire door again. Either way, the best place to properly repaint your door is on its hinges. This gives you easy access to both sides without having to wait until one side dries to proceed and apply a coat of paint to the other side. If you need to remove the door from its hinges, make sure you have a flat space to work on such as a work table or bench.

Next, wipe off any residual dust or dirt using a damp cloth. If you will only be spot-painting, apply tape to the surrounding areas where you don’t wish to get paint. If you are painting your entire door, lightly sand the door using fine-grit sandpaper (220-grit). Mark the door hardware with masking tape to prevent paint splatter.

Apply the first coat of paint with a small angled brush working in sections. Let the door dry overnight if needed, and apply a second coat, following the same process. Re-hang your door and enjoy the fresh new look!

2. Replace Your Door

If you feel like your door is outdated and needs a total reset, you might choose to replace it altogether. Painting a new primed door can be a creative do-it-yourself project. However, not everyone has the time or inclination.

Pre-finished doors come already finished with paint, enamel, lacquer, or polypropylene, and are ready to be fitted in a doorway. Talk with a door expert about the available options and consider which one best fits your needs.

2. Your Door’s Hinges Are Broken, Squeaky, or Both

Broken or noisy door hinges are another common and very frustrating issue of natural wear and tear that occurs with doors over time. A broken hinge can make your door misaligned, sag, or even completely immobile. Frequent use of a door’s hinges may cause your door to squeak when opening and closing. Together, these factors can snowball into an issue where both aesthetics and functionality are compromised.

Solution

To replace a hinge, you should check the exact size and type of the former hinge(s). Next, replace one hinge at a time—this way you don’t have to remove the entire door. Use a cheap flathead screwdriver to unscrew each hinge. Replace with new hinges making sure they are aligned, and tighten the screws.

For squeaky sounds, the solution may be as easy as applying a lubricant such as WD-40 or petroleum jelly to the door’s hinges. For homeowners seeking a more natural lubricant, try applying tallow, olive oil, or coconut oil to the hinges.

A generous amount of lubricant should generally be sufficient to fix a minor squeaky door. If not, your hinges and other door hardware may need replacing. Many homeowners opt for a frameless door solution with concealed hinges and frames, which generally last longer than traditional hinges due to their design and construction.

3. Your Door Has a Draft

Drafty doors can be due to gaps around the edges or damage to the weather stripping. They are a big nuisance for homeowners because they permit large drafts of hot or cold air to enter the room, making the home less energy efficient. According to estimates, people with drafty windows and doors can lose roughly 20 to 30% of what they pay on their heating bills.

Solution

The first step to solving a drafty door is to identify where the draft is coming from. Inspect for visible cracked or open areas between the space of the door frame and the floor or wall. Also see if the door jamb, the vertical part of the frame to which the door is fastened, has cracks or gaps.

If there are gaps or splitting that need to be repaired, consider using weather stripping, which is a type of seal or gasket that protects against air, water, and dust ingress. If the gap is larger and at the bottom of the door, consider using an under-door sweep. Door sweeps are generally installed by drilling small holes at the bottom of the door and attaching the piece with screws.

If you notice that your door has a very large gap or is cracked and damaged beyond repair, consider replacing your door. A modern fiberglass or wood door that is form-fitted and designed with energy-efficient materials is a good solution for an updated look.

4. Your Door Won’t Stay Shut or Latch

A door frame or the door hinges may shift due to excessive use over time. This misalignment can cause the door to sag or reposition itself, causing issues with the shutting and latching movements of the door.

Doors that won’t shut typically occur for a variety of issues, but are mostly due to the following:

• Door hinge problems
• Worn-out hardware
• Misaligned strike plate
• Warped door

Solution

To fix a door that won't stay shut, start by checking for door alignment. If the door is misaligned, you may be able to fix it by simply tightening the door hinge's screws. If the door latch isn’t engaging with the door’s strike plate, consider repositioning or replacing it.

Next, check for warps in your door using the string method, which involves running a string along the edge of the door to see if the string lies flat. If there are gaps, consider fixing your warped door with light sanding, or removing it for more extensive repairs. A warped door that won’t shut can also be fixed using clamps and pressure to straighten it.

5. Your Door Is Sticky

A sticky door is very annoying because it becomes difficult to open and shut. This common door issue often occurs for the following reasons:

• Swollen wood
• Loose hinges
• Paint buildup
• Debris around the door frame

Solution

First, check if there is any debris or dirt build-up around your door that may be causing it to stick. If so, use a vacuum, broom, and damp cloth to remove all debris, dirt, and dust.

Next, check your door for any swelling, which often results from temperature or humidity variations. If the door is swollen, sand down the edges to relieve any access material that is causing the sticking. Make sure that the hinges of your doors are tightly fastened, if not, screw them into position. If you recently painted your door, scrape any excess paint from the edges using a utility knife.

Doors Shouldn’t Be a Hassle

Doors suffer wear and tear over time, causing issues with aesthetics, functionality, and smooth operation. It’s essential to diagnose your door problem before it escalates into a bigger one.

Some of the main door problems and solutions that homeowners need to keep in mind are:

• Chipped paint or finish that can be solved by repainting or replacing the door
• Broken or squeaky hinges that can be solved by applying lubricant
• Doors that won’t shut, which can be solved by adjusting the hinges and strike plate
• Drafty doors, which can be solved by using weatherstripping and door sweeps
• Sticking doors, which can be solved by cleaning the door, sanding swollen wood, and adjusting the hinges

Ultimately, functional doors are essential for the security, comfort, and aesthetics of the home. Addressing these issues promptly will help maintain your door's look and overall lifespan.