Ottawa Carpentry: 4 Reasons Your Door Is Hard To Open

Doors represent a means of entry and exit, but they also symbolize privacy and welcomeness. A stuck door only represents a hassle, and it is among the most common home repairs.

Like many elements of your home, a door requires routine maintenance. Many people forget that upkeep is part of having a door, and without it, the door will not function correctly; for example, it will stick.

There are many reasons a door cannot open or close properly. From a misaligned strike plate to a shifting foundation, your doors are susceptible to a variety of problems. Four problems are more common than others.

1. Dirt Build-Up

You probably do not give your door much thought. You open it and close it, never worrying or concerning yourself too much about it until it does not operate as it should.

Too many people neglect their doors and doorways. When was the last time you dusted the top and edges of the door or the inside of the frame? Many homeowners have never even thought about wiping down the edges of their doors.

The problem with neglecting dusting and cleaning is that debris builds up. While it doesn’t happen overnight, if you ignore your doors for long enough, the dirt and grime can inhibit operation, causing the door to stick.

2. Humidity

Houses are stick-built, meaning wood is the primary construction material for the framing. Wood is susceptible to moisture and temperature changes. It is common for wooden building materials to expand and contract.

While most exterior doors are metal, the framing is typically wood. During high humidity, the framing swells and closes the gap between the door and the frame.

To resolve the issue, a handyman will remove the door from its hinges and sand the edges to re-establish a gap. While you can sand the door yourself, be careful about over-sanding. Too much of a gap will lead to drafts, and it can make the door less secure.

3. Poor Installation

Many homeowners attempt to install doors without professional help. People often assume hanging a door is easy, but it’s not. Hanging a door requires minute adjustments and accurate measurements. If even one measurement or adjustment is off during installation, the door may not work correctly.

The best solution is re-installation when poor installation causes a door to stick. Leave the installation to the professionals unless you have experience.

Depending on the type of door and the labour needs for the installation, you can expect to pay between $1,500 and $3,000 for an exterior door install. While DIY is tempting for saving money, you must consider time issues and added costs, especially if re-installation is necessary.

4. Regular Use

A door is susceptible to wear and tear, as with most things in your home. Continuous use will eventually wear down the hinges. Also, the door will eventually sag. Other issues can arise after years of use.

In most situations, the repair of a door is simple. A handyman can replace worn hinges, or they can re-install the door, making adjustments with shims.

As usual, it is best to hire a professional to help you with any door problems. DIY methods, primarily when performed by amateurs, are often ineffective, more time-consuming, and more costly.If you are having issues with an existing door or want to purchase and install a new exterior door, you should search for a carpenter near me. Contact Handyman Connection and schedule a project estimate with one of their experienced contractors. The professional will come to your home, assess the project, and provide a quote for the work.