Interior door problems can occur for a variety of reasons, from poor installation to lack of maintenance. Whether you're dealing with an interior door won't close properly, an interior door won't latch shut, a sticking interior door, or a warped interior door, understanding the issue is the key to successful repairs. This article will help guide you through common interior door problems, offering tips and solutions for the top 10 most common interior door issues.Common Interior Door Problems and Solutions | House Designs
If a newly installed interior door is tough to shut, the cause may be a too-tight fit. To pull the door shut, start by removing the strike plate and tapping down any raised wooden shims used at the jamb. If the door still fits too tight, you may need to adjust the frame to fix the problem. This will require some woodworking skills and tools, or you can consult a professional door installer.Interior Door Fits Too Tight | House Designs
If you're dealing with a plain interior door that needs some sprucing up, there are a few options to consider. Stain or paint the door to match the surrounding woodwork and hardware, or if you're feeling creative, use stencils to create designs and patterns. Wallpaper adhesives, decals, or fabric are also effective options for giving interior doors a facelift.Improving the Appearance of a Plain Interior Door | House Designs
Interior door gaps, or empty spaces that appear between the door's edge and the frame, are a common occurrence. These gaps can be caused by a variety of conditions such as sagging jamb or settling of the structure. If the gap isn't too wide, fill the void with a wooden shim and then sand or plane the edge. If the gap is wider than 1/4 inch, remove the door and make the necessary adjustments.Interior Door Gaps | House Designs
Wooden interior doors often stick due to humidity changes, which cause shrinkage and expansion. To fix sticky interior doors, start by rubbing a bar of soap along the edges, as this can help reduce friction and make the door easier to open and close. You can also reduce friction by sanding or planing the door's edges, or by using a coat of wax or lubricant.Sticking Interior Doors | House Designs
Warped interior doors can be caused by excessive humidity, water damage, or poor construction. To repair a warped door, start by removing the hinges and placing them aside. Then you can steam the door with an iron, or use a clamp and a flat board to flatten the swelling. If the damage is too significant, you can also consider replacing the door with a sliding door to give your home a more modern look.Repairing Warped Interior Doors | House Designs
If an interior door won't stay shut, you could have a faulty latch. To resolve this problem, clean and lubricate the latch mechanism, and if that doesn't help, replace the latch with a new one. If that doesn't fix the issue, you may need to adjust the hinge screws or replace the hinges altogether.Interior Door Won't Stay Shut | House Designs
Interior door latch repairs are generally simple and don't require any special tools. Replace any broken springs in the latch with a new one, and clean and lubricate the mechanism. If the latch is too loose, consider replacing it with a new one that fits more snugly. You may also need to adjust, replace, or reposition the strike plate as needed.Interior Door Latch Repairs | House Designs
Door rubbing is caused by either misalignment or an obstruction. To fix this issue, start by checking the door jamb to ensure it's square and plumb. If the jamb is out of alignment, loosen the hinge screws and tap the frame back into place. If an obstruction is causing the rubbing, remove the obstruction and realign the door as needed.Fixing an Interior Door That Rubs | House Designs
Storm doors require regular maintenance and adjustment to keep them functioning properly. If your storm door isn't closing properly, start by looking for obstructions, such as a damaged weather stripping. You may also need to adjust the door's hinges or adjust the closer speed to ensure it's closing properly. If the problem continues, you may need to replace the door or its components altogether.Adjusting a Storm Door | House Designs