2021 March

My door is jammed, what should I do?

white wooden 6-panel door
white wooden 6-panel door

Doors are the gateways to our homes, offering both security and access. But every now and then, even the most dependable doors can become temperamental and refuse to budge, leaving you frustrated and perplexed. Fear not! In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of fixing a jammed door, whether it's due to humidity, misalignment, or other factors. With a few simple tools and a bit of patience, you can regain smooth and hassle-free access to your spaces.

Step 1: Assess the Situation Before diving into the troubleshooting process, take a moment to assess the situation. Is the door jammed shut, or does it have difficulty closing properly? Is it sticking at the top, bottom, or sides? Identifying the exact issue will help you narrow down the solution.

Step 2: Gather Your Tools For this task, you'll need a few basic tools: a screwdriver, a hammer, a level, and possibly some sandpaper. Having these tools on hand will make the process much smoother.

Step 3: Check for Misalignment One of the most common causes of a jammed door is misalignment. Use your level to ensure that the door frame is perfectly vertical and that the hinges are properly aligned. If the hinges are loose, tighten the screws and see if that helps the door's movement.

Step 4: Lubrication is Key If the door is still sticking, lubrication might be the solution. Apply a silicone-based lubricant to the hinges, the latch, and any other moving parts. Open and close the door several times to allow the lubricant to penetrate and ease the movement.

Step 5: Check the Strike Plate The strike plate is the metal plate on the door frame where the latch engages. If the latch is having trouble fitting into the strike plate, it could be causing the jam. Use the screwdriver to adjust the position of the strike plate slightly to ensure a proper fit.

Step 6: Sanding for a Snug Fit In cases of swollen or misshapen doors due to humidity, you might need to sand the edges slightly. Carefully remove the door from its hinges and use sandpaper to gently smooth down any rough spots or areas that are causing friction.

Step 7: Tap, Tap, Tap For doors that are sticking at the bottom, a gentle tap with a hammer and a piece of scrap wood can help re-seat the door in its frame. Use a towel to protect the door's surface before tapping.

Step 8: Seek Professional Help If all else fails or if the issue seems too complex, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We have the expertise and tools to diagnose and fix even the trickiest door problems. We service Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area

In Conclusion A jammed door doesn't have to be a permanent annoyance. With a bit of troubleshooting and some patience, you can often restore your door's functionality and maintain the harmony of your living spaces. Remember, understanding the root cause of the jam is the first step, and from there, it's all about using the right techniques and tools to bring your door back to life.

My Door is jammed, what should I do?

6/30/20212 min read