Door Won’t Close Properly
A door that sticks, drags, or won’t latch is usually a quick fix, but the cause matters. Seasonal swelling, loose hinges, and settling all throw a door out of alignment. Here is how to tell what is going on and get it closing cleanly again.
Common Causes
Seasonal Swelling
DMV humidity swells wood doors and frames in summer so they rub and stick, then shrink in winter.
Loose or Worn Hinges
Loose hinge screws let the door drop, so it drags on the floor or misses the latch.
House Settling
Over time the frame shifts slightly out of square, so the latch no longer lines up with the strike plate.
Warning Signs
- !The door rubs the frame or floor
- !The latch misses the strike plate
- !Gaps that are uneven top to bottom
- !A door that swings open or shut on its own
How We Fix It
- 1Tighten or replace hinge screws and re-seat the hinges.
- 2Plane or sand binding edges and adjust the strike plate alignment.
- 3Seal raw edges so seasonal swelling does not return.
What It Costs
Most door adjustments are a quick handyman visit, typically $90-$250. Replacing a damaged door or frame is quoted separately.
If You Ignore It
A door that won’t latch is a security and privacy problem, and forcing a sticking door damages the door, frame, and hinges over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my door only stick in summer?+
Can you fix several doors in one visit?+
Do you fix exterior and storm doors too?+
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