The first step is to identify whether the issue is at the slab, hinges, jamb, latch, threshold or surrounding trim. That prevents unnecessary trimming when a hardware adjustment would solve the problem.
Service at a Glance
- Sticking and rubbing doors
- Latch and strike alignment
- Hinges, handles and closers
- Weatherstripping and thresholds
- Interior, exterior and storm doors
Alignment and Hardware Problems
Loose hinge screws, worn hinges, shifted strike plates and uneven gaps are common causes of poor operation. Handles, deadbolts, closers and latches can also create resistance or fail to engage correctly.
Photos should show the full door closed, the problem gap, hinges and latch area. For replacement hardware, include a product link or packaging photo.
Interior and Exterior Doors
Interior doors often need hinge, latch or casing corrections. Exterior doors add threshold, weatherstripping, security and water-shedding concerns. Soft or damaged wood near the bottom of a jamb may require repair before new weather seals are installed.
Storm doors and screen doors have their own closer, alignment and latch details. Their condition should be included in the request if both doors are affected.
Repair or Replacement
A repair makes sense when the door and frame remain sound. Replacement becomes more practical when the slab is severely damaged, the frame is decayed or the existing opening has been altered repeatedly.
New prehung or slab doors require accurate measurements and an understanding of swing direction, jamb width, casing and flooring clearance.
Weather Sealing and Entry-Door Performance
An exterior door can latch correctly and still allow air or water around the perimeter. The condition of the sweep, threshold, weatherstripping and lower jamb is reviewed together. Adding thicker seals without correcting alignment can make the door harder to close.
Entry hardware also needs enough clearance to operate without forcing the slab against the frame. When a lock or handle is replaced, the existing bore locations and backset should be confirmed before purchasing the new set.
Weather Sealing and Entry-Door Performance
An exterior door can latch correctly and still allow air or water around the perimeter. The condition of the sweep, threshold, weatherstripping and lower jamb is reviewed together. Adding thicker seals without correcting alignment can make the door harder to close.
Entry hardware also needs enough clearance to operate without forcing the slab against the frame. When a lock or handle is replaced, the existing bore locations and backset should be confirmed before purchasing the new set.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a sticking door be fixed without cutting it?
Often yes. Hinge, frame and latch conditions are checked before material is removed.
Do you install replacement doors?
Door replacement can be reviewed from measurements, photos and the selected product.
Can you repair damaged jamb wood?
Localized repairs may be possible when the surrounding frame is sound.