How to Unstick a Door
Examine the door with your eyes., Run a piece of heavy stock paper around the closed door., Look for sticking areas as you open or close the door., Listen to the hinges., Note the time of year.
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Step 1: Examine the door with your eyes.
Look for scratches in the paint or any other noticeable damages to the door and frame.
Also check for grime or any sticky buildup that may just need to be cleaned.
Close the door and run your eyes along the gap between the door and the frame, noting places where the gap is very thin. -
Step 2: Run a piece of heavy stock paper around the closed door.
This is very useful if you can’t determine where the door is sticking by physically examining it.
The paper should glide smoothly around most of the door.
Wherever the piece of paper gets stuck is the problem area. , Try closing the door with your hands on the bottom, the side, and the top.
This will allow you to feel where there is the most resistance as you close it. , Squeaking hinges can be causing the door to stick.
If you hear this, it indicates that they need to be oiled. , If the door seems to be only slightly sticking, it is probably caused by changes in humidity.
Wood expands when humidity increases, and shrinks when humidity decreases.It is important to understand this, because a door that sticks in the summer may not stick in the winter.
In this case, you would try a less drastic solution, such as lightly sanding the door, or else it may be drafty and shrunken come winter. -
Step 3: Look for sticking areas as you open or close the door.
-
Step 4: Listen to the hinges.
-
Step 5: Note the time of year.
Detailed Guide
Look for scratches in the paint or any other noticeable damages to the door and frame.
Also check for grime or any sticky buildup that may just need to be cleaned.
Close the door and run your eyes along the gap between the door and the frame, noting places where the gap is very thin.
This is very useful if you can’t determine where the door is sticking by physically examining it.
The paper should glide smoothly around most of the door.
Wherever the piece of paper gets stuck is the problem area. , Try closing the door with your hands on the bottom, the side, and the top.
This will allow you to feel where there is the most resistance as you close it. , Squeaking hinges can be causing the door to stick.
If you hear this, it indicates that they need to be oiled. , If the door seems to be only slightly sticking, it is probably caused by changes in humidity.
Wood expands when humidity increases, and shrinks when humidity decreases.It is important to understand this, because a door that sticks in the summer may not stick in the winter.
In this case, you would try a less drastic solution, such as lightly sanding the door, or else it may be drafty and shrunken come winter.
About the Author
Ann Myers
Ann Myers has dedicated 3 years to mastering education and learning. As a content creator, Ann focuses on providing actionable tips and step-by-step guides.
Rate This Guide
How helpful was this guide? Click to rate: