Doors & Windows

How to Fix a Door That Sticks

Identify whether hinges, humidity, paint buildup or frame movement is making an interior door difficult to open.

Common symptoms

• The door rubs at one corner
• The latch no longer aligns
• The door binds seasonally
• The gap is uneven around the frame

Likely causes

Start with the simplest observable cause and avoid replacing parts until the failure has been identified.

• Loose hinge screws
• A sagging top hinge
• Humidity-swollen wood
• Excess paint on the edge
• Frame or foundation movement

Tools and materials

• Screwdrivers
• Straightedge
• Pencil
• Sandpaper or hand plane
• Longer hinge screws

Step-by-step procedure

1. Close the door slowly and mark the exact contact area with pencil.
2. Tighten every hinge screw. Replace a stripped jamb screw at the top hinge with a suitable longer screw that reaches solid framing.
3. Check whether hinge leaves sit flush. Tighten or reset protruding screws before removing wood.
4. Confirm that the latch-side gap is reasonably even. A severe diagonal gap may indicate frame movement.
5. For minor wood swelling, remove the door and sand or plane only the marked high spot.
6. Seal any exposed wood, reinstall the door and confirm adequate clearance.
7. Adjust the strike plate only after hinge and clearance problems are corrected.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Sanding the entire door edge
• Moving the strike plate before fixing sagging hinges
• Removing too much material at once
• Ignoring signs of structural movement

Verify the repair

Test the repaired component through several normal operating cycles. Watch, listen and feel for leaks, heat, movement, unusual noise or odour. Stop immediately if the condition worsens. Document the work and retain part numbers, receipts and manufacturer instructions for future maintenance.

When to call a professional

Seek professional assessment when several doors suddenly bind, cracks are growing around openings, or the frame appears distorted.

Editorial note

This guide is written for general homeowner education. Building codes, product instructions, warranties, condominium rules and licensing requirements vary. The safest compliant method for your property always takes precedence.