How to Fix a Sticking Door

Sticking doors can be caused due to excessive heat or too much humidity in the air but there are several things you can do to remedy the problem.

1. You will need to determine where exactly the door is sticking, this is usually at the threshold, the side or at the top of the door. Use a pencil to mark the area. Check to see if all hinges are tight because if they are not, this can cause the door to drag against the jam of the door or the threshold.

2. Check the mounting screws to see if they are worn or stripped, if they are replace the old screws with a larger screw. In some cases it may even be necessary to to replace the hinges.

3. If the door sticks at the top, bottom or sides try removing the door from the hinges and sand it down lightly in the area where it sticks.

4. Sticking can also occur on the contact plate of the lock, in order to alleviate the sticking in this area use a thinner plate or a chisel to deepen the mortise it fits into.

5. Make sure there isn’t anything sticky on the door surface that can cause it to stick, if it is try washing it down with some soapy water or use some goo gone.

6. If the hinges are sticky try putting oil on them.

If after trying all of the above does not work you may have to assume that because of house shifting you may need to now adjust the door until it no longer sticks. If all else fails replace the door.