Are you struggling to get your internal door to close properly? Whether it's been years since installation or you've moved into an older home, it's quite common to encounter issues with your doors. They might not close smoothly, swing open on their own, or even stick or drop unexpectedly. But don't worry—we're here to help!
In this guide, we'll walk you through some of the most frequent causes of internal door malfunctions and provide practical solutions to get your doors working perfectly again. From hinges set too deep in the frame to doors catching on carpets, we'll cover everything you need to know to fix these pesky problems.
Let’s dive right in and learn how to tackle each issue effectively:
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### **Table of Contents**
- Why Your Door Springs Open and How to Fix It
- How to Prevent Your Door from Hitting the Wall
- What to Do When Your Door Won’t Close Properly
- How to Fix a Sticking Door
- Troubleshooting a Door That Doesn’t Latch Correctly
- Restoring a Door That Used to Close but Now Won’t
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### **Why Does My Door Keep Springing Open?**
One of the most common issues homeowners face is a door that keeps swinging open after closing. While it may seem like a complex problem, the solution is often simpler than you think. Here are some potential causes and fixes:
#### **Check the Door Stop Moulding**
Sometimes, the issue lies in the door stop moulding. Over time, this can wear down or become misaligned, causing the door to catch and spring open. Inspect the paint around the frame—does the door catch on the moulding? If so, gently tap a wood chisel between the doorstop and the frame or sand it down slightly to smooth out the area.
#### **Inspect the Hinges**
If the doorstop isn’t the culprit, check the hinges. Deeply-set hinges can push the door back open after closing, especially if the door leans unevenly. To fix this, remove the door carefully and add small pieces of cardboard behind the hinges to create extra clearance. Once adjusted, screw the hinges back into place.
#### **Check the Clearance at the Bottom**
Another possibility is that the door isn’t clearing the carpet or threshold properly. Measure the distance between the bottom of the door and the floor using a ruler or sturdy card. Mark this measurement on the door and trim the bottom edge as needed. Reattach the door once it fits correctly.
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### **How to Prevent Your Door from Hitting the Wall**
Doors hitting walls can lead to unsightly scratches and damage to your paint job. Thankfully, there’s an easy and cost-effective solution—install a doorstop.
Simply attach a doorstop to the floor or skirting board behind the door. This will act as a buffer, stopping the door from opening too far and protecting both your walls and the door itself. Doorstops come in various styles, so you can choose one that matches your decor.
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### **What to Do When Your Door Won’t Close Properly**
Many people assume they need to replace their door entirely if it won’t close properly. However, in most cases, the issue stems from improper hanging rather than the door itself. Here are some steps to diagnose and resolve the problem:
#### **Check the Door Jamb**
The door jamb, the vertical section of the frame where the hinges and latch are mounted, plays a crucial role in ensuring your door operates smoothly. If the jamb is out of alignment, it can cause the door to swing unevenly. Use a plumb line to confirm whether the jamb is straight. If it’s not, you may need to adjust the hinges to bring them back into alignment.
#### **Adjust the Hinges**
To move the hinges, first unscrew them from their current positions. Drill new pilot holes for the hinges in their adjusted locations, then fill the old holes with wood glue or toothpicks to strengthen the frame. Finally, reinstall the hinges in their corrected spots. Your door should now close smoothly.
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### **How to Fix a Sticking Door**
Sticking doors can be frustrating, but they’re usually caused by simple adjustments. Here’s how to troubleshoot:
- **Top Edge Sticking:** If the top of the door rubs against the frame, it’s likely due to settling. Trim the door with a block plane to create more clearance.
- **Latching Side Sticking:** Loose screws in the hinge plate can cause the door to hang improperly. Tighten these screws or replace them entirely if necessary.
- **Bottom Edge Sticking:** Remove the door jamb, tighten it securely against the wall, and reinstall it. This should eliminate any sticking issues.
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### **Troubleshooting a Door That Doesn’t Latch Correctly**
If your door doesn’t latch properly, it might be time to upgrade the latch mechanism. Tubular latch sets are ideal for internal doors—they’re affordable, easy to install, and require minimal modifications.
To replace the latch, simply unscrew the old one and install the new one. For a quicker fix, use a small mill file to widen the strike plate hole to accommodate the latch better.
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### **Restoring a Door That Used to Close but Now Won’t**
If all else fails and your door still refuses to close, it could be due to swelling. Solid wood doors are prone to expansion when exposed to moisture. To address this, trim the door’s lipping with a block plane, taking off a few millimeters to restore proper fit.
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### **Conclusion**
Internal doors are essential to the functionality and aesthetics of your home. By addressing these common issues proactively, you can keep your doors operating smoothly for years to come. If you need further assistance or are looking to upgrade your doors, visit [Leader Doors](#) for a stunning range of options.
For more helpful guides, check out our related posts:
- [How To Fit a Letterbox](#)
- [How To Insulate Your Doors](#)
- [How To Fix Loose Hinges](#)
- [How To Clean A Glass Door](#)
Happy renovating!
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