DIY fix a door not closing in frame
DIY fix a door not closing in frame
UK centric because this is probably related to dampness in the room which I am guessing is a common issue for a lot of us. One of my doors has, I can only describe as, swelled up such that it doesn't close snuggly. I'm guessing it's because of the moisture it's taken on or something. It just hits against the door frame. So whilst it is "closed" it never really fits into the frame and you can see gaps around the edges. I should mention the door is wood. No idea what type, it's fairly light so cheap wood I think 🤔.
What's the best thing to do here? Sand it down? Any tips on that? I've never done that before. Repaint after sanding? Get one of those furry door strips to stop heat leaking through the newly sanded door? Should I leave it because I might do more damage than its worth in the long run?
Cheers.
Is this an internal door or external? I have known plenty of external doors to swell due to damp over the winter - but not an internal one.
If internal, which room is it in? Kitchen or bathroom, or somewhere that does get damp? If so, I'd want to look at reducing the damp in that room first - via extractors etc - since it is likely to cause other problems.
Anyway, if it is a question of damp, then the usual solution is to take it down and plane a little off in my experience - but be aware that you will then have a larger gap around it when it dries out again, so some kind of draught excluder may be a good idea.
However, the usual thing with internal doors is that one of the hinges - normally the top one - has become loose or bent. Tightening that up, or flattening it out, would be the solution there. You might need to look at the screw holes if it is loose - put a matchstick in if they have become loose - or use longer screws.
It's an internal door on an extension that was built before we moved on connecting the extension to the main house. Damp is a constant problem in that room.