5 Reasons Your Door Won’t Close And How To Fix It

 5 Reasons Your Door Won’t Close And How To Fix It

Have you ever tried locking your door but noticed the latch could not extend into the strike plate? This means the door cannot be closed and you may not leave until the problem is resolved. Such situations could be frustrating, to say the least!

Your safety is at risk if your door cannot close or lock properly. A burglar or an irresponsible neighbor can take advantage of the situation. You could record property loss worth thousands of dollars.

So, if you are wondering what could be wrong with your door when it won't close, keep reading. In this article, QuickPro Locksmith highlights the five common reasons, and how to fix them. 

Door Frame Misalignment

One of the most common causes of a door not closing is an improper frame that is not correctly aligned. This issue mostly arises from the wrong installation or settling of foundations. You may notice a space between the door and the frame or that the door touches the frame during operation.

Solution:

• To realign the door, check for gaps that may be easily seen and adjust the hinges correctly.
• If the frame needs a little level, use shims.
• If your DIY attempts were unsuccessful, seek help from a local locksmith to change or realign the components.

Swollen or Warped Door

Wooden doors are extremely susceptible to warping or swollen because of their sensitivity to humidity or temperature changes. A swollen door may jam or fail to lock in the right way.

Solution:

• For a smooth closure, you only need to sand down the edges.
• To avoid further damage, seal the door using weatherproof paint or varnish.
• In rather severe cases, consider seeking the services of a professional or replace the door.

Loose Hinges

Your door may have loose hinges over time that make it scrape the floor and fail to close. This problem is overlooked but easy to address.

Solution:

• Using a screwdriver, proceed to tighten the screws on all hinges.
• For even more support, if the current screws are no longer gripping properly, then use longer screws.
• In cases where only extensive repair is necessary, a locksmith can check and tighten the hinges for you.

Latch or Strike Plate Issues

If the strike plate or latch is out of alignment, the door may not lock or close properly. Most of the time, this problem is caused by either wear and tear or improper installation.

Solution:

• For adjustments, you need to loosen and reposition the screws on the strike plate.
• To have a perfect fit to prevent interference, file down the edges of the strike plate.
• For replacement or to fix any issue with the latch mechanism if it is damaged, contact a skilled locksmith.

Weather Stripping Obstructions 

Energy efficiency needs weather stripping, but it can wear out or become dislodged, thereby, causing the door to be blocked. Besides, closing may become difficult because of the build-up of dirt or debris.

Solution:

• Clean the door frame by removing all the dirt and obstruction around it.
• A new seal should be used to replace the weather stripping that is either worn out or old.
• Do not miss any further signs of damage that may require the services of a professional.

We have the Solution for your Lock and Door Issues

A door that cannot close may affect your convenience and security. To fully restore the functionality, it is necessary to figure out the cause and take action to rectify it.

For all your lock and door-related issues, do not hesitate to call QuickPro Locksmith. We will send our experienced locksmiths to fix the problem.