A sticking door or a latch that doesn’t quite catch seems like a minor inconvenience — and usually it is. But sometimes door problems are symptoms of more significant issues with your home’s structure or weatherproofing. Here’s what to pay attention to.
Doors That Suddenly Start Sticking
If a door that has always worked fine suddenly starts sticking, the cause is usually one of two things: seasonal wood expansion from humidity (very common in NC summers), or foundation/structural movement that has shifted the door frame.
Humidity-related sticking is a minor issue — usually resolved by planing or sanding the door edge after the humidity drops. Structural movement is more serious. If multiple doors and windows in your home are suddenly sticking, have a structural professional assess your foundation before doing anything else.
Drafty Exterior Doors
If you can feel air coming in around your exterior door, you’re losing conditioned air (and money) year-round. The fix is usually simple: replace worn weatherstripping and door sweeps. This is a quick, affordable repair that pays for itself in energy savings. Don’t ignore it.
Door That Won’t Latch
A door that swings closed but won’t catch is usually a misaligned strike plate — often fixable by simply adjusting the strike plate location. Sometimes it’s the door hinge screws that have stripped and need longer screws. Both are inexpensive repairs. Left unaddressed, a door that won’t latch is a security issue for exterior doors and an inconvenience for interior ones.
Damaged Door Frames
Soft, spongy wood around an exterior door frame is a rot problem — and rot spreads. What starts as a damaged door frame can progress into the wall framing and trim if moisture continues to infiltrate. Exterior door frame rot should be addressed promptly, not deferred.
Garage Door That’s Hard to Open
Manual garage doors that have become difficult to lift, or automatic doors that labor or reverse unexpectedly, may need spring adjustment, lubrication, or new hardware. For spring replacement specifically, this is a job for a professional — garage door springs are under high tension and can cause serious injury if mishandled.
Holly Springs Handyman handles door installation, repair, weatherstripping, and frame work throughout the Triangle. Learn more about our door services or contact us for a free estimate.