It can be frustrating to come home and not be able to open your door. If your door is jammed, you can do a few things to try to fix the problem on your own. Let's look at troubleshooting a jammed door from the outside.
If your door is jammed from the outside, try the following methods:
- Wiggle the door.
- Remove the door hinges and reattach them.
- Take the doorknob off.
- Remove the strike plate.
- Try getting inside another way.
- Call a professional.
While not all of these methods will work for every door, one of them is likely to be the solution to your problem. To help you out, we will discuss each of these methods in more detail.
In addition, we will answer other frequently asked questions about jammed doors, so read on!
Door Is Jammed From Outside - What To Do?
If you return home and find your door jammed from the outside, your first instinct may be to panic. But don't worry; there are a few things you can try before calling a professional.
A door can jam for several reasons. It could be due to poor installation, damage to the door, or a build-up of dirt and grime. Depending on the reason, you may be able to fix the problem yourself.
Let's take a look at a few potential solutions.
Wiggle The Door
The first thing you should try is wiggling the door. This may seem like an obvious solution, but it could be all that is needed to get your door open. If the door is not properly aligned in the frame, it may be causing the door to jam.
To fix this, simply grab the doorknob and give it a good shake. You may need to use some force, but try not to damage the door. If the door moves, you know it is not aligned correctly.
If you can get the door open without damaging it, then great! However, you should have the door realigned and reinforced to prevent the problem from happening again.
Remove The Door Hinges And Reattach Them
If wiggling the door doesn't work, then your next step is to remove the door hinges and reattach them. This is a more involved solution, but it is still something you can do yourself.
To remove the door hinges, you will need a screwdriver. Once you have removed the screws, gently remove the door from the frame. Be careful not to damage the door or the frame.
Once the door is removed, inspect the hinges. If they are damaged, then you will need to replace them. However, if they seem to be in good condition, then you can simply reattach them.
Be sure to use the same size and type of screws originally used. Once the hinges are back in place, try to open the door. If it doesn't budge, you will need to try another method.
Take The Doorknob Off
Sometimes, the doorknob or lock wears down over time and becomes jammed. If this is the case, then you may be able to fix the problem by simply removing the doorknob.
To remove the doorknob, you will need a screwdriver. Once you have removed the screws, gently pull the doorknob off the door.
You will then want to take your screwdriver and push the latch away from the door jam. At the same time, turn the knob. This should release the latch and allow you to open the door.
If the doorknob is damaged, then you will need to replace it. However, if it seems to be in good condition, then you can simply reattach it. Be sure everything is aligned correctly before screwing it back into place.
Remove The Strike Plate
Another potential problem is a damaged or misaligned strike plate. The strike plate is the metal piece the latch hits when the door is closed.
To remove the strike plate, you will need a screwdriver. Once you have removed the screws, gently pull the strike plate off the door.
Inspect the strike plate for damage. In some cases, the screws on the strike plate came loose. When the latch isn't aligned with the strike plate, it can cause the door to jam.
If the strike plate is damaged, you will need to replace it. However, if it seems to be in good condition, and only loose screws are the problem, then you can simply reattach it.
Try Getting Inside Another Way
If you have another door or a garage that leads into your home, you may be able to get inside that way. This is not the ideal solution, but it is something to try if you are in a bind.
Once you are inside, try opening the door from the other side. This may be all that you need to do to fix the problem.
If it opens, inspect the door to see what the problem is. If the door is damaged, then you will need to have it repaired or replaced.
Call A Professional
While this isn't ideal, sometimes the only solution is to call a professional. If you have tried all of the above methods and the door still won't budge, then it's time to call in reinforcements.
A professional can diagnose the problem and provide a lasting solution. They will also be able to make necessary repairs, such as replacing a damaged hinge or doorknob.
Trying to force the door open could result in further damage, which will only end up costing you more money in the long run.
What Causes A Door To Stick?
Sometimes, the reason your door won't open isn't due to a faulty part. In some cases, the problem is with the door itself.
If the door is warped or not level, then it may get stuck when you try to open it. This is because the latch isn't able to line up with the strike plate correctly.
Another possibility is that the door is too tight in the frame. This can be caused by the weather stripping around the door, becoming compressed over time.
Lastly, if you live in a humid climate, then the moisture in the air can cause the door to swell. This can make it difficult to open and close the door.
In most cases, you can fix a sticking door by making a few adjustments. However, if the problem is severe, you may need to replace the door entirely.
Can A Door Freeze Shut?
While doors do malfunction and parts wear down over time, it's also possible for the weather to cause problems.
If it's cold enough outside, then the moisture in the air can freeze on the door. This can make it difficult to open, as the ice will prevent the latch from lining up with the strike plate.
The best way to prevent this is to ensure that there is no moisture on the door before it gets cold. You can do this by wiping it down with a cloth or using a hairdryer to remove any moisture.
If your door does freeze, you can try using a hairdryer or a heat gun to melt the ice. Once the ice is melted, you should be able to open the door without any problems.
You should then ensure that the door isn't leaking heat. Before the winter season, inspect the weatherstripping and replace any damaged pieces.
How To Prevent A Door From Sticking
There are a few things that you can do to prevent your door from sticking in the future. First, inspect the door for any damaged parts.
Then make sure that the door is properly lubricated. You can do this by using a silicone-based lubricant or WD-40.
It's also essential to make sure that the door is properly aligned. This can be done by adjusting the hinges. It will likely stick if the door is too high or too low.
Lastly, you should clean the inside of the door regularly. This will help to remove any dirt or debris that could cause the door to stick.
By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your door stays in good working condition for years to come.
Final Thoughts
If all else fails, and you still can't seem to get your door open, then it's time to call a professional.
While trying to force the door open may be tempting, this could result in further damage. A professional may be more upfront about the costs, but it will be worth it in the long run.
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