Common door problems and how to fix them

Door won’t close or lock properly

If your front door won’t close or lock properly, it’s essential to identify the source of the problem. Is it the lock or a different part of the door causing the issue?

Door won’t close

First up, check there isn’t anything under the door preventing it from shutting. You’d be surprised how many times the corner of a doormat causes sudden panic! Fortunately, of course, this is an easy fix — just move the offending article out of the way. 

If it’s not as simple as that, take a look at the door’s perimeter. Check the hinges and where the door connects to the wall, and make sure nothing is obstructing the bolts around the frame.

Temperature changes can affect how your door closes, too — particularly with PVCu doors. In especially hot or cold weather, your door may contract or expand. If you notice your door won’t shut when it’s hot, you can wipe the edges of the door with a cold, damp cloth. Leave it to dry, and then repeat if the door still won’t shut. In cold weather, a hot cloth should do the trick.

Door won’t lock

If the door shuts but doesn’t lock, it’s likely to be the locking mechanism or latch. Often, it’s an alignment issue. Look closely to see if the latch aligns with the strike plate on the frame. If not, you may be able to remove the strike plate and replace it so the latch fits properly. 

If you don’t feel comfortable fixing it yourself, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Our doors come with a comprehensive insurance-backed guarantee, and we can help repair or replace them.

The key won’t turn

Whether you’re trying to get in or out, it can be frustrating when your door won’t turn in the lock. If this happens, it may be because of an obstruction. Check both sides of the door to see if there’s any grit or debris in the lock. 

If you can’t see anything, you can try using a graphite pencil to help the key turn more smoothly. Rub the pencil lead over the key, then insert the key in the lock and remove it a few times. 

A crack in the door or glazing

A crack in your door or on the glass is something you need to take a look at right away. Even a tiny crack can spread quickly and lead to bigger problems.

If you notice a crack, the best thing to do is to contact the manufacturer so they can repair it before it expands.

Broken or loose door handle

Over time, doorknobs and handles can become loose. You might find it easiest to take the entire handle off so you can see which screws are loose. After the handle or doorknob is off, you’ll need a flathead screwdriver to remove the base. Just be careful not to damage the backing place, or you might need to call a locksmith!

Once the base is off, you can identify the loose screws and tighten them back up. Replace the base and handle, and you should be good to go.

Sometimes, a doorknob can lose its grip on the spindle and turn loosely. If this happens, look around the collar on the doorknob to identify and tighten the loose screw. 

Door hits the wall

Does your door hit the wall with a thud? Over time, the impact of a door handle hitting a wall can cause a dent. But don’t worry, there’s an easy fix for this common door problem — you just need a doorstop. You can either place one on the skirting board behind the door or fix a hinge pin doorstop to the back of the top hinge. 

Leaking door

A leaking door is never fun. The first step to fix it is to trace the leak’s origin. Is it a blocked drainage area at the bottom edge of the door frame? Keeping these drainage points clean and clear of any debris is good practice all year round and can prevent any leakages in the winter. 

Another potential cause is the rubber seals around the edge of the door. Old seals can become worn or damaged and may need replacing. If your door is newer, and the seals are in good condition, there’s a chance they may have just become dislodged. You should be able to gently press them back in place. 

Draughty door

Feeling a chilly breeze coming through your front door? Keep the heat in and your energy bills low by fixing a draughty door. Firstly, check your door is closing properly. Assuming that’s all in proper working order, take a look at the door’s edges. Can you see any light coming through? You can add weatherstripping or a door sweep around the edge to block the gaps. 

We pride ourselves on making sure your doors are the perfect fit. If your old front door is ill-fitting and draughty, why not explore our exterior door range? We can help you find a solution that not only matches your home’s aesthetic but also keeps you warm and dry. 

Condensation in glass door panels

Do you love the amount of light your front door windows let in but hate condensation? Double and triple glazing is an effective way to keep condensation at bay but, occasionally, there may be an issue with the sealing, and moisture can sneak in. 

An old or worn seal is the most likely cause of condensation on the inside of your window panels. Get in touch if you notice any moisture inside, and we can replace the seal for you.

Condensation on the outside of your glass door panels is more often due to a lack of ventilation. Opening the door to let a little air circulate should solve it.

Find your dream door

We hope this list has given you a few tips on how to fix common door problems! Reckon it’s time to get a new one? Why not take a look at our collection of exterior doors to find the perfect one for your home? And don’t forget, we’re always here to help with any repairs or replacements. 

Also Read: A Guide to our Composite Door Collection