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Version: 2011.07.01

Doors and Locks

The doors installed in your home are wood products and are subject to natural characteristics of wood such as shrinkage and warpage. With natural fluctuations caused by humidity and the use of forced air furnaces, showers, and dishwashers, interior doors may occasionally require minor adjustments.

Routine Maintenance​

TaskApproach
Bifold door tracksApply a silicone lubricant
Hinge pinsRemove pin and apply silicone lubricant (avoid oil)
Door locksLubricate with graphite or other waterproof lubricant (avoid oil)
Trim joint separationsFill with putty, filler, or latex caulk, then paint
Weather stripping and thresholdsAdjust or replace occasionally as needed

Common Issues​

Bifold Doors​

Interior bifolds sometimes stick or warp because of weather conditions. Apply a silicone lubricant to the tracks to minimize this inconvenience.

Failure to Latch​

If a door will not latch because of minor settling, you can correct this by making a new opening in the jamb for the latch plate (remortising) and/or raising or lowering (adjusting) the plate accordingly.

Hinges​

You can remedy a squeaky door hinge by removing the hinge pin and applying a silicone lubricant to it. Avoid using oil, as it can gum up or attract dirt. Graphite works well as a lubricant but can create a gray smudge on the door or floor covering beneath the hinge if too much is applied.

Helpful Hint

Remove the pin from the hinge, take a lead pencil and color the pin, then reinsert the pin in the hinge. Graphite from the lead will lubricate the hinge without the potential to drip onto the flooring.

Locks​

Lubricate door locks with graphite or other waterproof lubricant. Avoid oil, as it will gum up the locks.

Shrinkage​

Use putty, filler, or latex caulk to fill any minor separations that develop at mitered joints in door trim. Follow with painting. Panels of wood doors shrink and expand in response to changes in temperature and humidity. Touching up the paint or stain on unfinished exposed areas is homeowner maintenance.

Sticking​

The most common cause of a sticking door is the natural expansion of lumber caused by changes in humidity. When sticking is caused by swelling during a damp season, do not plane the door unless it continues to stick after the weather changes.

Before planing a door because of sticking, try two other steps:

  1. Apply either a paste wax, light coat of paraffin, or candle wax to the sticking surface
  2. Tighten the screws that hold the door jamb or door frame

If planing is necessary, use sandpaper to smooth the door and paint the sanded area to seal against moisture.

Warping​

If a door warps slightly, keeping it closed as much as possible often returns it to normal.

Weather Stripping​

Weather stripping and exterior door thresholds occasionally require adjustment or replacement.

What to Avoid​

Slamming of Doors

Slamming doors can damage both doors and jambs and can even cause cracking in walls. Teach children not to hang on the doorknob and swing back and forth; this works loose the hardware and causes the door to sag.

Warranty Coverage: See Doors and Locks Standards for coverage details.