How to Fix a Door That Won’t Close Properly
We can help with the full range of door issues when you’re having difficulty locking or opening it
Having trouble closing your door? Door latch won’t work? It can be worrying when your door doesn’t close properly, as it causes real security concerns for homeowners.
Thankfully, here we’ll discuss misaligned door fixes, dragging door repair solutions, and all of your door fix problems solved with answers to common issues before you call a professional locksmith in London.
We have seen all kinds of door issues, and usually they can be solved easily when you know the process of maintenance, not only to fix doors, but also to keep them from being problematic in the first place.
Kensington Locksmith offers a full door adjustment service and door realignment in London for customers in residential properties as well as for commercial premises.
We can repair, replace and install new locks to doors and windows if the problem persists after you’ve already used the methods outlined here.
We can help with interior doors and exterior doors, whether they’re wood, composite or uPVC, and all you need to do is call our 24/7 service on 07884 675 945 to book an appointment.
Common reasons a door won’t close properly
When a door won’t close fully, there are numerous reasons, and these are the most common scenarios our customers face when trying to open and close their front or back door:
Door latch is getting stuck
Usually, this is due to lubrication materials not being applied frequently enough, which can hinder the closing process. It can be rust or dirt in the latch which prevents the latch from clicking into place.
Misaligned strike plate
Hinge movement or the door frame moving means the latch and strike plate are not in line with each other, so when you pull the door closed, the latch hits the wrong place.
Door frame is swollen
In damp conditions or in warm weather, timber door frames can swell. This can cause the door to stick when you try to close it, as it’s not sitting right inside the frame.
Hinges are worn
A door with hinges that are loose or worn out will cause the door to sag, leaving it dragging along the floor when you try to open and close it in the door frame.
Screws are loose after a break-in
Something as simple as loose screws on either the hinges or the strike plate can cause an issue, as the door frame does not accommodate the crooked door. This happens when burglars kick or shoulder a door.
The house is settling
Properties can shift over time, tilting to one side or in a certain direction, which means the door no longer aligns with the frame and leaves gaps at the sides.
Top tips for dealing with door repair
If you’re having difficulty with a door that won’t close, here are some tips from our experienced locksmiths that can help you repair it yourself.
All you need is the correct tools, such as a screwdriver or a sander, and you should be able to solve the problem without the need to contact your local door fitter here at Kensington Locksmith.
- Check around the edge of the door and frame for any obstructions, such as debris, preventing it from closing
- Take a screwdriver and tighten all of the screws in the hinges, the latch, and the strike plate screws
- If you need to, reposition the strike plate or the hinges so they are aligned
- For a swollen frame or door, take a sander and file down the edge of the door where it’s sticking
- Hinges, locks and latches should be lubricated with a silicone spray, not WD-40
- When door hardware, like hinges and handles, is broken, replace them with suitable models
- Check that there is no paint on the door which is making it larger, and not able to fit in the frame
- See whether there is space around the door, which is an indication that it is not secure in the door frame
If you have tried the methods above, or don’t want to risk damaging the door, you can always call Kensington Locksmith London on 07884 675 945 to get more information.
Door realignment and door replacement services
Is your door scraping on the floor when you close it? Will the latch not catch or notice an uneven alignment? Our locksmiths are on hand 24/7 to perform a full inspection and explore what is wrong with your door.
While you can ensure doors close properly with a piece of folded cardboard in gaps around the door, this is not a long-term solution.
Reach out to the experts, and we can help with adjusting the door, loosening the screws if they are too tight, and adjusting any of the locking mechanisms, such as strike plates and hinges.
We provide installation for new doors, and can help with the replacement of any door hardware, especially front and back door locks.
Our locksmiths cover front and back doors, interior doors, as well as French doors, bifolds, and patio doors, whether they’re wood, uPVC or composite.
We can also offer door installations for exterior and interior doors
Sometimes, a new door installation is necessary if the door itself is damaged. We offer door installation for both interior and exterior doors, as well as fitting new locks.
If you need a door repair in an emergency, we can provide full refitting of every part, including the strike plate and hinges.
For some kinds of composite or uPVC doors, the weather stripping and draught sealing around the edge of the door or frame is at fault, so we work fast to replace it and repair the door so it shuts perfectly every time.
When the lock is broken or the strike plate on the frame has broken away and damaged the wood, we can reposition the lock for added security and install a new one if needed.
Our installation service is completed by locksmiths with years of expertise who can secure your property in no time at all.
Our services extend to emergency call-outs when London customers are having security issues caused by doors that won’t close properly.
As we assist with internal doors too, we can ensure that you have access to every room of your home, and we carry all of the materials we need so that the door can be pulled shut and pushed open from each side of the room.
When alignment is not the issue, rest assured, we can provide a full replacement of any parts that are not only within your budget, but the style matches your home to the finest details.
Many factors can cause doors not to close properly, but whether it’s warping or alignment problems, we get to the point fast and provide much-needed adjustments quickly.
Need a London locksmith fast? Kensington Locksmith London is here for you 24/7
We understand that every job is different, so when you contact us, we can explore the full range of options to address your door issues.
Moreover, we carry all of the correct tools we need when it comes to adjusting doors for homeowners in flats, apartment blocks, semi-detached properties, terraces, and detached homes.
We partner with homeowners, landlords, estate agents, Airbnb hosts and much more wherever you are based in London.
Our services cover all of South West and West London, including Chelsea and Kensington, and as we’re locally based, we can be with you in as little as 30 minutes to assist with door alignment. Just let us know your location and we’ll be able to give you an estimated time of arrival, whatever time of the day or night it is.
The door installation and repair services we offer to customers are first-class, and we offer a high-quality service, whatever your repair needs are.
Contact Kensington Locksmith London For 24/7 Services When You Need To Fix A Door That Won’t Close Properly
If you need help to fix a door that won’t close properly, our team will be there to assist you shortly. We’ll apply our expertise to any situation, and wherever you are in London, we’ll be there as soon as possible.
Call Kensington Locksmith today on 07884 675 945, save our number in your phone and call for help with interior and exterior doors that won’t close properly.
