Old House Journal

Common Door Problems

PROBLEM 1:

Door binds evenly along latch side and head.

PAINT BUILDUP Remove excess paint with heat or chemical removers. If the paint flakes off, simply pull a sharp paint scraper along the length of the mating surfaces. Be careful not to gouge or otherwise damage the door or jamb, especially if you intend to strip and refinish.

This causes the door to swell during humid periods, making it difficult or impossible to close. Plane the door during the peak of the humid season.

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