Squeaky hinges
That creak every time you open the door might be small, but it gets old fast. A quick spray of WD-40 or silicone-based lubricant on the hinges usually does the trick. If the hinges are old and worn, it might be time to swap them out altogether.
A door that won't latch properly
If your door doesn't click shut the way it should, the strike plate is usually the culprit. That's the small metal plate on the door frame that the latch slots into. Try loosening the screws slightly and nudging the plate until the latch sits snugly - often just a few millimetres makes all the difference.
A sticking door
A door that drags or sticks is usually down to the wood swelling or the frame shifting slightly over time. Try sanding down the edges where it's rubbing or use a hand plane to shave off a little wood until it opens and closes smoothly again.
A sagging door
If your door looks like it's dropped or feels like it's dragging at the bottom, check the hinge screws first - they often work loose over time. A quick tighten with a screwdriver can bring everything back into alignment surprisingly easily.
Draughty gaps
Gaps around your door aren't just annoying - they let in cold air and push up your energy bills. Weatherstripping around the door edges is an easy and affordable fix that makes a noticeable difference. If the gaps are significant, it might be worth considering a replacement door.
A door that swings open or won't stay put
If your door drifts open or swings shut on its own, the hinges are likely sitting slightly out of alignment. Tightening the hinge screws is the first thing to try. If that doesn't solve it, adjusting the hinge position on the frame can correct the balance and keep the door sitting exactly where you want it.
A door handle that's loose or wobbly
A wobbly handle is easy to ignore but tends to get worse if left alone. Most handles are secured by screws that simply need tightening. If the screw holes have stripped over time, filling them with wood filler, letting it dry, and re-screwing gives the screws something solid to bite into again.
Damaged or peeling door surface
Exterior doors take a lot of punishment from the weather and can start to look tired - peeling paint, cracking timber, or splitting edges. Light surface damage can be sanded back, filled, and repainted. Deeper cracks or signs of rot are worth addressing sooner rather than later, as they can compromise the door's structure and how well it seals. If the damage has gone too far, a replacement door is often the smarter long-term investment.
