The Sticky Truth: Why Your Doors Aren't Closing (And When to Call Shew Family Contracting)

The Sticky Truth: Why Your Doors Aren't Closing (And When to Call Shew Family Contracting)

There's nothing quite as frustrating as a door that won't close, won't latch, or constantly sticks against the frame. This common household annoyance isn't just inconvenient; a door that doesn't seal properly is a security risk and a silent energy leak.

In Lane County, where we see fluctuating temperatures and humidity, sticky doors are a regular phenomenon. At Shew Family Contracting LLC, we handle door, window, and general repair as part of our comprehensive handyman services.

Here are the three most common culprits behind your door dilemmas, and why calling a professional is often the fastest and safest solution.

1. The Swelling Problem: Seasonal Humidity

Your door and its frame are primarily wood—and wood breathes. In the wetter months, wood absorbs moisture, causing it to swell. This swelling is often uneven, leading the edge of the door to rub tightly against the door jamb, making it sticky or impossible to close.

The reverse happens in dry summers, where the wood shrinks, leaving gaps or causing the latch to miss the strike plate entirely. We often see this issue worsen around exterior doors and basement doors where moisture exposure is highest.

2. The Shift: Foundation Settling or House Movement

If a door that once worked perfectly suddenly begins sticking at the top corner, or if multiple doors in a single hallway are showing issues, it could be a sign of minor structural shifting.

Houses naturally settle over time, but this movement can pull the door frame out of its perfect square alignment. When the frame warps even slightly—often into a trapezoid shape—the door no longer fits the opening, it was designed for. This requires careful diagnosis and often involves removing trims and shims to restore the frame's squareness.

3. The Simple Fix: Hinge and Latch Misalignment

Sometimes, the fix is much simpler than water damage or shifting foundations. Over years of constant use, screws holding the hinges to the door frame can loosen. This allows the door to sag, dropping the latch below the level of the strike plate, making it impossible to latch without pulling or slamming.

• Not Closing: Check for loose screws on the upper hinges. Tightening them might pull the door back up.
• Not Latching: The metal strike plate on the jamb might be slightly misaligned. This is a common handyman fix, often involving slightly filing or moving the plate.

The Shew Family Advantage

While a simple loose screw might be a DIY fix, when doors are sticking due to swelling or frame misalignment, trying to fix it yourself can lead to further damage—like taking too much off the door or incorrectly chipping the door jamb.

The team at Shew Family Contracting LLC are experts in diagnosing the true cause of your door problems. Whether your door needs planing, frame adjustment, new hinges, or full door replacement, our family-owned team will ensure your doors operate smoothly, silently, and securely.

Don't live with sticking doors that waste energy and compromise security. Let us bring comfort and function back to your home.

Tired of fighting with your front door?

📞 Call Shew Family Contracting LLC today at (541) 912-0306 to schedule a repair or visit our Handyman Services page!