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Why Does My Door Get Stuck?

Issues with doors throughout your home are frustrating and not always straightforward, cosmetic, or construction-related.

In a previous article, we answered the question, “Are Cracks Above Doors Normal?

In this article, we’ll answer the question, “Why does my door get stuck?”

This common problem can happen for many reasons, so let’s dig in!

Why Does My Door Get Stuck?

If you can’t open or close doors in your house, you shouldn’t automatically assume it’s a problem with the door itself. There are many reasons why a door gets stuck, ranging from manufacturing and wear and tear to moisture and foundation settlement.

There could be a problem with the hardware or hinges, whether they’re loose, dirty, or succumbing to age. Improper materials could have been used, and the door or frame may not be the correct size.

The door and its frame can warp due to excessive humidity in your home or exposure to the elements. Moisture is your home’s No.1 enemy, leading to rotting wood or corroding metal.

Similarly, unstable underlying soil—either caused by too much moisture or not enough—results in foundation settlement. When your foundation settles, it causes problems like uneven floors, wall and floor gaps, and misaligned, sticking doors and windows.

Can I Shave the Door Frame to Make the Door Fit?

sticking door

We discourage DIY repair projects, including shaving or grinding down your door or the frame in the hope of returning it to functioning order. While this appears to work temporarily, it’s a quick fix.

This approach does not address why the door gets stuck, especially if the root cause is foundation settlement. The problem will continue and worsen, leading to additional problems that impact your home’s structural stability and your family’s safety.

Professional repairs, including foundation piers or crawl space jacks to address settlement, are the best, lasting fixes.

What to Do Next

In this post, we answered your question about why doors in your home get stuck.

There’s much more to explore about foundation problem signs like this one, so stay tuned for more informative articles.

If you need foundation repair services, you can get a quick, easy, and completely free inspection from Indiana Foundation Service. Simply click the button below to get started!

Holly Richards-Purpura

Holly Richards-Purpura

Content Writer

Holly is a Content Writer for Groundworks who has written and edited web content for the foundation services industry for 10 years. With a background in journalism, her passion for the written word runs deep. Holly lives in Columbus, OH, with her husband. Along with educating homeowners, she also has a big heart for the Big Apple.

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