Unless someone were to live in a cave their entire life, we all will suffer from some door troubles at some point. Doors are an essential part of any home, probably the most important since without one a house would simply be a cube, but they can also be one of the most frustrating. A door that sticks, squeaks, won’t close properly, or needs restoration can be a real pain. If you are having a hard time opening or closing your door, or would like to get your historic door refurbished here in San Antonio, you found the right place.
At Monarch Handyman Services I specialize in all aspects of door repair and maintenance in San Antonio, TX, and would love to help you get that door working and looking it’s best. With a little bit of care and attention, your doors will look great, function great and last for many years.
Here are some of the more common door fixes we handle for our customers:
Door won’t catch or stay closed, or deadbolt won’t lock.
Seasonal movements or a top hinge problem are the most common culprits of this issue. I can help pinpoint the root cause and make adjustments so your door closes properly and stays closed. In some cases tightening the top hinge or a slight change to the strike plate on the jamb may be all that’s needed.
Door is sticking
Another very common problem with doors here in San Antonio is with doors sticking, A door sticking on the top, or bottom is most likely caused by a shifting of the house. Doors that drag on the threshold may also be caused by shifting, but may just as likely suffer from moisture swelling the floor or bottom of the door.
Although I can’t keep your home from moving around. I CAN fix the issue with your door. There are a limited number of adjustments that can be made to your door, like moving hinges up, down, in, or out. There are even a few ways to “shift” the jamb for more clearance. Sometimes a minor trimming of the door (which I hesitate to do) may, just may, be acceptable, but there are times when pulling the door and frame completely off and resetting is the only way to repair correctly.
Door jamb repair
Door jambs are the frames that surround your doors. Door jambs can be damaged by a variety of things such as, water or moisture, physical damage from kicks, hits, or scratches, or they can be damaged by our pets, or pests like termites and carpenter ants.
These repairs tend to be a bit more tricky, but are still quite doable. If the damage is caught early enough and the jamb isn’t completely broken or rotted apart I can install what we call a “Dutchman”. Essentially it’s bad wood out, good wood in. Some rare cases may need an entire jamb side replaced. If it’s gotten to the point where both sides of the frame are so bad they must both be replaced there’s a good chance a whole new door and jamb may have to be considered.
Door Restoration.
Repairing and refinishing wooden doors restores them to their original beauty and functionality. It takes time and effort to restore your doors, but the restored doors will add value to your home. Plus, they look great. Restored doors look better than new doors. Your refinished wooden door will be more durable and less likely to warp or crack, and resealed doors are more energy efficient.
Door restoration is a great way to improve the look and value of your home.
Interior Door Drags
I’ve seen this common issue in new homes and existing homes that have had new carpeting or flooring installed and the clearance for the bottom of the door just isn’t great enough. If it’s a bi-fold closet door simply adjusting the lower hinge side pivot should bring the door into working order. Swinging interior doors that drag will most likely need to be trimmed. In most cases a gap of ½” to ¾” will help you regulate humidity and temperature in different parts of your home, while also saving the bottom of the door and your flooring from damage.
Sliding door not working
Sticky sliding doors or sliding doors that won’t latch usually suffer from gummed up or broken rollers. Most doors will need to be removed and new rollers installed. Regular, routine cleaning of the tracks is crucial for the long term function of these types of doors.
Pocket doors not working.
I may be the only carpenter I know that actually likes pocket doors. I see so much potential for pocket doors, unfortunately, when not properly installed, or damaged somehow, nothing can be quite as frustrating. I have seen pocket doors that have lasted over 100 years and ones that were bad before a house was completed. A pocket door that won’t latch may just need some adjustment to one of the hanging rollers. A pocket door that’s missing the guides may come out of the frame. One that won’t close could be inadvertently nailed or screwed back in the pocket. Before you toss in the towel and just hang beads give me a ring and lets take a look at it. There’s a good chance I can bring that pocket door unit into proper working order.
So, if you are having issues with one or more doors not working great, or you would like to restore your old door to it’s former glory, give me a call, I’d be happy to help.
Keep in mind, doors that lead outside which are not functioning correctly can be a hassle, are less energy efficient, and can be unsafe. Interior doors that are broken or don’t work right are unsightly and frustrating. Don’t allow pests and your air conditioning in and out waiting for the door to “fix” itself, or rely on the closest object to keep your door open or closed. Call today for quick relief.
Call: Monarch Handyman Services
(210) 660-8018
