Is it improper installation?
One of the most common reasons a door doesn’t open and close properly is also one of the most obvious: It wasn’t installed correctly. Installing a door is actually very precise work, and a small error can cause major sticking down the road.
The fix: In most instances, simply re-installing the door with more precision in your measurements will stop the sticking.
How about that humidity?
Temperature and weather play a bigger role in sticking doors than most people realize. Doors can expand and contract based on the conditions, especially if you live in a humid climate. The moisture in the air is what causes wooden doors to swell, and exterior doors are most likely to fall prey to this since they are more exposed.
The fix: One trick for swollen doors is to take the door off the frame and sand the edge of the door all around. Don’t fly blind here — it’s important you know what you’re doing (or are willing to pay someone who is!) so that you don’t end up with a big gap in the door with air leaking in and out.
Do you have sagging door hinges?
Sometimes, the sticking door isn’t really the door at all, but the hinges. Your hinges may have been unevenly or improperly installed, but more likely, screws have become loosened as a result of use. (This is especially true if you have kids who love to hang on door handles!)
The fix: Glance at your hinges. They may be caked with dirt or grime that’s impacting the stickiness. If they look like they are in good condition and only the screws are loose, all you need to do is screw them tightly in place. Then, your lopsided door should be squared away.
Is it good ol’ overuse?
Wear and tear tends to happen over time, no matter what precautions you put in place. If you have an old door, the reason for your sticking may just be the result of time.
The fix: Replace your door! Make sure you measure and install the door properly to get the most bang for your buck, and hopefully you’ll be able to avoid any of the abovementioned sticking issues.
