Reasons why doors are hard to close in winter and how to fix them?

Reasons why doors are hard to close in winter and how to fix them?
6 min read
07 December 2023
A common complaint from homeowners as winter approaches is that their doors won’t open or close independently. The doors wouldn’t open or close correctly because of the cold, which may be bothersome. If your door becomes stuck in the winter, this comprehensive guide will show you what to look for and how to repair it. To address these difficulties, you need the strike plate inner door, which is frequently disregarded but is vital. You must understand the gravity of winter door issues before attempting a repair.

1. Humidity and wood expansion

Winter door jams may be caused by changes in relative humidity. Despite wood’s poor reaction to changes in humidity, it is nonetheless a common material for doors. The dry winter air causes the wood indoors to shrink and lose some moisture. Because of the misalignment that occurs as things shrink, the door could not close all the way.
Only by maintaining a constant relative humidity within the house can this problem be mitigated. Wooden doors won’t shrink quite as much if you use a humidifier to maintain the right relative humidity in the space. To further mitigate the impact of fluctuations in humidity, you may also coat the doors with a protective coating.

2. Weather stripping

Weather stripping is crucial for preventing air draughts and leaks from escaping through doors. On the other hand, weather stripping may not hold up as well in colder regions. 
Doors become more difficult to close when cold air may seep in via damaged weather stripping. Make careful to inspect the weather stripping and replace it if needed; it’s a simple but effective remedy. 
Check the stripping for straightness, pliability, and integrity. Thanks to the high-quality weather stripping you placed, your door will remain firmly closed, even in the worst winter weather.

3. Honing door hinge alignment

When it’s chilly outside, it’s not uncommon for doors to not close correctly due to issues like improperly placed hinges. Instability or improper fastening of the door’s hinges might cause misalignment. This misalignment might cause the door to stay shut due to friction.
Door hinges need to be serviced often to keep them in top functioning condition. Lubricate the hinges and tighten any screws that aren’t securely fastened using a silicone-based product to reduce friction. A skilled technician can easily adjust or replace the door’s hinges if the misalignment persists.

4. Thermal contraction of metal doors

When winter rolls around, metal doors, unlike wooden ones, experience thermal contraction. Metal doors get bent and misaligned when exposed to cold air because they shrink. 
During this stage of contraction, doors may become less snug in their frames, making it more difficult to close them. One possible solution to this issue with metal doors is to install thermal breaks or insulating materials. 
These features help minimize heat contraction while preserving the door’s structural integrity and smooth closing motion. To further mitigate the effects of temperature fluctuations on friction, you may also oil the hinges and other moving parts.

5. Frozen door components

The freezing of door components is an additional issue in regions where winter temperatures dip dangerously low. Door knobs, locks, and hinges might become inoperable if exposed to enough moisture, which could freeze them. If the lock is locked, the inability to freely rotate the key might pose a significant problem.
Using a de-icing solution is one possibility to think about for thawing the frozen components. Before winter arrives, lubricate the door hardware with a silicone-based product. 
More protection from condensation and below-freezing temperatures will result from this measure. To further mitigate the potential harm that low temperatures might inflict on door components, heated entrance solutions or keyless entry systems are available.

6. Structure deformities 

Wooden doors, no matter how elegant or traditional they may seem, are susceptible to warping when exposed to extreme temperatures. The uneven expansion and contraction that happens when wood absorbs moisture makes it susceptible to easy distortion. The distorted image could make it hard to close the door properly.
As a preventative measure against structural damage, some homeowners cover their doors with a water-resistant substance. The door will stay dry since this coating forms a barrier. To restore the door to its original form and functionality after severe warping, it may be necessary to have it professionally rebuilt or replaced.

7. Ensuring the Security of Interior Doors with Strike Plates – H2

If your winter door isn’t closing smoothly, it might be due to a number of issues, one of which is the strike plate inner door. A striking plate attached to the door jamb may keep the door’s latch or bolt firmly in place. It may be a major hassle to close the door in the winter if the striking plate isn’t in the right place.
It is important to regularly inspect the striking plate for any signs of wear or misalignment. To adjust the door’s closing ease, you may adjust the angle at which the hitting plate contacts the latch. To maintain the door’s functional operation, it may be required to repair the striking plate if it has been significantly worn down.

Conclusion

Finally, closing doors in the winter could be a pain compared to summer. Wood shrinkage due to humidity, weather stripping issues, hinge misalignment, and thermal contraction of metal doors are some of the underlying causes that must be thoroughly understood in order to find a viable solution. Hopefully, you will be able to utilize these methods to overcome these challenges and ensure that your door remains in excellent operating condition throughout the winter.
As you work to resolve your winter door issues, remember the critical importance of the strike plate inner door. Keep an eye on the striking plate and fix it to ensure smooth door closing. 
By paying close attention to the often-overlooked components and following these instructions, homeowners can ensure that their doors remain functional and cold-resistant throughout the winter. This winter, take advantage of these options to get past stubborn doors.
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Petrik Stewart 2
Joined: 7 months ago
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