KATHY'S HOME & GARDEN - FIXES FOR A STICKY DOOR
With the humidity coming into play full force, now is the time to check your doors and seals.
Testing the fit:
Start with one area at a time. Sprinkle powered chalk on the top or edge of the door. Slowly close the door until you feel the door start to bind. The chalk should leave a trace where the door first makes contact. You may fix a larger spot than you think. You can do this by scraping paint or planing. The high spot often extends further than you think.
Paint Problems:
Many people don't properly strip doors before painting. This can result in a door with many coats of paint too large for the opening. Sanding with rough sandpaper can cut through paint quickly.
Swelling Problems:
Planning a door in summer is the best solution. Only take off enough to close the door. If you take off too much you may have a draft problem in winter.
Hinge Problems:
Loose hinges are often caused by stripped screws. You can get longer screws or fill the hole with a wood dowel or toothpicks coated with glue. If the leaf is not fitting properly remove it and either pare off wood or add a thin piece depending on the problem.
KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
