Doors take a beating from daily use, humidity, and seasonal shifts, and in Florida's climate, that means more sticking, swelling, and misalignment than homeowners in drier states typically deal with. From a door that won't latch to a lock that sticks every time you turn the key, these small annoyances are usually simple fixes.
Common Door Problems
1. Sticking Doors
Florida's humidity causes wood doors to swell, making them stick or drag against the frame, especially during the rainy season.
2. Squeaky Hinges
Hinges lose lubrication over time, and dust and grime buildup make the squeak worse. It's usually one of the easiest fixes on this list.
3. Misaligned Latch or Strike Plate
Homes settle over time, which can shift a door just enough that the latch no longer lines up cleanly with the strike plate, causing the door to not close or lock properly.
4. Worn or Sticking Locks
Locks that are hard to turn or that stick often have worn internal pins or a misaligned strike plate rather than needing full replacement.
Pro Tip
For a sticking door, check for shiny wear marks on the frame or door edge first, they show you exactly where the door is rubbing, so you know where to sand or adjust.
Door Repair: The Basics
- For sticking doors, identify the rubbing point and lightly sand or plane the edge, then repaint or reseal any bare wood.
- For squeaky hinges, clean off buildup and apply a small amount of lubricant to the hinge pins.
- For latch misalignment, check whether the strike plate needs to be repositioned or the hinges need adjusting.
- For lock issues, try lubricating the lock mechanism before assuming it needs replacement.
Important Safety Note
Don't ignore a misaligned or poorly latching exterior door. A door that doesn't fully engage its lock or strike plate is a real security vulnerability, not just an inconvenience.
When to Call a Professional
- The door is sticking badly enough that sanding hasn't solved it
- An exterior door isn't latching or locking securely
- You're installing a new lock, deadbolt, or smart lock
- You have multiple doors with issues and want them all handled at once
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A sticking door or squeaky hinge is easy to live with until it isn't, and a poorly latching exterior door is a security issue worth fixing right away. Most door problems are quick, affordable repairs that make a real difference in daily comfort.
Have a door or lock giving you trouble? We're here to help!