Sticky Door Problem

Almost overnight my front door became very hard to open and shut. It was like it no longer fit in the door frame. I have looked at the hinges, etc. It is to the point it won't close at all and the hardware (deadbolt, lockknob) no longer fit in the hardware on the frame. So it wont shut and it won't lock. I think my door grew bigger overnight??? Thanks!

 

Most likely the door, the door frame or the rough framing around the door opening has gotten wet or absorbed an excessive amount of moisture.
Have you had a lot of rain or a leak above or beside the door?

 

Actually it has been pretty dry here for several weeks. This door is also protected by a storm door and covered carport area. I haven't noticed any settling or shifting but this is what I suspect. I appreciate your reply!

 

If you can get it closed, look at the gap between the top frame and the top of the door. Does is look even, or is the side on the hinges smaller in gap than the knob side ?

Now look down the hinge side....is the gap bigger at the top than the bottom between door and frame ?

IF that's the case, the hinges have probably come loose or gotten twisted ( had any grand younguns swinging on the door ?).....using longer screws in the top hinge back into the frame can cure the problem.....or longer screws in the door if those are loose.

IF the hinges or screws aren't the problem, you may have some settling going on......but that is the less likely case.

 

Thanks I will take your advice and give it a look-see! Hope this is the problem.

 

Grandma, with the door protected the way you are talking about, and since it ain't rained wherever you are for a while, forget the moisture. That's not the problem. Maybe a small earthquake?? SOMETHING shifted!

Like Andy said, check the gap around the door from the inside. Should be VERY uniform, and about 1/8" -- across the top, down the latch side, down the hinge side, ...