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Creaking doors are annoying. But doors that don't close or have large gaps become a security risk, leading to draughts and damp in your home. Get door repair tips in this blog, or contact us for a door repair quote today.
Handyman ServicesDoors are one of those things you don’t think about until they stop working properly. A door that sticks, creaks every time it opens, or refuses to close fully can become a daily frustration surprisingly quickly. What often starts as a minor annoyance can turn into something that affects privacy, noise levels, heating efficiency or even home security.
The reality is that door problems are incredibly common in UK homes. Changes in temperature, general wear and tear, and even small shifts in a building over time can all affect how a door sits in its frame. The good news is that most issues can be resolved with the right approach (and without replacing the door entirely).
This guide explains the most common door problems, what causes them, and when it’s worth getting a professional involved to make sure the fix actually lasts.
Doors are constantly in use. They’re opened, closed, leaned on, slammed, painted around and exposed to changes in humidity and temperature all year round. Unlike fixed elements of a house, doors are designed to move, which makes them particularly vulnerable to alignment issues over time.
Seasonal expansion and contraction, especially in timber doors, is one of the biggest culprits. Add in loose hinges, worn fixings or slight movement in the building itself, and it’s easy to see why door repairs are such a common household job.
A sticking door is one of the most frequent complaints homeowners have. You’ll usually notice resistance when opening or closing, or visible rubbing along the top or side of the frame.
Common causes include:
While a quick sand or plane can sometimes help, doing this without addressing hinge alignment often leads to the problem coming back... or worse, creating visible gaps.
If a door won’t latch or sit flush when closed, the issue is often alignment rather than the lock itself.
Typical causes include:
This is especially common after decorating, when paint build-up or removed doors haven’t been rehung accurately.
Creaking doors are usually blamed on dry hinges, and sometimes that’s true. A small amount of lubricant can temporarily quiet things down. However, if the noise returns quickly, the problem may be worn hinge pins, misaligned hinges or movement in the frame itself.
Persistent creaking is often a sign that the door isn’t sitting correctly, rather than just needing oil.
If your door opens or closes on its own, it’s usually not a ghost. It’s gravity.
This happens when:
Correcting this requires careful adjustment, not just tightening screws at random.
Gaps around doors don’t just look untidy. They can let in cold air, noise and moisture.
These are often caused by:
External door repairs in particular need a more precise approach, as they directly affect insulation and security.
Internal doors are usually affected by alignment issues, noise, sticking or cosmetic damage. Repairs often involve adjusting hinges, correcting the door’s position or rehanging it entirely if the fit is poor.
External doors need a higher level of accuracy. Even small gaps can cause draughts, water ingress or heat loss. Security is also a key concern, which means fixes need to be robust and long-lasting, not just cosmetically neat.
Not every door problem means starting from scratch, but knowing the difference matters.
Rehanging a door properly ensures it sits square, opens smoothly and closes cleanly, without ongoing tweaks.
Door repairs are one of those jobs that look deceptively simple. Unfortunately, rushed DIY fixes often create new problems.
Common issues include:
Without the right tools and experience, it’s easy to make a door worse rather than better. Especially if the underlying issue is frame movement or hinge wear.
A professional approach always starts with assessment rather than guesswork.
This includes examining:
Instead of trial-and-error fixes, a skilled handyman makes controlled adjustments. Whether that’s repositioning hinges, planning specific areas or rehanging the door entirely.
Once the work is done, the door should open and close smoothly, sit flush in the frame, and stay quiet. No rubbing, no creaking, no draughts.
For many homeowners, booking someone experienced in general property maintenance saves time, frustration and repeat repairs later on.
Door-related callouts often include:
These jobs are often booked alongside other small household tasks, making a handyman visit especially cost-effective.
Most door repairs are quicker than people expect:
Knowing this upfront helps homeowners plan without disruption.
Door problems rarely fix themselves. It’s worth booking repairs:
Dealing with problems early prevents more extensive repairs later.
Doors should be something you never have to think about. When they open smoothly, close properly and stay quiet, they quietly do their job in the background of everyday life.
If your doors are sticking, creaking or refusing to close, a professional fix can make a bigger difference than you might expect. Bringing in someone with experience in door repairs and general home maintenance ensures the job is done once. And done properly.
For homeowners looking for a reliable way to get these issues sorted without hassle, arranging a visit from a trusted local handyman is often the simplest and most effective solution.