Door Adjustment and Repair
A sticking door does not always need replacing. Locate where hinges, frame, floor and latch stopped working together.
Why Is My Exterior Door Drafty?
Direct answer
A draft can pass the weatherstripping at the top or sides, the sweep or threshold below, or a gap where the door no longer closes evenly. The latch may not pull the slab against the seal; the frame or a component may also be damaged. Locate the air path first. Adjustment or a compatible seal can be enough, while a damaged frame or door needs a larger repair decision.
Renovation1.ca · Published
| Item | What to know |
|---|---|
| Top or sides | Inspect seal contact and visible gaps with the door latched. |
| At the sill | Inspect the sweep, threshold and their contact. |
| Uneven closure | Check latch compression and frame alignment. |
Locate the draft
Compare the door closed and latched, noting light or visible gaps and damaged or folded weatherstripping. Check the top, sides and bottom separately. Natural Resources Canada identifies these different sealing locations.
Adjustment or replacement?
A compatible seal, threshold or hardware adjustment can address some defects. A damaged slab, distorted frame or poor opening condition can change the scope. Replacing the whole door before identifying the air path may miss a repairable part.
What Renovation1 checks
We would inspect seal continuity, sweep, threshold, latch and strike, hinge condition, frame geometry and damage at the opening. Water damage or opening changes require their own assessment.
What Renovation1 does in practice
Send photos of the closed door from both sides, all four edges, sill, latch and any daylight gap. Note whether the draft occurs only in wind or every day.
Sources
- Natural Resources CanadaKeeping the Heat In, section 8: Upgrading windows and exterior doors
Related service
Project examples
Window Repair Assessment
A typical window repair starts by separating an operating or sealing problem from damage to the sash, frame or opening.
Related homeowner questions
Homeowner guide
Why Does My Door Stick in Winter?
Start with where the door rubs, how it latches, and the condition of its hinges, frame, and weatherstripping.
Homeowner guide
Should I Repair My Window or Replace It?
Identify the failed window part before deciding whether hardware, glazing, frame or the full unit needs work.
Homeowner guide
Is New Weatherstripping Enough or Does My Door Need Repair?
Trace the gap to the seal, sweep, threshold, latch or door and frame before choosing a repair.
Estimate
Planning a similar project?
Send photos and project details to clarify the scope and next step.
Send door-edge and threshold photos