How do I fix a door that won't close?

A door that won't close is typically caused by hinges that have sagged over time, seasonal wood movement, or the door frame shifting slightly. Most of these issues can be diagnosed and fixed with basic tools, though some may require professional help depending on the underlying cause.

Start by examining where the door is binding or what's preventing it from closing completely. Check the hinges first - look for loose screws, worn hinge pins, or hinges that have pulled away from the frame. In Ottawa's climate with significant temperature and humidity changes, wood doors and frames expand and contract seasonally, which can cause alignment issues. This is especially common in older homes throughout areas like the Glebe, Alta Vista, and Centretown where settling may have occurred over decades.

For loose hinges, remove the door and replace the short screws with longer 3-inch screws that bite into the wall studs behind the door frame. This is often the quickest fix for a sagging door. If the door is sticking at the top or bottom, you may need to plane or sand the door edge slightly. However, be conservative - Ottawa's dry winter air will cause the door to shrink, so what sticks in humid summer months may fit perfectly in January.

Check if the door frame itself is square using a level. If the frame has shifted due to house settling (common in Ottawa's clay soil conditions), you may see gaps that aren't uniform around the door when it's closed. Foundation settling is particularly common in newer subdivisions like Barrhaven and Kanata where construction has occurred on former farmland.

When to call a professional: If the door frame is significantly out of square, if you notice cracks in the drywall around the door frame, or if multiple doors in your home are having similar issues, this could indicate foundation settling or structural movement that requires assessment. For heritage homes in areas like New Edinburgh or Rockcliffe, original door frames may need specialized restoration work.

Your next steps should be to tighten all hinge screws first, then assess whether the door or frame needs adjustment. Take photos of any gaps around the door frame before making changes, as this helps track whether the issue is getting worse over time. If basic adjustments don't solve the problem, contact a carpenter or handyman through our verified contractor directory for a proper assessment.