1Remove paint layers
2Plane door
3Prevent dampness
1 Make temporary repair
2Make permanent repair
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HOUSEHOLD EMERGENCIES
DOORS AND WINDOWS THAT STICK
1Remove paint layers
• A build-up of paint layers can cause doors and windows to stick.
• Strip off all the paint back to bare wood, then repaint.
2Plane door
• If a door or window catches as you close it, take it off its hinges, plane a little off the top, bottom, or side, depending on where it catches, then rehang it.
Plane to bare wood on the edge that is sticking
DAMAGED WINDOW JOINTS
3Prevent dampness
• A door that is sticking in damp weather but fits perfectly well in dry weather is absorbing moisture, probably through an unpainted top or bottom edge. Ideally, wait for dry weather before painting it.
• If the bottom edge of a door is unpainted, take the door off its hinges, then paint all the surfaces and rehang it.
• If this does not solve the problem, plane the sticking edge, smooth it with sandpaper, if necessary, then paint and rehang as before.
1 Make temporary repair
• Joints that shrink as the wood dries out can cause a window to sag.
• A sash window will need to be removed for repairs( see step 2).
• A prominent casement window can be temporarily repaired in place until you have time to make a permanent repair( see step 2). If the window is not in a prominent position, most repairs can be done in place.
• Unscrew the frame a little and then pry the loose joint open slightly. Squeeze some PVA woodworking adhesive into the gap.
• Screw an L-shaped metal bracket across the joint to hold it together.
2Make permanent repair
• For a permanent, and more sightly, repair, remove the window and unscrew the frame.
• Pry the loose joint open and squeeze some PVA woodworking adhesive into the gap.
• Hold the joint in an adjustable sash clamp until it has set, then replace the window.
Place the joint in a pipe clamp and leave until the adhesive has dried