We have several interior doors that only stick or won't completely close in the winter. We also get cracks in the drywall mud above the doors so I think something else is going on besides just humidity changes in the door and frame. This is a wood framed house with wood trusses and a metal standing seam old-fashioned roof. I remember hearing a DIY radio show discussing the issue but I can't remember the solution. I think it had something to do with the wooden trusses in the attic. Any information is appreciated.
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Where are you located? Does it get cold where you are at in the Winter? If so it's usually DRYER in the winter--which would typically lead to shrinking of doors. Do you artificially add humidity to your house in the winter?– DA01Commented Jul 10, 2014 at 0:47
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I'm in Virginia and 2 of the doors that stick are in a bedroom that we use a humidifier in the winter. We have a wood stove and a gas furnance.– Patty GCommented Jul 10, 2014 at 2:08
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4based on that, I'd say your humidifier is turned up too high! :)– DA01Commented Jul 10, 2014 at 2:20
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Article which Chris W. has mentioned offers solutions which can somewhat help you but not completely. As far as I know this is small and irrelevant but unsolvable problem. It is caused by humidity and temperature differences. Placing rubber or sponge on the surface where door and door frame have contact can help you little bit.– python starterCommented May 6, 2015 at 8:06
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2 Answers
Make your doors smaller . The jamb stops for doors are usually jutted out a half inch or at the very least 3/8". There is no need for the door to be rubbing against the jamb that tight to where it would ever stick. I suggest the use of a small electric hand plane and shave off in 1/32" increments. You will need to remove the handle and the faceplate. Also if you get beyond 1/32" you may need to chisel out the faceplate rectangle a bit.
You can try sanding the area but I have found that by the time I sand, and door works well... I put a few coats of paint on the area and then bam I am back to square one.
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@RedGrittyBrick - This isn't ADIY. Also on the plane - practice on a 2x4 before you to your door. The exit of the plane is a skill.– DMooreCommented Nov 2, 2015 at 16:21
Since you say the doors only stick in the winter, that would lean more towards the humidity/temp changes you mention. As for the cracks, could be part of that, could be from just natural settling of the home over time.
As to things to do about it, I'd just point you to an easily found article on the net where someone else has already gone through the trouble.
Hope this helps
