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Doors were made to open. A sticking storefront door therefore isn’t much of a door — it’s more of an inconvenience that will eventually become a pain.
Luckily, you can take some simple steps to fix and prevent a clinging door. Here are five straightforward ways to keep your storefront door swinging freely, along with two that are best used as a last resort.
Doors get sticky when the air gets sticky. The more humid your door’s environment is, the higher the chances it will be harder to open.
You can’t change the weather, but you can offset some of its effects. If you think the sticking is related to the humidity, try running your air conditioner for a while. If that doesn’t work, invest in a dehumidifier to de-stick the situation.
Every storefront door has pros and cons. For example, wood doors are more susceptible to warping from the weather, while steel doors could end up with hinge issues if they aren’t well supported.
Understanding how your door’s materials interact with the environment tells you a lot about how you can take care of them and fix irritating issues when they arise.
High-quality door hinges will perform well in virtually any scenario, but they still need occasional maintenance. If your door is sticky and squeaky, apply some multipurpose oil to help move things along.
Keep in mind, however, that spray lubricants can create buildup that can end up causing doors to stick anyway. If you decide to use them, do so sparingly and remember to clean up afterward.
Even if the hinges themselves are fine, loose screws can also create sticking. Take stock of your screws now and then and tighten them if needed, but go slowly to avoid damaging them or your door.
It may sound funny, but your door could be sticking because it’s actually sticky.
Dirt, grime, and other substances can accumulate on the edge of your door or inside the frame. How can you avoid this sticky situation? Simple: clean the door and surrounding frame with some warm soapy water.
Cleaning your door is always a good place to start if you’re troubleshooting a sticky door. You’ll never regret having a cleaner storefront door!
While you’re inspecting the screws on your door hinges, check to see if they or their holes are stripped. Damaged screws or screw holes can eventually lead to a sticking storefront door. The only real way to correct the issue is to replace the screws.
If you find that you have stripped screw holes, you’ll likely need to go up a size to fill in the enlarged hole.
The first few approaches are simple preventive measures. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t others that could still help keep your door from sticking, even if they seem a little strange.
One alternative to using a dehumidifier could be to use candle wax to lubricate the area where the door is sticking. That’s assuming you have a spare candle lying around, of course. If you do, it could be the only thing you need to help keep things moving.
Trimming a section off the bottom of your door is a more drastic option, but it can work if your situation warrants it. This route is less preventive and more of a last-ditch option for when all else fails. You’ll only need to remove a thin layer from the bottom edge to make it swing smoother.
If you aren’t keen on using power tools and don’t want to pay to hire a professional, you can also get similar results with sandpaper — just make sure you have plenty of time on your hands.
Again, prioritize solutions that involve physically modifying your door as a last resort. But if you’ve tried everything else, this could allow you to get more use out of a storefront door that’s otherwise still in good condition.
When you’re shopping for a new commercial door or hardware, there’s no need to feel stuck. Browse our catalog of incredible products today and make the right first impression.
January 16, 2023
Wayne Foreman
