A squeaky door is one of life’s inevitable annoyances. The mousy, high-pitched noise that pierces through the house is a constant reminder that your door needs to be fixed. Nobody wants to be bothered by squeaky interruptions throughout all hours of the day. Luckily, our door installation experts have excellent tips for preventing and fixing squeaky doors.
Let’s take a look at what causes a door to creak and how to stop it from happening.
Why is My Door Squeaking?
Usually, the squeaking noises coming from a door are actually coming from the door’s hinges. Over time, dust and dirt can build up in door hinges, causing friction between the metal pieces. Lack of lubrication can also cause the metal parts of the hinges to rub together and squeak.
How do I Fix the Squeak?
When you’re dealing with a squeaky door, the first thing you’ll want to do is make sure that the hinges are lubricated. WD-40 or multipurpose oil are standard lubricants available at most hardware stores, and are easily applied. On both top and bottom hinges, pull up the hinge pin, then apply a few drops and allow the oil to drip throughout the hinge. Remove the pin, then replace it and use it to wiggle the hinge back and forth, ensuring that the entire hinge is lubricated.
Lubricant Options
Several common household items can be used as lubricant. Depending on the severity of the friction, you may not even need to remove the pin or hinges – just ensure that whatever lubricant you choose is thoroughly worked into the hinges. Household items you can apply to squeaky hinges include:
- Silicone spray
- Lithium Grease
- Hairspray
- Bar soap
- Olive oil
- Petroleum Jelly
What if it’s a Structural Problem?
If a door is fitted badly, or if the hinges have reached the end of their lifespan, no amount of lubricant on the hinges will be able to prevent squeaking for long. This problem calls for new hardware or a complete door installation. A door must be properly level so that the hinges aren’t forced into odd angles, causing unnecessary friction upon opening and closing.
When selecting new hinges for your door, consider your door’s thickness, height, width, material, and anything relevant to its intended use. Brass, iron, and bronze hinges are generally more durable than stainless steel, and they come in a variety of finishes.
Professional Door Installation
If you have decided that the squeak is a sign that it’s time to replace the entire door, give us a call at Total Home Remodeling. Our experts can take your vision and turn it into a reality.
At Total Home Remodeling, we aspire to help you transform your house into a home that you love spending time in. For all your door installation and home remodeling needs, give us a call at (913) 227-4149 or visit our website to get a quote for a project. We’re excited to hear about your project, no matter how large or small!
