A door that won’t close properly is more than an annoyance. It affects security, energy efficiency, and daily comfort—and in Texas homes, it’s a very common problem. Whether the door sticks, won’t latch, or pops back open, the cause is usually structural, not random.

Here’s how to identify why your door won’t close properly and what actually fixes the issue.

Common Reasons Doors Stop Closing Correctly

Doors are precision systems. When one part shifts or wears down, the entire door can fall out of alignment.

The most common causes include:

• Foundation movement common in Texas soil

• Seasonal expansion and contraction from heat and cold

• Loose or worn hinges

• Frame movement or hidden rot

• Poor installation or aging materials

Understanding the root cause prevents temporary fixes that don’t last.

Door Is Out of Alignment

Misalignment is the number one reason a door won’t close or latch. Even small shifts in the frame can throw off how the door meets the strike plate.

Signs of alignment problems include:

• The door rubbing the frame

• Uneven gaps around the edges

• The latch is missing the strike plate

Professional door repair often involves hinge adjustments or frame correction to restore proper alignment.

Loose or Damaged Hinges

Over time, hinges loosen from daily use and door weight. When hinges shift, the door drops slightly and no longer lines up correctly.

Look for:

• Screws pulling out of the frame

• Sagging at the top of the door

• Movement when lifting the door slightly

Tightening or reinforcing hinges is often a simple but critical fix.

Swelling or Warping From Weather

Texas heat and humidity can cause doors—especially wood doors—to swell or warp. When this happens, the door may stick or refuse to close smoothly.

Common indicators include:

• Seasonal sticking that gets worse in summer

• Resistance near the top or sides

• Changes after weather shifts

In some cases, repair resolves the issue. In others, warped doors require replacement with modern exterior doors designed for Texas climates.

Strike Plate or Latch Issues

Sometimes the door itself is fine, but the latch and strike plate no longer align.

This often happens when:

• The frame shifts slightly

• Hardware wears down

• The strike plate loosens

Realigning or replacing hardware can restore smooth closing and proper locking.

Problems at the Bottom of the Door

If the door hits the threshold or drags on the floor, the issue may be at the base of the frame.

Watch for:

• Scraping sounds when closing

• Resistance near the bottom

• Gaps higher up when the door is closed

Threshold adjustments or structural repair may be needed to fix the problem correctly.

When Weatherstripping Makes It Worse

Old or improperly installed seals can interfere with closing.

If the door resists closing only after new seals were added, the issue may be:

• Incorrect weatherstripping size

• Poor seal placement

• Door already slightly out of alignment

Properly installed door weatherstripping should seal without preventing smooth operation.

When Repair Isn’t Enough

If a door continues to resist closing after adjustments, the problem may be deeper. Frame rot, long-term warping, or poor original installation often require replacement.

In these cases, professional door replacements provide a long-term solution that restores security, comfort, and performance.

Fix the Problem Before It Gets Worse

A door that won’t close properly rarely fixes itself. Over time, the issue can lead to security risks, energy loss, and additional damage to the frame and hardware.

If your door sticks, won’t latch, or feels out of alignment, a professional inspection can identify the exact cause and the right fix.

To restore smooth operation and protect your home, contact us to schedule a door evaluation today.