The Most Common Door Problems in North London Homes (And How We Fix Them)
Doors are one of the most frequently used features in any home, yet they’re often overlooked until something goes wrong. In North London—where many homes are older Victorian, Edwardian or mid-century builds—door issues are extremely common. Seasonal temperature changes, shifting frames, ageing hardware and natural timber movement can all affect how your doors open, close and function.
At BlueWood Handyman, we repair hundreds of doors each year. As qualified carpenters, we don’t just patch problems temporarily—we diagnose the root cause and fix it properly so your door works smoothly long-term.
If your door is sticking, dragging, rattling or refusing to latch, this guide will help you understand why it’s happening and what we can do to repair it.
1. Sticking or Swollen Doors
This is by far one of the most common door problems in North London.
Why it happens
Timber is a natural material. It absorbs moisture in humid months and contracts in dry seasons. Older homes with less insulation or fluctuating temperatures experience this even more.
A swollen door usually:
Rubs on the frame
Gets stuck when closing
Needs a “shoulder push” to shut
Feels tight at the top or bottom
How we fix it
We:
Assess where the sticking occurs
Carefully trim or plane the door
Sand for a smooth finish
Seal the edges to prevent further swelling
Check hinge alignment and door swing
A quick DIY fix might temporarily ease the sticking, but without sealing the exposed edges, the problem will return. We ensure a proper carpentry finish so it stays solved.
2. Door Not Latching or Closing Properly
If your door closes but doesn’t “click” into the latch—don’t worry, it’s a very common issue.
Causes
Misaligned strike plate
Latch not reaching the keep
Dropped hinges
Warped frame
Handle or latch mechanism failure
Our professional solution
We check the alignment between the latch and strike plate, then:
Adjust or reposition the strike plate
Deepen the recess if needed
Re-seat loose screws
Replace worn mechanisms
If the frame has moved—which is common in Victorian homes—we can carefully realign components so everything works smoothly again.
3. Doors Dragging on the Floor or Carpet
When a door begins scraping along the floor, it can damage flooring, make noise and become increasingly difficult to open.
Why this happens
Door has dropped due to hinge wear
Loose hinge screws
House settlement or shifting frame
Carpet upgrade (new, thicker carpet)
How BlueWood Handyman fixes it
We first check whether hinge tightening and realignment solves the issue. If not, we:
Trim the underside of the door
Plane and sand it evenly
Seal the timber
Adjust hinges for perfect clearance
We also use professional tools to keep the cut neat and dust to a minimum.
4. Loose, Squeaking or Wobbly Hinges
Over time, screws loosen and hinges wear out.
Symptoms
Door rattles
Door feels heavy or unstable
Squeaking or creaking noises
Door does not align with the frame
How we fix it
Tighten and re-seat all screws
Replace damaged or misaligned hinges
Ensure hinges are morticed correctly
Strengthen weak frames if the screw holes are stripped
For stripped screw holes, we repair the timber properly—not with quick fillers that fail after a few months.
5. Handle or Lock Problems
Faulty handles and locks are not only frustrating—they can be a security risk.
Common issues
Loose handles
Handle sagging
Lock not turning smoothly
Stiff or jammed latch
Key difficulty
Our repair process
We:
Inspect internal mechanisms
Tighten or replace grub screws
Lubricate lock components
Replace worn springs or full handles
Fit new locks or latch sets
If your door requires security upgrades, we can advise on modern options too.
6. Gaps, Drafts and Noisy Doors
If you can feel cold air around the edges of your door—or hear every sound from the hallway—your door may not be sealing properly.
Causes
Poor installation
Warped door
Settled frame
Old or missing weather strips
Solutions
We assess the issue and install:
New draft excluders
Brush strips
Compression seals
Door bottoms or thresholds
We can restore both comfort and energy efficiency with the right sealing.
7. Doors That Swing Open or Don’t Stay Shut
Doors that won’t stay put are incredibly common and usually caused by:
Uneven floors
Out-of-plumb frames
Self-closing hinges
Settled buildings
How we correct this
We adjust hinge positions, correct alignment and rebalance the door so it stays exactly where you want it.
Our Door Repair Process: Simple, Friendly and Professional
At BlueWood Handyman, we fix doors every day. Here’s how we make the process stress-free:
1. Send Photos & Details
Message us on WhatsApp or via our enquiry form with photos of the door and issue.
2. Get a Fast Estimate
We assess the issue and provide a clear time-and-materials estimate.
3. Professional Repairs
We arrive with the right tools and expertise to fix the problem properly.
4. Quality & Longevity
We don’t do quick patches. We do reliable repairs that last.
Why Choose BlueWood Handyman for Door Repairs?
✓ Qualified Carpenter & Joiner
✓ Experienced in older North London properties
✓ Accurate diagnosis—no guesswork
✓ Fair hourly and daily rates
✓ Virtual video surveys available
✓ Friendly, local and highly reviewed
✓ And yes… we bring our own tea!
Is Your Door Driving You Mad? We Can Fix It.
Whether it’s sticking, sagging, not closing, not locking or making noise—there’s always a reliable fix.
📸 Send us photos on WhatsApp: 07397 908 511
📝 Or complete the quick enquiry form on our website
💬 Chat with us via live chat
We look forward to helping you restore smooth, problem-free doors in your home