Why do doors stick in winter, and how do you fix them?

Updated November 2026 · FixCraft BC, Metro Vancouver

Moisture makes wood swell

Wood takes on moisture from humid air and shrinks again when the air dries. Vancouver's long, damp fall and winter is when doors that worked fine in summer start rubbing at the top or the latch side. Unpainted or worn door edges absorb moisture fastest.

Loose hinges let the door sag

Over time, hinge screws loosen, especially in the top hinge, which carries most of the door's weight. The door drops slightly and starts rubbing at the top corner on the latch side, or the latch stops lining up with the strike plate.

Things you can check yourself

• Tighten the hinge screws. If a screw just spins, the hole is stripped.
• Look for where it rubs. Shiny or scuffed paint on the edge or frame shows the tight spot.
• Check the latch. If the door closes but won't latch, the strike plate may only need a small adjustment.

How a handyman fixes it

Most sticking doors are fixed without removing much wood: stripped hinge holes are repaired, hinges are adjusted or shimmed, and the strike plate is moved. If the door is still tight, the edge is lightly planed, then sealed and painted so it doesn't absorb moisture again. Doors that are warped, split or badly damaged are better replaced, and we can fit a new door and match the trim.

Drafty exterior doors

If an exterior door lets in cold air or rain, worn weatherstripping or a missing door sweep is usually the cause. Replacing them is quick and makes a noticeable difference in winter.

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