Your windows and doors are sticking. You might wonder if the problem is from humidity or a problem with the frames. Before you assume that the issue is with the doors and windows themselves, take a look at what is going on with your foundation.

Foundation problems have several different symptoms, including doors and windows that stick. While you can see obvious signs of a crumbling or sinking foundation such as clear cracks or uneven floors, some issues aren't as obvious. Sticking doors and windows tend to fall under the less noticeable category.

One door that sticks or a window that doesn't open every once in a while might not have anything to do with your foundation. But constant sticking is a potential. How can you tell the difference between a minor situation and something that indicates a major structural problem? All homeowners need to know about how sticking doors and windows might be caused by the building's foundation.



Why Do Doors Stick?

Doors stick for many different reasons. Some of the common, and fairly minor, reasons include a loose hinge, worn hinges and hardware, expansion from high humidity, and wood that is warping if your door is made from wood.

Start with the simplest solution possible. If you have a new door that sticks immediately or the door has always stuck, it may be too large for the frame. Sand some of the width or height (depending on where the door is sticking) off of the edge to try to solve the problem.

If the hinges or hardware are the culprits, replace them. But if that still doesn't do the trick, you may be looking at a foundation problem.



Why Do Windows Stick?

Windows often stick for the same reasons that doors do. In some cases humidity is a problem. When wooden frames warp they don't close or open correctly, causing sticking issues. Other times sticking may be a functional issue caused by a lock or other hardware that doesn't work correctly.

Like doors, some windows may stick when foundation problems strike. If your windows don't stop sticking when the humidity drops or after you've fixed opening and closing mechanisms, the sticking may be the foundation's fault.



How Are Foundation Problems Diagnosed?

If you've tried every easy fix and nothing seems to work, you may suspect that a foundation issue is causing the problem. When structures settle and the foundation moves or cracks, window and door frames can bend or become uneven. This unevenness causes the sticking.

Even though the sticking issue is a sign that your foundation is shifting or sinking, the stickiness is unlikely to be the only symptom you'll find. Take a walk around your home, looking for other clues of a foundation problem.
Uneven floors, cracks around windows in the drywall, unexplained gaps between walls and floors, and cracks on your home's exterior on or near the foundation are all indications that something isn't right.

Can Stuck Windows and Doors Be Fixed?

The first step to fixing your window and door stickiness is to determine the problem. If you've ruled out other causes, a foundation repair expert can assess your home and evaluate the issue. Along with inspecting your foundation, the pros can also recommend repairs.

You'll need to make sure that the foundation is properly repaired before worrying about your windows and doors. A persistent problem with your foundation will continue to make your home have the same symptoms.
You can replace window frames and repair the wood around your doors, but if the foundation is still sinking you'll have a repeat issue sooner rather than later. After the foundation is repaired, you can then move on to replacing or fixing your windows and doors.

Do you have a sinking foundation? Contact Bonilla Foundation Repair so we can help you get your doors unstuck while making sure that your home goes back to being level and even.