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Sticking Doors and Windows

Doors and windows that are hard to open are not just bothersome; they are indications that there might be foundation settling or damage to your home.

A person struggling to open windows, a sign of foundation problems needs sticking doors and windows repair in Northern Virginia.

Sticking Doors and Windows Repair in Northern Virginia, Shenandoah Valley, North Central Virginia, and West Virginia

Every day, you repeatedly open and close doors and windows in your home. It may be pretty common for wood doors to start sticking when humidity increases. Many people believe this is the main cause of sticking doors and windows; in some cases, it is true. However, the true root of the problem can sometimes be the foundation.


If these issues sound familiar, it’s important to contact a professional like LUX Foundation Solutions to evaluate your home and have a reliable foundation repair solution.  Our expert team is trained to identify the causes and provide the best repair options for your home.

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Do These Sticking Doors and Windows Signs Seem Familiar?

The symptoms

Sticking doors and windows can manifest in various ways. These signs can occur gradually or suddenly, depending on the severity of the foundation problem. 

 

Some common signs include such as:

  • difficulty opening or closing
  • visible gaps
  • uneven alignment
  • Scraping or Dragging Sounds
  • Visible Wear or Damage
  • Unregulated humidity

If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms in your home, it’s essential to take action to prevent further damage and ensure the safety and stability of your property.

A man fixing a difficulty-opening window, a sign of sticking doors and windows in Southbridge, VA.

Difficulty opening window

A man pulling a difficulty-opening door, a sign of sticking doors and windows in Brambleton, VA.

Difficulty opening door

A measurement of visible gaps, emphasizing these gaps as a sign of sticking doors and windows in Berkeley, WV.

Visible gaps

A door sagged on the floor with scraping or dragging sounds when opened, as a sign of sticking doors and windows in Berryville, VA.

Scraping or dragging sounds

Cracks in drywall near a window, serving as a sign of sticking doors and windows in Manassas, VA.

Cracks in drywall

A closed window with water seeping in, showing unregulated humidity as a sign of sticking doors and windows in Stephens City, VA

Unregulated humidity

What Causes Sticking Doors and Windows?

Doors and windows in your home may become difficult to open or close due to a variety of reasons. Here’s what could be causing the problem:

A damaged foundation with visible cracks, indicating foundation settlement can cause sticking doors and windows in Reston, VA.

Foundation Settlement

Over time, soil movement or inadequate soil compaction can lead to the foundation settling unevenly. That leads to doors and windows not fitting properly, making it difficult to open or close them.

A window with visible moisture, showcasing moisture imbalance as the cause of sticking doors and windows in Bristow, VA.

Moisture Imbalance

Fluctuations in humidity levels and excessive moisture content within a home can affect the wood components of door frames and window frames. When wood absorbs excess moisture, it can swell, causing doors and windows to become difficult to open and close. Conversely, during dry periods, wood can shrink, which may also lead to sticking issues. Improper moisture control can result in recurrent swelling and shrinking of wooden components, indicating potential foundation issues.

A cracked foundation brick wall, illustrating structural shifts as a cause of sticking doors and windows in Harpers Ferry, WV.

Structural Shifts 

Like foundation settling, structural shifts occur naturally over time. Your home’s roof or walls may shift, causing the doors and windows to no longer be level. 

 

Also, natural events like earthquakes or nearby construction work can cause structural shifts, impacting the foundation’s stability and resulting in door and window issues.

A crawl space supports that are sinking, a sinking crawl space supports as cause of sticking doors and windows in Linden, VA.

Sinking Crawl Space Supports

Crawl spaces are often only accessed by professionals or homeowners brave enough to venture down there. However, crawl spaces can play a significant role in a home’s foundation by supporting the property’s foundational structure. 

 

Over time, the footing supports or piers in these crawl spaces may sink or shift, leading to foundation issues – and when that happens, sticking doors and windows are often a tell-tale sign.

A damaged brick foundation wall near a window, showing poor maintenance as a cause of sticking doors and windows in Clear Brook, VA.

Poor Installation and Maintenance

For instance, settling over time may occur as your home settles into its supported space, which means adjustments in the door or window frames may be necessary. 

 

If doors or windows are not installed properly in their frames or if frames are not correctly anchored to the surrounding structure, they may not operate smoothly. Lack of maintenance, like deteriorating weatherstripping, poor latching mechanisms, or the like, can also create the issue of sticking.

Various issues could potentially contribute to the doors sticking. The best repair method will depend on the specific circumstances. A standardized solution may not be enough; therefore, it is advisable to seek a professional analysis from LUX Foundation Solutions of your home’s structure and foundation conditions.

Our Solutions

An illustration of an installed push pier in Front Royal, VA, as a solution to fix and prevent ticking door and window problems.

Push Piers
A crawl space with a floor joist stabilizer installation in Martinsburg, WV, a solution to address sticking doors and windows.

crawl space support posts

Yes, there are preventive measures you can take to reduce the risk of foundation-related sticking doors and windows. You can start by ensuring proper drainage around the foundation and keeping the soil evenly moist. This prevents the soil from drying out and shrinking, causing the foundation to settle. 

 

Additionally, maintaining consistent temperatures and humidity levels inside the home can help prevent the expansion and contraction of the wooden structures inside and outside your home. It’s also important to regularly inspect and address any cracks or other damage to the foundation before they worsen over time. 


However, if sticking doors and windows persist, it may be time to consider a solution such as Push Piers, which can stabilize and lift the foundation, restoring it to its original position and preventing further damage. This process involves drilling small holes into the foundation and inserting steel piles, which are then hydraulically driven into the ground for maximum stability.

My floor is sagging, making my doors and windows stick; what solution is used to fix this?

One possible solution to fix a sagging floor that is causing sticking doors and windows is using a floor joist stabilizer. Floor joist stabilizers reinforce and stabilize weakened floor joists, which can help alleviate the sagging issue and reduce stress on the doors and windows. 

 

LUX Foundation Solutions offers specialized floor joist stabilizers designed to provide structural support and restore the integrity of the crawlspace floor. The process typically involves identifying the weakened floor joists, installing the floor joist stabilizer system, and securing it to the joists. This solution can help address the foundation problem, alleviate the sagging, and improve the functionality of doors and windows affected by the issue.

View more Foundation Repair Solutions

Your Local Foundation Repair Experts in Northern Virginia, Shenandoah Valley, North Central Virginia, and West Virginia

If you’re experiencing sticking doors and windows, it’s time to take 

action. Instead of blaming the humidity, reach us today for a free estimate. At LUX Foundation Solutions, our experts will help you identify and resolve the issue, ensuring your home is safe and sound once again. 

As locals, we understand how the hot and humid summers, mild and rainy winters, and soil expansion issues can affect your foundation. Don’t let foundation issues like sticking doors and windows bother you anymore. 

Give us a call today at 540-508-8982 or fill out our online estimate request form to schedule a free, on-site foundation estimate and get expert advice on addressing the issues effectively. We proudly serve foundation repair services in Northern Virginia, Shenandoah Valley, North Central Virginia, West Virginia, and surrounding areas.

Request a free Estimate

FAQ's

Can only one side of your home have stuck doors and windows?

Yes, it is possible for only one side of your home to have stuck doors and windows. Several factors can contribute to this issue, including changes in temperature and humidity, settling of the foundation, or poor installation of doors and windows. 

 

Temperature and humidity fluctuations can cause materials to expand or contract, leading to doors and windows sticking. Uneven settling of the foundation can also result in misalignment, causing doors and windows to become difficult to open or close. 

 

Additionally, improper installation can cause doors and windows to bind or rub against the frame. It is important to identify the root cause of the problem to effectively address the sticking issue and ensure the proper functionality of your doors and windows.

Does sticking doors and windows mean foundation problems?

Sticking doors and windows can sometimes indicate foundation problems, but it is not always the case. Various factors can cause doors and windows to stick, such as changes in temperature and humidity, structure aging, or issues with the frames or hinges. 

 

However, Foundation problems can cause doors and windows to stick. uneven foundation settling can result in misaligning doors and windows. If you notice persistent sticking, it is advisable to consult a professional to assess your foundation and determine the underlying cause of the issue.

Can I repair sticking doors and windows on my own?

If you are experiencing sticking doors and windows, it may be a sign of something more serious. While some may think it’s a minor issue that can be fixed on their own, it’s crucial to identify the root cause of the problem with the help of an expert foundation repair company.

 

Attempting to repair the issue yourself may only lead to more problems in the long run. A professional can assess the situation and provide the necessary solution, which may include repairing the foundation or installing additional supports. Contacting experts may save you from costly repairs and ensure the safety of your home in the long run.

Why do doors and windows stick?

Sticking doors and windows are commonly caused by two main factors: humidity and foundation problems, particularly settlement caused by expansive soil. In the case of humidity, moisture absorption by wood can lead to swelling, causing the wood to bulge against the frame and creating increased friction. This increased friction makes it difficult to open or close the doors and windows smoothly. 

 

On the other hand, foundation issues arise when expansive soil exerts excessive pressure, transferring it through the foundation and affecting the home’s framing system. It is important to address both the underlying humidity and foundation issues to effectively resolve sticking problems and restore proper function to your doors and windows.
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