Why Florida Doors Misbehave
Humidity and wood movement — Wood doors absorb moisture and expand in Florida's humid summers. A door that fits perfectly in February may stick by July.
Foundation and frame movement — Concrete slab construction is standard in Florida. Soil movement under slabs can cause slight frame shifts that throw doors out of square.
Wear and hardware degradation — Hinges loosen over time. In coastal areas, salt air accelerates hardware corrosion.
Common Problems and Their Fixes
Door sticks at top or side — Usually swelling or frame alignment. Fixes range from planing the binding edge to adjusting hinge position.
Door won't latch — The latch bolt isn't aligning with the strike plate. Adjust by repositioning the strike plate or adjusting the hinges.
Door swings open or closed — The frame isn't plumb. Adjust hinge position to compensate.
Lock hard to operate — Usually a misalignment issue. Adjusting the strike plate position resolves most cases.
Exterior vs. Interior Doors
Exterior door problems are more urgent — a door that doesn't seal properly wastes energy and compromises security. Exterior door weatherstripping should be checked annually.