Why Are My Doors Sticking? Could It Be Subsidence?
Sticking doors in Southern England properties can be a warning sign of subsidence or structural movement
If your doors have suddenly started sticking, refusing to close properly, or you need to push them hard to get them shut, it could be more than just a humidity issue. In Southern England properties, especially older homes with clay soil foundations, sticking doors can be an early warning sign of subsidence.
When Sticking Doors Indicate Subsidence
Not all sticking doors mean subsidence, but you should be concerned if you notice:
- •Multiple doors sticking at once (especially on the same side of the house)
- •Doors that were fine but suddenly stick after a dry summer
- •Gaps appearing at the top or bottom of door frames
- •Diagonal cracks appearing near door frames
- •Doors sticking combined with windows that won't open properly
Normal Causes vs Subsidence
Normal Causes (Not Subsidence)
- ✓ Humidity and swelling: Wood doors absorb moisture in summer and swell slightly. Usually affects all doors in the house equally.
- ✓ New paint or varnish: Additional layers can make doors fit tighter in frames.
- ✓ Loose hinges: Simple hardware issue causing misalignment.
- ✓ Floor changes: New carpets or flooring making door clearance tighter.
Subsidence Warning Signs
- ⚠ Localized pattern: Only doors on one side or corner of the house stick.
- ⚠ Frame distortion: Door frames are no longer square (gaps at corners).
- ⚠ Seasonal pattern: Problem appears or worsens after hot, dry weather.
- ⚠ Other symptoms: Cracks in walls, especially diagonal cracks around door frames.
Why Subsidence Causes Doors to Stick
When subsidence occurs, the ground beneath your property's foundations sinks or moves. This causes the entire structure to shift, even if only by a few millimeters. These small movements have a big impact on door frames:
- 1. The door frame becomes distorted as the wall moves, changing from a perfect rectangle to a parallelogram shape
- 2. The door, which is still rectangular, no longer fits properly in the distorted frame
- 3. You'll notice the door catching at certain points - usually the top corner or middle edge
- 4. In Southern England's clay soil areas, this often happens after dry summers when soil shrinkage occurs
What to Check If Your Doors Are Sticking
1. Check for Cracks Around Door Frames
Look for diagonal cracks running from the corners of door frames. These are classic subsidence indicators. Vertical or horizontal hairline cracks are usually less concerning.
2. Check If the Frame Is Square
Close the door and check for even gaps all around. If the gap is wider at the top on one side than the other, or if there's no gap at all on one side, the frame may have moved.
3. Check Other Doors and Windows
If multiple doors stick in the same area of the house, or windows also won't open properly, this suggests structural movement rather than individual door issues.
4. Look at External Walls
Check the exterior walls near sticking doors for cracks in brickwork, especially diagonal cracks or cracks wider than 3mm. These strongly indicate subsidence.
5. Consider Recent Weather
Southern England's clay soil is particularly affected by dry weather. If doors started sticking after a hot, dry summer, subsidence is more likely.
What Should You Do?
- 1. Don't plane or trim the door - if it's subsidence, the problem will get worse and you'll have made the door too small for when it's repaired.
- 2. Document everything - take photos of sticking doors, gaps, and any cracks you can see.
- 3. Get a professional assessment - if you suspect subsidence, contact a structural engineer for a survey.
- 4. Contact your insurer - if subsidence is confirmed, your buildings insurance should cover the investigation and repairs.
Concerned About Subsidence?
If your doors are sticking and you're concerned it might be subsidence, get a professional assessment. We'll connect you with experienced structural engineers who can identify the cause and recommend the right solution.