Doors & Windows Problems
Drafts, sticking doors, foggy windows, and other entry point problems.
The front door sticks. You have to lift it with your knee while pulling the handle. It's been that way for a while now—you just don't use that door much. But every time you do, you wonder if today's the day it won't close at all.
Or the windows. They're painted shut, or there's a draft you can feel from across the room, or condensation is building up between the panes. Your energy bills creep higher. The house never feels quite comfortable.
Doors and windows are the moving parts of your home's envelope. When they work, you don't think about them. When they don't, you're reminded every single day. This section helps you diagnose what's wrong and whether it's a Saturday morning fix or a call to someone who does this for a living.
DIY Repairs
You can probably handle this yourself:
- Caulking and weatherstripping — The #1 DIY energy improvement. A few tubes of caulk and a roll of weatherstripping can save hundreds per year.
- Tightening loose hinges — If the screws spin, use longer screws or wooden toothpicks and wood glue to fill the holes.
- Lubricating sticking doors — A sticking door often just needs the hinges lubricated or a light sanding where it rubs.
- Replacing window screens — Measure the frame, buy a screen repair kit, roll on new mesh.
- Adjusting strike plates — If your door won't latch, the strike plate might need slight repositioning. A chisel and screwdriver are all you need.
When to Call a Pro
Call a professional:
- Window replacement — Proper installation matters for energy efficiency and water protection. Bad installs cause rot and air leaks.
- Exterior door replacement — Heavy, requires precise fitting, and affects security and weather sealing.
- Structural issues — If doors are sticking throughout the house, your foundation may be shifting. This is not a DIY diagnosis.
- Broken window seals (foggy windows) — The insulating gas has escaped. You can't repair it—the glass unit needs replacement.
- Rotted frames — If the door or window frame is soft or crumbly, you've got water damage that needs proper repair, not just covering up.
What to Expect
Cost Ranges
- Weatherstripping/caulking: $20–$100 (DIY) / $200–$500 (pro)
- Door repair: $100–$300
- Window glass replacement: $150–$500 per window
- New entry door (installed): $1,000–$3,000
- Window replacement: $300–$1,000 per window (vinyl)
- Full home window replacement: $8,000–$20,000+
Timeframes
- Weatherstripping: 1–2 hours per door
- Minor door adjustments: 30–60 minutes
- Window replacement (each): 1–2 hours
- Full home window replacement: 1–3 days
Questions to Ask a Contractor
- "Is this repairable, or should I replace?"
- "What's the energy payback on new windows?"
- "What's the warranty on the product and installation?"
- "How do you handle disposal of old windows/doors?"
- "Will I need to touch up paint or trim after?"
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my front door sticking?
Humidity swelling the wood, loose hinges, or foundation settling. Try tightening hinges first, then check where it rubs.
Why is there condensation between my window panes?
The seal has failed. The insulating gas is gone, and the window's efficiency is compromised. The glass unit needs replacement.
Should I replace my windows for energy savings?
New windows save energy, but the payback period is long—20+ years in many cases. Better ROI comes from sealing air leaks first.
Why does my door close by itself?
Your door is out of plumb. The hinges aren't aligned vertically. A pro can adjust it, or you can bend the hinge pins slightly as a temporary fix.
Can I just replace the glass in a foggy window?
Yes, in most cases you don't need a whole new window—just the insulated glass unit (IGU). It's cheaper than full replacement.
How do I know if my windows need replacing?
Rot, failed seals, single-pane glass, and difficult operation are signs. But if they're just drafty, try weatherstripping and caulk first.
Why is water coming in around my door?
Worn weatherstripping, failed caulk, or improper flashing above the door. Start with caulk and weatherstrip replacement.
Common Door & Window Problems
Drafty Windows
easyYou can feel the cold air coming through even when it's closed.
Foggy Windows
hardCondensation between the panes means the seal has failed.
Need a window or door pro? Get help now.