I have a deadbolt on my garage door that works great in the cooler months. However, during the hotter months (June to October), it tends to jam. The only way I can engage the deadbolt is by pushing on the door. I've got an electronic deadbolt but can't use the smart function to lock it automatically during the heat. I thought about adjusting the strike plate, but I'm worried it would just create the same issue when it's cooler. Widening the hole seems like a bad idea too. Additionally, my bedroom door also sticks when it's warm. It's frustrating because it feels like the whole house is shifting in the heat. Any suggestions on a remedy?
3 Answers
I've dealt with the same jam before. It turned out that the receiving hole for the deadbolt wasn't deep enough. I made it about 1/16” deeper, and it worked like a dream again! Might be worth checking out if the depth is causing the jam.
It sounds like the humidity might be causing the wood to expand and making the deadbolt jam. This can happen even in typically dry areas if the temperatures spike. Have you considered using a file to slightly widen the opening for the deadbolt strike? Just a few millimeters can make a difference. It's been a solid fix for others in a similar situation.
It's common for houses to 'move' with weather changes. A good tip is to consider replacing the weatherstripping. Look for something less fluffy so the door has some extra wiggle room. It could prevent the sticking you're experiencing. Just a thought!
Thanks for the suggestion! I checked, and the current weatherstripping is already pretty minimal. It's just a small rubber piece along the door.
Yeah, filing it down could be the way to go. I had a similar issue, and that worked like a charm!