Understand the warning signs and common causes before you fix the wrong problem.
Sticking doors can indicate serious foundation issues—or they could be a simple fix. Use this guide to spot patterns, likely causes, and when to seek expert help.
Quick directory
Where and how your door sticks provides important clues about potential foundation problems. Click on the pattern that matches your situation to learn more.
Often indicates differential foundation settlement. Requires professional evaluation to determine if structural repair is needed.
Could be humidity, carpet, or foundation heaving. Professional diagnosis determines the actual cause and solution.
Often humidity-related but can indicate frame twisting from foundation movement. Professional evaluation recommended.
Foundation problems worsen over time, leading to more expensive repairs if left unaddressed.
Unresolved structural issues can significantly reduce your home's market value and make it harder to sell.
Structural instability can compromise your home's safety and lead to additional damage like water intrusion.
Good News:
Early detection and professional evaluation can save you thousands. Many sticking door issues have simple solutions—but you won't know until you get a proper diagnosis.
of homes experience some form of foundation movement over their lifetime
average cost of foundation repair when caught early vs. $15,000+ when delayed
of homeowners who ignored sticking doors later discovered foundation problems
It can be—but not always. When doors stick at the top, it may indicate differential settlement, where one part of your house is settling faster than another. However, it could also be hinge issues, frame warping, or other causes. The only way to know for certain is through a professional evaluation.
We strongly advise against DIY fixes until a professional has identified the underlying cause. Sanding a door that's sticking due to foundation movement will only create more problems—the door frame will continue to shift, and you'll be stuck in a cycle of adjustments.
This is often humidity-related expansion—wood doors and frames absorb moisture in humid summer months, causing them to swell and stick. While this is frequently normal, it's important to note that some structural issues can be more noticeable in certain seasons.
Sometimes. If your door sticking is due to seasonal humidity expansion, it may resolve itself when humidity levels drop. However, if the sticking is caused by foundation movement or structural issues, it will not fix itself and will likely worsen over time.
When multiple doors throughout your home stick in the same pattern (e.g., all at the top), this may indicate foundation settlement affecting the entire structure—but it could also be widespread humidity issues. This pattern definitely requires professional evaluation.
Houses rarely collapse suddenly from settlement. However, door sticking can be one of the first visible indicators of foundation movement. Professional evaluation is the only way to know how serious your situation is.
Generally, no. Standard policies exclude damage caused by "earth movement," "settlement," and "wear and tear." This is why early professional evaluation is important—if structural issues are detected early, repairs may be more manageable.
The cost varies widely depending on the cause. Simple hinge adjustments may cost $100-200, while door planing might be $150-300. However, if foundation repair is needed, costs can range from $3,000 to $15,000+. The only way to know is through professional evaluation.