Sticking Doors and Windows — Foundation Issues in Montgomery, AL

Sticking doors and windows are often the first noticeable sign of foundation problems. In

Montgomery, Alabama, seasonal changes in humidity and soil moisture cause doors to behave

differently throughout the year. Understanding sticking doors and windows as a foundation

symptom helps you know when to call for an inspection.

Why Sticking Doors Indicate Foundation Movement

A door frame is a rigid rectangle. When the foundation settles unevenly, the frame becomes

distorted—twisted, racked, or out of square. As a result, the door no longer fits properly. It may

stick at the top, bottom, or side. It may close easily one day and require force the next.

Similarly, windows may become hard to open or close, or you may see gaps between the sash

and the frame. Montgomery Foundation Repair Co uses door and window symptoms to help

locate which part of the foundation is moving.

Seasonal Sticking vs. Permanent Damage

In Montgomery, it is normal for wood doors to stick slightly in humid summer weather because

the wood swells. However, if a door sticks consistently regardless of season, or if it sticks in

one season but has a large gap in another, foundation movement is likely. Also, if a door that

used to close easily now sticks, and you also see other signs (cracks, sloping floors), the

foundation has probably settled. Montgomery Foundation Repair Co recommends

documenting which doors stick and when; this information helps with diagnosis.

Diagnosing the Cause

To determine if sticking doors are from foundation settlement or just humidity, we measure floor

levels and check for other symptoms. If the floor slopes near the sticking door, settlement is

likely. If the door frame is out of square (measure diagonally from corner to corner), the

foundation has moved. If the only symptom is a single door that works fine in dry weather but

sticks in humid weather, it is probably just wood swelling. Montgomery Foundation Repair Co

provides a free inspection to give you a definitive answer.

Repairing the Underlying Foundation

If foundation settlement is causing your sticking doors, the solution is to level the foundation

with steel piers. Once the foundation is level, door frames should return to square, and doors

should operate properly. However, if the door was forced for a long time, the frame may have

permanently warped. After foundation repair, you may need a carpenter to plane or adjust the

door. Montgomery Foundation Repair Co can recommend local carpenters. Do not plane the

door before fixing the foundation—you could make it worse later.

Frequently Asked Questions