Household Repairs Overhead, door operates stiffly. Lubricate moving parts of hardware with oil or powdered graphite. Spread a little heavy grease in tracks. If this doesn't improve operation, call in carpenter.

Lower panels of overhead door rotten. This may happen to doors with inset panels. First, carefully cut out panels with a saber saw or jig saw. Cut new panels from 1/4" exterior-grade plywood or hard-board. Hold in place in frame with 1/4" quarter-round strips nailed around opening on front and back of panels.

Hinges on out-swinging door loose. If screws cannot be tightened because wood has rotted or hinges have rusted, remove them entirely. Drill through hinge holes to other side of door. Secure hinge with nuts and bolts.

Out-stvinging door sags, but hinges tight. Drive wedges under dropped corner of door until it hangs straight. Strengthen corners with right-angle steel mending plates. Then install metal door brace with turnbuckle (see door, screen).

Top edge of out-swinging door rotting. If rot has not progressed too far, cut out soft wood and fill with plastic wood. Saturate with pentachlorophenol wood preservative. Out of aluminum flashing, cut a narrow strip 2" wider than thickness of door. Fold this over top edge of door and nail along both sides with aluminum nails.



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May 22, 2012