Basic metal joint and hinge maintenance is important, and that starts with making sure they are properly lubricated. That said, there’s a lot more to choosing the right joint lubricant for your door than simply finding one that can stop the squeaking.

Door Hinge Lubricants 101

Here’s what you should look for in the best six door joint lubricants.

What is it? For those not in the know, lubricating oil is just what it sounds like, oil that can help your door’s hinges and similar connectors remain lubricated.

Why is this important? The less lubricated these joints are, the more corroded they become and the more friction they experience, with both of those conditions exacerbating one another. Squeaky door hinges are just a symptom of the greater problem, and they’re just the beginning.

When searching for lubricating oil for metal hinges, some of the most important factors to consider include:

• Whether they are multipurpose (ie, eradicate rust and act as a preventative treatment)
• The surface to which you are applying the oil
• The method of application (ie, dabbing, spraying, etc.)
• Whether or not the oils in question are eco-friendly
• Low enough viscosity to effectively penetrate the surface in question
• Good enough lubricity to smooth the metal’s movement

Top 6 Lubricating Oils for Door Hinges

1. WD-40 Specialist Multi Purpose Lubricant

Not all hot tubs are technically “Jacuzzis,” but the brand association is so strong that we call them as such, and the same is true here. WD-40 is by far the best-known and best-acclaimed lubricating oil on the market, and has been for decades.

As the name would imply, this is a specialized variant of the best-selling lubricating oil legend. It comes in a spray can, a definite plus for those for whom storage considerations are a serious concern.

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The spray itself is silicone-based and works to lubricate as well as coat surfaces with a water-proof solution. It is also resistant to dirt. What’s more, it dries fast, ensuring fast-acting solutions without you having to wait around for it to dry or seep into the metal.

One reason WD-40 has such a strong reputation is the fact that it’s an all-purpose spray insofar as it not only fights rust and improves lubricity, but can also be used on a variety of surfaces. In addition to metal, it can be safely employed on rubber, plastic, and vinyl. What’s more, it isn’t just or even primarily for use on door hinges, but can be used to fight rust and improve performance on any number of components.

Finally, WD-40 has a good reputation for safety, which is hugely important. The last thing you want is for your attempts to lubricate your door to instead make it an unintentional hazard. The spray itself is essentially harmless as long as you use it safely and keep the room in which it is being used well ventilated. It may not have the raw power some other options on this list boast, but it is by far the most well-acclaimed and versatile choice.

2. Permatex White Lithium Grease

One of the strongest selling points for this lubricant is the fact that it can be used for metal as well as plastic surfaces, as well as surfaces which combine the two. This can be incredibly useful for situations where you have hinges or other components that are made of two or more materials. With a lubricant like Permatex, you don’t have to switch between different oils, you can use the same one to treat them together when applying them to door hinges.

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What’s more, the lubricant itself is tough, fast-acting, and can do a great job of dealing with not just rust, but other environmental factors such as heat and moisture as well.

This is especially important given the fact that incidents such as rust hardly ever happen in a vacuum. Factors such as cold and moisture cause it, which means that any lubricant which is to serve as a long-term solution will need to be capable of standing up to and counteracting those conditions.

If there is any downside to this offering from Permatex, it’s the fact that it is on the messier side so far as lubricating oils are concerned. Where WD-40 offers a simple, no fuss no muss application, this can cause a bit of a mess if you aren’t careful. As long as you do take precautions, however, and know what you’re doing, it can be a very effective rust-fighting lubricant.

3. CRC White Lithium Grease

 “Big things come in small packages.”

“Deceptively simple.”

“Elegance in simplicity.”

You can drag out a litany of tropes regarding simplicity and effectiveness with CRC’s offering here, and they would all be accurate. The bottle itself is small and simple, betraying nothing of the rust-fighting power it contains. In fact, it is so powerful that it almost boomerangs around to become a concern, as it may be too powerful for use on smaller-scale projects. If you are looking for a simple lubricating oil to dab on your door hinges, this may pack more of a punch than you bargained for.

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That said, this is an incredibly potent rust-fighting lubricating oil. It was designed with automotive work in mind, and it shows. It is incredibly adept at removing rust and improving lubricity when applied to the kinds of metallic and plastic surfaces commonly used in car parts. In addition, it can be quite effective when dealing with garages. As such, while this can be applied to door hinges, you’ll want to ensure it’s not “too much” for them.

Not only is this a potent lubricant, but it is also quite durable. Once you apply it, you can count on it lasting a good long time. It may be a bit messy when applied, but if you can deal with that, you’ll have an incredibly potent rust-fighting agent on your hands.

4. DuPont Teflon Lubricant

As stated, one of the most important factors to consider when reviewing different rust-fighting lubricating oils is their ability to withstand the elements. Fighting rust won’t do much good if it can just come back time after time.

DuPont’s offering here does a great job of standing up to the cold and moisture that can commonly cause rust as well as general corrosion. Just as importantly, it is able to stand up to high temperatures as well. Given how much we tend to associate rust with cold and moisture, that latter risk factor is often overlooked, to the detriment of hinges and metallic components everywhere.

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This offering, thus, does a great job of providing all-around protection against the elements, no matter what they may be.

Another nice point about this lubricating oil is the fact that it’s relatively odor-free. Not only is that nice from a personal comfort and decorating standpoint, but it also means a reduced risk of fumes.

On the flip side, this is another lubricating oil which can be messy to apply to metal surfaces.

If you are interested in a weatherproof lubricating oil, however, this may well prove an effective choice for door hinges that are caught between interior and exterior spaces, such as those for your front door.

5. Prolong Super Penetrating Lubricant PSL40010

This is another example of big things coming in small packages. Prolong Super Lubricants is one of the new kids on the block in the penetrating oil business, being less established than WD-40, CRC, and other names on this list. Nevertheless, sometimes it takes a new entrant to shake things up for the batter, and that’s what Prolong Super Lubricants is trying to achieve with options such as this.

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This option excels in breaking down rust. It is also great for all manners of treatments for friction, especially on metal surfaces. What’s more, not only does it do a good job of helping ease that friction, but it can also take care of that annoying squeaking sound as well. This option works especially well on hinges, nuts, joints, and similar components.

One thing to be aware of is the fact that, unlike WD-40 and some other options on this list, this option is not spray-on, but rather comes with a traditional application stick. This would not be a problem per se if not for the fact that the stick can sometimes have trouble getting into tight metal spaces. If you intend to use it for light application purposes on surfaces such as door hinges, however, this is nevertheless a solid new option to explore.

6. CRC Lithium Grease Spray

Most of the lubricating oils on our list have fallen into one of two usage camps. Either they have been “weak” enough to be used in a variety of manners on many different surfaces, or they are so “strong” as to be too potent for certain surfaces. This offering from CRC does a great job of straddling those two extremes, being strong enough to be effective on most metal surfaces without being so strong as to pose a long-term risk.

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That isn’t to say that this option isn’t without its specialized uses as well. In addition to generalized use, it is best used for lubricating bearings.

In addition, this is yet another lubricating oil that does a good job of being weatherproof. That said, it is worth noting that this spray dries much faster than other options on this list. On the one hand, some may find that beneficial and convenient, as it means you don’t have to wait around forever for the spray to dry. On the other hand, however, it may dry too fast for some, and once it dries, its effectiveness may plateau or begin to diminish.

As with so many things, however, it’s good while it lasts, and can provide a good deal of lubricity with minimal viscosity when applied to door hinges suffering from too much friction.

When and How to Lubricate Door Hinges

As stated above, left untreated, these kinds of door issues can result in the friction becoming so bad as to make it hard to impossible to operate the joint, and the corrosion can get bad enough to cause the door to literally fall off its hinges.

That’s due to a buildup of rust, which is why one of the main things these types of lubricants accomplish is dissolving and otherwise removing rust from the surface in question. It does not do this by “just” cleaning rust away from the hinges in question but, in many cases, actively attacking and dissolving rust.

The best lubricating oils don’t stop there. The makers behind these oils understand that prevention is the best policy when it comes to solving a squeaky rusty door problem. As such, not only do they eradicate rust, but they coat the metal with a solution that helps prevent rusty buildup in the future.

Having read the above, two questions which are bound to come to mind is whether weatherproof lubricating oils are really necessary for “interior” hinges, and how to best apply the lubricating oil.

While weatherproofing naturally won’t matter for joints that are entirely interior, any that are borderline — such as those for doors and windows — can always benefit from it. Moreover, a key aspect of weatherproofing is the ability to combat moisture, which is always beneficial for hinges, joints, and other components, whether they are interior or exterior.

As for application, that will depend on personal preference and what you’re trying to achieve. Applying it with a stick can be more direct than a spray, but harder to manage. Sprays can cover a broad area effectively, but certain sprays are less targeted when it comes to spraying small, highly specific places.

Final Thought

All in all, you’ll want to review the nature of your door hinge, determine the size of the area that needs to be treated, and get a lubricating oil with a good deal of lubricity that fits your criteria.

The post Best Lubricants to Silence Squeaky, Rusted Door Hinges appeared first on HomelyVille.

To fix squeaky hardwood floors, try inserting shims into gaps, fixing the joists or the subflooring, filling in gaps with adhesive, nailing through the top of the floor, lubricating the floorboards, or replacing the nails. You can also try using a humidifier or getting a squeak fixing tool.

Let’s take a look at why your floors are squeaking and some quick ways to fix it.

What Causes a Squeaky Floor?

Figuring out the source of a squeaky floor will often be the fastest way to fix the problem.

Squeaky floors are caused when the floorboards rub against something else such as nails, other wood, the joists, or even your ducts. It can even be caused by the shift in weather.

Once you find the source, you can fix the squeak either from below or from above, depending on your level of access to the squeak. Typically, these will be inexpensive and shouldn’t require a lot of your time.

You might also want to read: Joist Vs. Beam Vs Girder: What’s the Difference?

How to Fix Squeaky Hardwood Floors

1. Insert Shims Into the Gaps

One of the main reasons a floor squeaks is because there is a gap between the floorboards and a joist. The easiest way to fix this problem is to use wood shims to fill that gap.

If possible, go below the floor into the basement or crawl space and have someone walk around the room above you. Listen carefully for the source of the squeak.

Once you find it, look at the gap and estimate the number of wood shims you will need to insert to stop the squeak. Test it out first by placing the shims into the gap and ensure that it no longer squeaks.

Be careful when you do this because you don’t want to force the shims into the gap or wedge them in using a hammer. You can damage the floor, the subfloor, or both by doing this.

Once you are sure that the squeak is gone, remove the shims and apply some wood glue or some kind of strong adhesive to the shim.

Reinsert the shims into the gap and hold in place to allow the adhesive to take hold. Make sure to check the other side of the joist for another gap on that side. If there is another gap, repeat the same process as above.

If you don’t feel that the shim is secured enough with just the glue, you can use screws to anchor the shim in place. You’ll want to angle the screw so that it goes through both the joist and the shim and into the subfloor without piercing through the floorboards above.

2. Fill in the Gaps With Adhesive

While using shims can work for isolated areas, they aren’t very practical when it comes to longer gaps.

If you have a gap that runs the length of a joist, you can fix this quickly by using a strong adhesive and a caulk gun. A construction adhesive such as this Liquid Nails LN-907 will do the trick. This adhesive works in extreme temperatures and can be used in all weather.

Simply fill the gap with adhesive and when it hardens, it will prevent the squeaking. Use the caulk gun to get it down into the gap. Check the opposite side of the joist. If you find a gap on the other side, be sure to do the same thing and fill it with the adhesive.

Note: Always wear a mask when using an adhesive or glue within confined areas. These products have powerful chemicals in them that can cause dizziness and other problems if you breathe them in. Wear a mask or respirator when handling this material in close quarters.

3. Support a Warped Joist With a Board

Known as “sistering,” this method will give additional support to the original joist board. Sometimes a board will become warped or bowed if they aren’t installed correctly. An example would be if they were damp during installation.

You’re going to be using more of the construction adhesive and screws for this repair. Depending on the length of the warped or damaged board, you can cut the 2×4 to fit alongside the entire joist or a portion of it.

Keep in mind that you’ll want to make sure the 2×4 has at least 1 ft of wood on either side of the area you are attaching it to. So, if the squeaky area of the joist is 3 ft, you’ll want to cut your 2×4 to be 5ft.

To make everything easier, you’ll want to start by pre-drilling holes along the length of the 2×4 for the screws you’ll be using. Doing this will save time and prevent any issues you might have when you start drilling in the screws.

Make sure the holes are angled up and not going straight into the joist. This gives the screw more hold on the joist and secures them more tightly.

After that, you’ll want to start applying the adhesive to the top and one side of a 2×4 board. Press the board up to the subfloor and against the joist. Hold the wood there tight as you drill in the screws. Again, drill them in an upward angle.

Repeat this on the other side of the joist if needed.

4. Add a Block to the Subfloor

This is similar to sistering a joist in the way that it’s adding additional support. This repair involves using more wood to block the joist at the subfloor joints.

The subfloor joints are areas of the subfloor where two layers of it meet. If they are uneven or have come loose in some way, they will squeak as they rub together.

You’ll want to measure the distance between two joists near the joints causing the squeaking and cut your block to fit in that space. You want the block to fit snugly, but not too tight or you could cause more squeaking later on.

Once you have your block, you can do the same thing as above and pre-drill your screw holes at an upward angle on both ends of the block to make things easier later.

Once your holes are drilled, apply the adhesive to the length of the top of the block and place it up onto the subfloor where the two joints meet. Hold it there for a moment and then drill the block into the joists.

This method can also be used to support noisy joists, not just the subfloor joints. The steps will be the same.

5. Screw Into the Subflooring

Sometimes the problem isn’t with the joists at all and it’s actually the floorboards and the subfloor rubbing against each other. This is another easy fix. You’ll want to secure the two together to stop the noise.

You’ll do this by drilling screws through the bottom of the subfloor and into the finished flooring above. This will close that gap and stop the squeak.

You want to be very careful with this method, though. If you aren’t, you risk drilling straight through the finished flooring. Make sure your screws are long enough to go through the subfloor and into the floorboards, but not too long that they go all the way through.

If you have floor vents for your heating or air-conditioning, you can easily find the thickness of your floorboards and subfloor. You’ll want to remove the vent cover and measure the floor where the duct is. Or you can drill a small hole in an area that’s out of the way and use a nail to measure the thickness.

Use a piece of masking tape on the drill bit to measure the desired depth to make sure you don’t drill past the thickness of your flooring.

6. Drive in a Nail From Above

Sometimes if you don’t have access to the subflooring, you can secure the subfloor to the floorboards by driving in nails from above.

For best results, it’s best to drive the nail through to the joists. You can use a joist finder like this Tavool Stud Finder. This tool can find metal, wood, and wires on your floors, walls, and ceilings. It’s a helpful tool to have when you’re trying to fix that squeak in your floor.

Once you’ve found the joists near the squeaky area, drive your nail into the floor to secure both the floorboards and the subfloor to the joists.

You’ll want to countersink the nails to make them flush with the rest of the floor so you can avoid anything catching on the nail.

You can accomplish this with a nail setting kit like this Stanley 3-piece set. The set comes with three sizes and is from the trusted Stanley brand, which is a division of Black and Decker.

If your hardwood floors are covered in carpet, you can potentially use the carpet to hide the nail head. You might need to brush the pile of the carpet initially in order to completely hide it.

7. Try a Lubricant

Using a lubricant can provide some relief to the squeaking in your floors. There are a variety of dry lubricants that you can try to ease the friction causing the squeak on your floors.

You can try using baby powder, baking soda, powdered graphite, or talcum powder. You’ll just need to sprinkle it over the boards in the area that is causing the squeak. Walk over the area a few times to get the powder into the cracks and between the boards.

You can purchase powdered graphite like this AGS Graphite Extra Fine on Amazon. It’s an odorless and non-toxic all-purpose lubricant that will stop that squeak in your floors.

There are also dry silicone lubricants that come in a spray that you can use as well. After you spray it into the cracks between the boards, wipe off any excess lubricant with a damp cloth.

It’s important to remember that this likely isn’t going to be a permanent solution. You may need to reapply periodically as the squeaking returns.

8. Fixing or Replace Nails

When the nails come loose, it will cause squeaking when the floorboards are walked on. You’ll know when this happens because the head of the nail will be popped out of the wood.

This is usually caused by the humidity in your home. It forces the wood to expand and contract, which loosens the nails. In addition to the squeaking, these protruding nails can cause a tripping hazard as well as a risk to bare feet.

While you can simply hammer the nail back into the wood, it’s only a temporary fix as the humidity will force the nail to pop out again. However, replacing the nail with screws can be a more permanent solution.

You’ll want to pull the nail out and find a screw that is the same length as the nail was. Drill the screw into the hole left by the nail.

Make sure that you drill the screw deeper than the surface of the floor. You can, of course, leave the screws flush with the floor, but you risk them getting caught on socks or other things.

When the screw is deep enough into the floor, fill in the hole with some wood filler. You’ll want to overfill it slightly at first and let it dry. If it shrinks when it dries, add more filler to the hole.

Repeat the process until the hole is flush with the rest of the floor. Sand the filler down so that it’s even with the surface of the floor. Do this with any other nails that are causing your floor to squeak.

9. Buy a Correcting Tool

These tools are relatively inexpensive to purchase, and you can find them both online and at a hardware store. There are two examples that you can get to fix that squeak in your floor.

The first is a great tool to use if you need to fix the floor from above. The Squeeeek No More is a tool that works similarly to countersinking a nail. This tool is designed to stop squeaks between the joists. It snaps off the head of the screw when it’s embedded ¼ in below the surface of the hardwood.

The video below gives you a demonstration of how the Squeeeek No More works.

If you have access to the subfloor, another tool you can try is the Squeak-Ender Floor Squeak Eliminator. This tool works with your joists to secure the floorboards and tightens any gaps.

It comes with a mounting plate and metal rod that you attach to the subfloor next to the joist, which acts as an anchor. Place this metal plate directly under the squeaky spot.

You then attach the steel bracket that comes with the kit to the bottom of the joist. You’ll tighten the pieces together until the squeak is gone.

10. Get a Humidifier

When the weather outside shifts, so do houses. More specifically, the wood in the houses, especially old houses.

The wood on your floors is no different. If you are noticing that the floors squeak more during very hot summers or extremely cold winters, the squeak is most likely due to the weather.

The wood will expand and contract depending on the humidity of the house. The drier the air, the more the wood will shrink. The winter months are typically drier than summer and so you’re likely to hear more squeaking in the winter as a result.

The opposite can also happen in the summer. Too much moisture in the air will expand your hardwood floors, causing the squeaking as well.

Using a humidifier to control the moisture in the air during the winter and summer will keep your floors less noisy.

Quick Fixes for Upstairs Floors

Sometimes if you have hardwood floors upstairs, you don’t have access to the subfloor unless you tear up the wood. Ripping up your hardwood floors is less ideal, so here are ways to help with a squeaky upstairs floor.

You have two options that will work best for situations like this. You can nail the floorboards to the joists, as mentioned above. Or you can use a squeak ender tool, also mentioned above.

What About Squeaky Stairs?

If your stairs are noisy, the same methods mentioned above could potentially help you. If you have access to the joists and the subfloor from below the staircase, then you can easily use any of the tips mentioned earlier.

If the stairs are sealed off underneath, things get a little tricky, but it’s similar to repairing the upstairs flooring as well. You’ll have to go into the stair from above.

See also: How to Make Wooden Stairs Less Slippery

Summary

When it comes to squeaky floors, you have a variety of quick fixes to choose from, such as shims, adhesive, new boards or blocks, dry lubricants, and nails, or screws. You can also try using a humidifier or a squeak fixing tool. Hopefully, this article has given you the quick fix to cure your squeaky floor.

The post Quick Fixes for Squeaky Hardwood Floors appeared first on HomelyVille.

Squeaky floors do not necessarily imply that you have a structural problem. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including seasonal humidity changes, loose floor joists, or a gap between the floor and subfloor. In some cases, however, they might indicate a foundational issue.

Below I’ve listed a few reasons why your floors may be squeaking and how to fix it.

Seasonal Expansion and Contraction

One of the most common reasons wood flooring becomes squeaky is due to seasonal changes in humidity levels. During the summer, when the air is moist, wood expands. Similarly, during the winter, when the air is dry, wood contracts. The contracted wood can create gaps between your floorboards, which can lead to squeaking. Any squeaking caused by wintertime contractions will likely go away on their own come springtime.

Loose Floor Joist

If your floors squeak year-round, there may be something wrong with some of your flooring joists. The joists are the first, lowest layer of flooring. They help increase the structural integrity of your floor. Sometimes the nails holding the joists to the next layer up, the subfloor, can become loose, resulting in squeaking.

In the video by Monkey See, they demonstrate how to fix this problem when you have access to the area below your floor using the steps below:

1. Drive shims between the subfloor and the floor joist using a hammer.
2. Snap off any remaining part of the shim that is sticking out.
3. Use construction adhesive to fill any additional spaces.

If you don’t have access to the area below your floor, you can still fix this problem from above following these steps:

1. Buy a no squeak kit to help you accomplish this task. The O’Berry Enterprises Squeek No More Kit is highly rated and very affordable!
2. Use the joist finding tools from your kit or a stud sensor to locate the loose joist below.
3. Drive screws through your floor into the joist below.
4. Snap off the heads of the screws using the tripod fixture in your kit (so nothing is left sticking out of the floor!)
5. Use wood filler to fill the hole.

Space Between the Floor and Subfloor

Sometimes, the nails holding the floor and subfloor together can become loose, resulting in a small gap between them. This can lead to annoying squeaking! To see a helpful demonstration of how to fix this, continue watching the Monkey See video from before!

In the latter half of the video, the handyman demonstrates how to close the gap between your floor and subfloor in five steps:

1. Peel back the metal of the heat registers or radiators in your home to reveal your flooring.
2. Measure the thickness of your floor.
3. Using your floor measurements, pick out a drill bit that is long enough to go completely through your subfloor, but only partially through the upper flooring.
4. Drill a bunch of holes from the subfloor into the finished floor above (but not all the way through it!)
5. Drill your screws into the predrilled holes.

This will bring the floor and subfloor together and close the gap so you will be squeak free in no time!

Foundational Issues

While serious foundational issues can lead to squeaky floors, this problem is less common and tends to be accompanied by a host of other issues. If your house has some (or all) of the characteristics listed below, you may have foundational issues:

• Soft spots in your flooring
• Uneven flooring
• Cracks in your tiling
• Cracks in your brickwork
• Cracks where the ceiling and wall meet
• Cracks above your windows
• Cracks in the foundation
• Bulging walls
• Squeaking floors that get worse over time

Foundational problems are often caused by shifting soil underneath your home. If you think you may have a foundational problem, it’s best to call a foundation repair contractor. They will take a look at your concrete slab, pier and beam foundation, or basement to determine where the problem is coming from and how to fix it.

Conclusion

Most of the time, squeaky floors do not signal serious structural problems. You can typically fix squeaky floors relatively quickly and easily using the steps outlined above. However, squeaky floors can be caused by more serious problems, such as foundational issues, which require professional help.

The post Are Squeaky Floors a Structural Problem? appeared first on HomelyVille.

So do you want to learn how to open a squeaky door quietly? This article offers a variety of suggestions to help you tackle the issue. You’ll also discover the common causes behind loud, squeaky doors and find out whether any parts need replacing.

5 Tips to Quietly Open a Squeaky Door

When you’re trying to open a door that won’t stop squeaking, it might seem like the only option is to buy new parts. However, you can save plenty of money and frustration by trying out one of the five suggestions on this list. Let’s check out what you can do to prevent your door from making any more annoying noises.

1. Try Lifting the Door Upwards

It might seem silly, but what you’re actually doing is relieving pressure off of the hinges. Sometimes, old metal hinges can start to corrode or get stuck when they’re on a doorway. By lifting the door by the knob every time you open it, you’re removing the metal-on-metal friction.

2. Open the Door Faster Than You Normally Would

Don’t slam through it incredibly quickly, but try to swing it open fast enough to minimize the squeaking time. Instead of a long, drawn-out noise, all you’ll have to deal with is a half-second squeak. The faster you open the door, the short the noise will be.

3. Use WD40 on Every Metal Surface Around the Door

Spray or rub it on the hinges, pins, the lock, and the latch bolt. Try twisting the knob and opening the door numerous times to move the oil around thoroughly. You can use WD40 or another lubricant.

4. Trim or Shave the Surfaces That Are Stuck

Open and close your door to figure out where the pressure is built up, then take a woodcutting knife and slowly trim away at it. Only do a small amount; You don’t want to alter the appearance of the door too much. Try a few trims, then test your work and repeat until you’re satisfied with the results.

5. Push the Knob Toward the Hinges

Whenever you open the door, push the knob toward the hinges. Much like the first suggestion, pressure can buildup on the hinges and cause friction. Since metal is almost always the root source of a door’s squeakiness, it’s always good to try to push it in different directions when you’re opening it.

Find Out What’s Causing That Squeaky Door

Squeaky doors aren’t threatening to your home, but they can be a constant nuisance to deal with every day. Fortunately, you’ve been able to review the five repair methods above to get rid of the sound. It’s important to find where the cause of the noise is coming from so you can know which solution to try out.

Here’s a list of causes for your squeaky door:

• As mentioned above, metal-on-metal friction is the most probable cause of your squeaky door. When metal scrapes against other metal surfaces that aren’t lubricated, it causes a high-pitched noise. Think of a train hitting its brakes, or the sound of a car that’s brake pads are worn down.
• Swelling wood is another common issue. When a door is installed during cold weather, the wood expands once warmer temperatures come around. The result is a door that’s a bit too large for the doorway. It’ll barely fit in place, causing a loud thump every time you open the door.
• Old hinge pins are a problem, though they’re not as frequent as the previous two. If your hinges start to corrode, rust, or lose their lubrication, you’ll definitely hear a squeaky noise. They can also bend and warp if you’re constantly slamming the door, which will also cause difficulties opening it.
• Loose screws on the hinges can make the door squeak from excess pressure. If you have stripped or loose screws that connect the hinges to the wall, your door will always pull them down. The squeaking sound will slowly increase as the hinges have to work harder to hold the weight of the door.
• If the door wasn’t properly installed, the lip and the latch might not line up. This misalignment causes squeaking because one is wearing down the other. Over time, it’ll become increasingly difficult to close and open the door. An accompanying squeak will only make matters worse.

When Is It Time for a New Door?

If you’ve tried everything that you possibly could and you’re ready to buy a brand-new door, hold off for just a bit longer. You can buy spare parts to save yourself money, but you could also try continuously lubricating the metal parts. As you’ve read before, metal causes squeakiness. If you lubricate it, there’s almost no way that the noise will stay for much longer.

However, there’s no denying that all doors have an expiration date. In fact, most doors last about 25 to 30 years before they need to be replaced. If your door is beyond that limit, it might be time to consider getting a new one.

You can also try to lengthen its life by replacing the hinges, screws, hinge pins, and other parts of the door. You can save quite a bit of money by doing it this way, and repairs only take a few minutes each.

The best ways to help your door last as long as it should:

• Never slam a door. We’ve all been mad, in a hurry, or too lazy to stop the motion, but slamming a door is a surefire way to shave years off of its life. If you slam it, you’ll ruin the hinges, screws, and other parts. It also causes the lip to loosen and the latch to break off.
• Make sure it’s always lubricated. You don’t have to spray your doorway once a week or anything like that. All you have to do is lubricate it once every six months and your door will open like a charm (without a squeaky noise!).
• When a problem shows up, deal with it right away. Prolonging your response time will only damage the door even more, perhaps causing irreparable issues.

To Conclude

Squeaky doors are a part of life that nobody enjoys. You can tackle the annoyance with one of five of the suggestions in this post. As long as you can find the root cause, you’ll be able to figure out how to fix it. Remember that fast opening, lubrication, and pressure are the best ways to reduce the sound.

Here’s a recap of the post:

• Metal is usually the source of squeaky doors.
• House doors typically last up to 30 years before you need to replace them.
• Lubricate your door hinges every six months.
• Never slam a door.
• Consider repairing individual parts instead of replacing the whole assembly.

The post How to Open a Squeaky Door Quietly: Easy Tips & Tricks appeared first on HomelyVille.

But before I get into that, let’s explore some key features to consider when shopping.

What to Look for When Shopping for Sliding Door Lubricants

Can Withstand Extreme Temperatures

Because sliding glass doors are most commonly installed to connect the inside of your house to the outside, a lubricant should be able to roll with the punches. Some products can withstand up to 350° Fahrenheit, making them great for those who live in warmer states. Contrastingly, if you live in a cold climate, you want to make sure the product doesn’t freeze off as soon as you apply it.

Silicone-Based

Oil lubricants are often thicker than other products, and dirt and dust will stick to them more quickly. On the other hand, silicone-based lubricants are long-lasting and you won’t have to keep reapplying them all the time. Since I want to include only the very best lubricants for doors and windows, I will only list silicone-based products.

Non-Toxic

Some substances that these lubricants contain can be harmful to you, your children, and pets. Even though these harmful chemicals sometimes give the product a longer lifespan, you have to use them with caution. However, this isn’t a deal-breaker, because products that have a quick drying time will also evaporate more quickly — making them safe to use.

Serves More Than One Purpose

More often than not, you won’t need to use a full can of a lubricant to fix your problem, and when there’s some still left — you need to find a purpose for it. Sure, if you have dozens of sliding doors and windows in your home, you can empty a can in no time. However, if you don’t want to be wasteful, buy a product that works well on several different types of materials.

Top 3 Lubricants for Sliding Glass Doors and Windows

Because poor lubrication is the most common reason for noisy windows and doors, buying the right product is crucial. Rollers need to be lubricated in order to keep them running smoothly all the time. Also, if you apply silicone spray to the track, it will help them function properly and won’t attract any dirt. Now, I am going to list the best lubricants and sort them by weight, starting from lightest.

1. 3M Silicone Spray (Dry Type) Lubricant

3M offers a high-quality silicone lubricant that can work on a number of different surfaces. The product isn’t specifically made for sliding glass doors, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Because of this property, you will be able to use it on other types of doors, such as wooden or PVC, and on windows as well. Also, because it’s so versatile and works in different environments, it has found great use in the automotive industry.

3M Silicone Spray (Dry Type) Lubricant

• Dry Type
• Seals Out Moisture
• Prevents Squeaks and Sticking
• Retards Corrosion

See on Amazon

3M’s formula will stay intact from -28 to 350° Fahrenheit. So, as far as heat is concerned — it’s one of the most durable ones. The silicone lubricant will help you get rid of the squeaky sounds your door makes, as well as prevent it from sticking and retaining moisture. A great feature of the formula is that it doesn’t contain any petroleum oils that can stain your door and everything around it. Moreover, it can also protect your sliding doors and windows from corrosion and rust.

Even though the formula can withstand extreme temperatures, it’s preferable to use it on materials at room temperature. Low temperatures can decrease the pressure in the can, and high temperatures can increase it significantly. It’s best to apply it evenly on the tracks of your door and let it sit for a few minutes.

Another great feature is that it comes with an extension tube, which can reach most spots on the door and window tracks. Many products will have you twisting and turning to get the right angle, but 3M makes that much easier.

Features:

• Can withstand extreme temperatures
• Includes an extension tube
• Multi-purpose
• Protects against corrosion and
  rust

>>> Check the Price on Amazon <<<

2. Sliding Door Lubricant By Why The Frog

Why The Frog’s lubricant allows you to get your doors to work properly with just a few sprays. It’s specially made for sliding glass doors of all shapes and sizes. Moreover, it can withstand temperatures from -35 to 180° Fahrenheit, and protect your door all year round. It also contains rust inhibitors to preserve the appearance of your sliding door, and add years to its life.

Sliding Door Lubricant - Mineral Based Zero-VOC Unscented - 2 pack - by Why The...

• NO MORE TOUGH STICKING SLIDING GLASS DOORS with just a...
• INSTANTLY EFFECTIVE in smoothing motion of sliding...
• POWERFUL PERFORMANCE in temperatures from -35 F to...
• PROTECTS FROM RUST with added rust inhibitor to keep...

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Its mineral base means that it’s not toxic and safe to use around pets and children, and you don’t have to wear gloves while using it. Moreover, it doesn’t contain any volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and is good for the environment. One of my favorite features is that it’s unscented and nearly odorless, so the fumes won’t give you a headache.

It features a silicone-based formula that will help you keep your glass sliding doors running smoothly for a long time. The dry lube product also works well on plastic on won’t stick to it or damage it. The application is fairly straightforward, all you have to do is spray it on each wheel and track to lubricate them. After applying it, make sure to slide the door back and forth a couple of times to spread the lubricant properly.

Features:

• Anti-rust
• Can withstand extreme temperatures
• Environmentally friendly
• Non-toxic
• Unscented

>>> Check the Price on Amazon <<<

3. 3-IN-ONE Professional Garage Door Lubricant

This product is regarded as one of the best lubricants for sliding glass doors by many people, so I decided to put it to the test. Although it’s marketed for garage doors, I tried it out on regular patio glass doors, and windows — and it worked like a charm. The smart straw system includes 2 sprays so you can apply as little pressure as you want to. It also makes it extremely easy to get into the nooks and crannies of any sliding door.

3-IN-ONE Garage Door Lubricant with SMART STRAW SPRAYS 2 WAYS, 11 OZ

• Everything you need in a garage door lubricant: High...
• Lubricate and protect metal between moving parts on...
• Quick drying, non-sticky application ensures your parts...
• Professional grade formula designed to keep even the...

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Because it has a silicone base, the spray will dry quickly and won’t attract any dust or dirt. One difference I noticed (and appreciate very much), is that it leaves no residue and almost no odor behind. It’s perfect for both residential and commercial windows, and won’t deteriorate even if your home has a lot of foot traffic. The formula also contains ingredients that help prevent corrosion and damage from external elements.

If you’re having issues with an obnoxiously loud garage door,  3-IN-ONE’s lubricant might be the easy fix. Try spraying all of the hinges, chains, and wheels and let them dry off for a couple of minutes to prevent your doors from getting stuck and being noisy.

Aside from glass, you can safely use it on different types of material, such as wood, metal, and plastic.

The only thing to keep in mind is that it does contain some toxic materials, so you should take some precautions when using it. Don’t let your pets or children get in contact with it before it’s had enough time to evaporate.

Features:

• Smart straw system
• Quick dry
• Multi-purpose
• Protects against corrosion and rust

>>> Check the Price on Amazon <<<

Other Causes of Sticky and Noisy Sliding Doors and How to Fix Them

Bad Alignment

Sliding doors and windows move via a track that allows them to open and close. However, if these tracks get loose your door could easily come off. If they start moving in a direction that isn’t straight from right to left, there are probably some alignment issues.

What to do with bad alignment:

• Lift the door up
• Place it back

You can lift the door up and gently place it on the center of the track to get it to run smoothly again. If you want to prevent your doors from having alignment issues, make sure to open and close them gently. By slamming your sliding doors you could cause them to go off the tracks and break.

Dirty Tracks

Because your door probably has a lot of traffic, it’s easy for it to get dirty over time. If the tracks aren’t clean, they will cause your sliding doors to malfunction by sticking dirt to them. However, this is one of the most common reasons for sticky doors, and the fix is quick and easy.

What to do with dirty tracks:

1. Vacuum the track
2. Clean the track with a vet towel
3. Apply a lubricant

Clean the tracks thoroughly to get rid of the dust and dirt so your door can go back to working properly straight away. If you want to prevent this from happening over and over, clean your doors at least once a month. You can include vacuuming and wiping the tracks as a part of your cleaning routine.

Damaged Rollers

Sliding glass doors use rollers to move along the track. However, they can easily get dirty, damaged or broken and cause your door to malfunction. If the rollers are dirty, you can try removing the door from the tracks, cleaning the rollers and spraying them with a lubricant.

What to do with damaged rollers:

1. Remove the rollers
2. Clean them
3. Apply a lubricant

You could also try readjusting them if you notice their alignment is wrong and they’re coming off the tracks. If the problem persists, the rollers are likely broken or too damaged, and you will have to replace them.

Broken Doors and Windows

Sometimes, despite your best efforts at trying to fix something, you have to acknowledge that it’s time to say goodbye. After all, doors and windows go through a lot of wear and tear, and sometimes there’s no fixing them. If you still can’t open and close them properly after inspecting the alignment, track, and rollers — consider purchasing a new one.

Lubricate Your Doors and Windows Regularly

Windows and glass doors can fill your home with natural light and allow you to have a beautiful view of the outside from inside your living room. Moreover, they add to the visual appearance of your home, help you get fresh air, and allow you to move easier from inside to the outside of your home. Because they are so integral to the design and function of your home, you have to make sure they are always functioning properly and safely.

Lubricating your doors and windows regularly will ensure you can use it for years to come and won’t have to listen to it squeak all the time. I hope my list of the best lubricants helps you make the best decision.

The post Best Lubricants for Sliding Glass Doors and Windows appeared first on HomelyVille.

Squeaky windows are actually more common than you might realize. Your windows are going to get gunked up over time and this can wind up creating some issues with noise. It can definitely be jarring to listen to really squeaky windows but you don’t have to simply put up with the annoying sound. There are things that you can do to eliminate the squeaking and get back to using your windows peacefully.

Today I’m going to cover how to fix a squeaky house window. This should arm you with the knowledge that you need to get the job done right. Take the time to go through all of the information below so that you can fix this problem. It shouldn’t be overly difficult and it’s something that you’re going to be able to take care of on your own.

A Step-By-Step Guide on How to Stop Your Windows from Squeaking

1. Removing the Squeaky Window

The first step is going to involve removing the window from the inside of the house. I’m going to assume that your home windows are sliding windows since those are the most common types of windows used in homes. In order to remove this window, you’ll need to push the sliding window upward first. Once this is done, you should be able to pull it out from the bottom of the window.

2. Examining the Wheels

Next, it’s going to be time to inspect the wheels. You need to make sure that there isn’t some type of significant problem with the wheel before continuing. You’re going to be checking for broken parts on the wheel and you also need to see if it has degenerated in some way. If there are issues present, then you’re going to need to change things out.

3. Removing Broken or Degenerated Wheels

Removing broken or degenerated wheels will be the next step. Luckily, this shouldn’t take all that long to accomplish. Grab a screwdriver with a flat head and use it to pry the wheels out. You shouldn’t have to use too much force to get most wheels out unless they are rusted or corroded in some way.

Some wheels might wind up being secured with screws of some sort. You should have noticed this during your visual inspection of the wheels. If the wheels have screws that need to be dealt with, then you’ll need to unscrew them before being able to pry them out. This entire process shouldn’t be too taxing or time-consuming.

4. Purchasing Replacement Wheels

Replacement wheels are going to be necessary if you need to fix broken ones. It isn’t going to be tough to find what you need as long as you know where to go. You’ll be able to get new replacement wheels for your window at the hardware store. If you need to get a very specific size, then it’s smart to take the old wheel with you to show the clerk.

The hardware store clerks should be able to help you find the wheel that you need. They’ll have plenty of these items in stock and it won’t cost much to get the right wheels either. You can even purchase replacement wheels at a department store in the hardware section. It’s likely going to be easier to go to the hardware store if you need help finding the right thing, though.

5. Install the New Wheels

Installing your replacement wheels is not going to be tough at all. You just need to either snap them into place or screw them into place. Since you bought replacement wheels that match up with your old ones, you should already understand how they go in. Put the wheels into place, then put the window back in, and see if your problems are fixed.

6. Clean Your Window Tracks

It’s very possible that your window might still be squeaking at this stage. If you’re still dealing with that annoying squeaking sound, then try not to fret. Everything is not finished yet and you’re going to need to put in a little more work. The next step involves cleaning your window tracks thoroughly.

You see, when window tracks get gunked up with debris, they’re going to have issues and might make noises when you try to slide the window up and down. This can wind up causing the squeaking noises that you’re experiencing. Squeaking can be caused either by dirty window tracks or by wheels that aren’t working properly. Determining which you’re dealing with might take time but it’s easy enough to fix both issues at the same time.

Use some type of mild cleaning spray and a soft cleaning cloth. Take the time to clean both the bottom window track and the top track as thoroughly as you can. This should remove any dirt or debris that has lodged itself in the window track. Once you’ve finished up, you’re going to need to let things dry.

7. Dry the Window Tracks Properly

Before moving forward, it’s going to be best to dry the window tracks by hand. Grab another soft cloth and use it to pat the window tracks dry. You don’t want to leave any moisture on the tracks since it could interfere with the next step. As long as you do your best to dry things properly, you should have an easy time with the next part.

8. Spray the Windows with a Lubricant

In order to eliminate that squeaking noise once and for all, it’s going to be necessary to apply a lubricant to the window tracks. I recommend using a good spray lubricant such as this offering from DuPont. This spray is going to work very well and it’s perfect for surfaces such as rubber, vinyl, plastic, wood, and metal. It’s very likely that your window tracks are made out of aluminum but this spray should work no matter what.

Once you have the spray that you need, it’s going to be crucial to apply the spray on the entire length of the window tracks. Get both the top and the bottom with the lubricant. Once you’re finished, you should let it sit for a while and it’ll be time to test the results. If things have gone well, this lubricant spray should eliminate your squeaking issues.

If your windows are still making noises after this, then there might be a more significant issue that needs to be taken care of. For most people, the steps listed above are going to eliminate squeaking problems. Anyone who is still experiencing issues can continue on to explore some other potential solutions. This should help to solve a more severe problem with your window tracks.

9. Severe Rust Problems

There is a possibility that you might be dealing with an extreme rust problem on your window tracks. In all likelihood, you will have noticed this already when inspecting the tracks and attempting to clean them. When rust gets really bad, simply cleaning the area isn’t going to be enough to eliminate the rust. Rust needs to be dealt with in a very specific way.

The fastest way to get rid of rust on your window tracks is to grab some wire wool. You can use a wire wool pad and scrub the rust away. This could take a little bit of time and you’re going to need to clean the rust debris away afterward. Regardless, this should work to eliminate rust and you’ll be able to move forward with the spray.

If you were able to get the rust up with the wire wool pad, then spraying it with the aforementioned lubricant spray is going to be next. This should lubricate the tracks well and keep it from squeaking going forward. If your window tracks are able to be saved, then this combination should do the trick. You should be able to sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor now and you won’t have to worry about squeaking noises every time that you need to open the window.

10. Prevent Rust Problems in the Future

You’re going to want to take steps to prevent rust problems in the future. Rust is going to become an issue on your window tracks when they’re exposed to moisture. This can happen during a storm due to your windows not being sealed properly. When even a little bit of moisture gets through, it can lead to your window tracks rusting.

Coating your window tracks with a water-repellent or waterproof spray is helpful. The DuPont spray mentioned earlier will do a good job of protecting your window tracks. You can also do your best to ensure that no moisture can get in when the windows are closed. This should keep you from having to put up with rust problems in the future.

Keep in mind that some rust issues can lead to window tracks that just aren’t going to be salvageable. If your window tracks are so rusty that cleaning them seems absurd, then you should probably just replace them. You can buy new window tracks and install them instead of going through the process of removing the rust. It’s up to you to decide which option makes the most sense in your situation.

Take Care of Your Squeaking Window Problem

After seeing what you need to do to fix your window squeaking problem, you should feel more confident. There are a lot of steps and it might take a bit of time to take care of everything. Even so, this isn’t a job that is so hard that you can’t do it yourself. This can be handled as long as you go out to buy the stuff that you need.

Taking care of your squeaking windows will make things a lot more pleasant at home. You won’t have to feel annoyed when you need to open the window and everything is going to work much better than before. This is certainly worth doing if you have a squeaky window in your home. You can take care of this issue in one afternoon so don’t hesitate to go buy the right supplies for this little project.

The post How to Fix a Squeaky House Window appeared first on HomelyVille.