There’s nothing more frustrating than a door that fights you every time you try to leave the house. Before you call a professional, let’s look at the three usual suspects.

1. The Humidity Factor

Wood expands and contracts. If it’s a particularly humid summer, your door might just be “swollen.”

• The Fix: Sometimes, simply rubbing a bit of paraffin wax or a candle on the sticking edge can provide enough lubrication to stop the friction.

2. Loose Hinge Screws

Over time, the weight of the door pulls on the top hinge. If the screws are loose, the door sags and hits the frame.

• The Fix: Tighten the screws. If the holes are stripped, stick a few toothpicks coated in wood glue into the hole, let them dry, cut them flush, and re-drive the screw.

3. Settling Foundations

If your house has shifted, the door frame might no longer be “square.”

• The Fix: You may need to sand down a specific spot on the door or shim the hinges to realign the latch.