A door that bounces back open is annoying at best and a security problem at worst. Before replacing anything, work out which of these five faults you have. The test is simple: close the door slowly and watch where the latch bolt meets the strike.
1. Latch misalignment
The latch is hitting the plate above or below the hole. Mark the latch face with pencil, close the door against the strike, and the transfer mark shows exactly how far off you are. Under 2 mm: file the strike. Over that: move the plate or shim a hinge.
2. Sagging hinges
Screws that only bite into the jamb pull out over the years. Swapping the top hinge's two long screws for ones that reach the framing behind lifts the latch side back up.
3. A seized latch mechanism
If the latch doesn't spring back briskly with the door open, the mechanism itself is the problem. Dirt, a bent spindle or a dying spring all feel the same from the handle side. The latch assembly is replaceable independently of the lock.
4. Weatherstripping that's too thick
New foam or bulb seal can push a door back far enough that the latch never reaches its keeper. The fix is a deeper strike box or a thinner profile — not slamming the door harder.
5. A swollen slab or moved frame
Seasonal swelling and settling both change the geometry of the opening. If the door latched fine last winter and doesn't now, this is likely it.
