The top of my wood door hits the door frame, what can I do?
Question:The top right side of my wood door hits the top of the door frame. I can still open and close my door, it is just a little harder. There is more space on the left side of my door near the top hinge than there is near the bottom hinge. I think part of the problem might be from foundation shifting or frame dropping or something like that. What are some ways to fix this problem without buying a new door or anything too expensive?
The door is to my bedroom and it is not solid wood.
I can fix basic things but I am not an expert.
Answers:
If I understand what your describing, the door is hitting the head jamb. If so ,the latch side of the jamb needs to be raised.
If it`s rubbing slightly, you might try removing the head stop and installing a long wood screw under the stop ot elevate the head slightly.
Of course this is not a remedy for the underlying problem.
check to be sure the hinges are in good shape and screwed in securely first. If that's okay, then...
you can remove the door and plane the edge that's sticking
Before you do anything check the hinges. make sure the screws are tight. Most of the time this takes care of door fit problems. If this doesn't work you may have to sand it down a little. That's a last resort though
You can use a wood plane to shave a little off the top on one side. Or use a power sander and sand it down.
The best thing to do would be re-hinging. Just take it off and re-position the hinges and re-hang the door.
If you can't do that for whatever reason - like the foundation settling won't allow it or you can't manage it yourself, then you can possibly file it. Just go to the hardware store and get an inexpensive file (as them which one to get). Then, get on a chair and file the spot. But, you can only file about 1/8 of an inch off or you will go through the top piece of the door. Filing won't look all that pretty, but since it's on the top of the door, no one will see it that much. Just try to put a little paint on it - you don't have to paint the whole door, just try to match it.
Neither option will cost much - even if you have to replace the hinges.
Also, did it do this in the winter? Remember, wood expands with heat and humidity and that could be what's causing it. Doesn't mean it isn't irritating or that you shouldn't fix it. Just means that it will stop on it's own when the weather cools off, if that's whats causing it. And, then do it again next summer!
Good luck.
Check the screws in the hinges if the lower hinge screws are loose then the door would be a little higher on the top right corner causing the drag. If not and the space on the top right is greater than the lower right, remove the top hinge from the door facing place a thin sheet of cardboard (like in a shoe box) between the hinge and the facing and replace the screws. This will cause the top right corner to be a little lower stopping the drag, and the right top crack will be a little smaller. You are probably correct about the house having settled a little.
You have a bigger problem than the door. Others have answered it pretty well. The way I would fix this is to pound gently on the lower hinge. Use a 2X4 and hammer to avoid scuff marks and avoid damage to the doorway.
More Related Questions & Answers...