Fix Door Rubbing at Jamb

When a door rubs against its frame or the floor, it creates friction. Over time, this friction can cause wear and tear on both the door and the frame. The constant rubbing can lead to the paint or finish on the door being worn away, exposing the underlying material to potential damage. Similarly, the door frame or jamb can experience chipping, splintering, or cracking due to the repeated contact with the door. In addition to damage at the door materials, the rubbing of the door at the jamb can prevent doors from closing which can disrupt privacy concerns from individual rooms.

Fixing a misaligned door typically involves adjusting the hinges and/or the door frame. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to fix a misaligned door:

-Identify the Problem: Determine whether the door is rubbing against the frame or the floor, or if it’s sagging or sticking in a particular area. This will help you pinpoint the adjustment needed.

-Tighten Loose Hinge Screws: Check the hinge screws on both the door and the frame. If any of them are loose, tighten them using a screwdriver. If a screw spins continuously, the hole at the jamb or door may be stripped. We recommend removal of this screw and replacing it with a slightly longer screw. This can often help realign the door and eliminate minor issues.

-Adjust the Hinge Plates: If the door is still misaligned, you may need to adjust the hinge plates. Loosen the screws on the hinge plates attached to the door frame. Then, gently push or pull the door in the desired direction to align it properly. Once aligned, tighten the screws back in place.

-Manipulate the Hinge: If the door appears to be rubbing at the outer edges of the jamb, altering the angle of the top door hinge can often re-align the door properly. Remove the hinge pin from the top door hinge. The door should be able to move slightly after the pin has been removed. Take a shim and place it between the door and the location of the door jamb where the door was previously rubbing against. Look back at the door hinge, and notice the misaligned hinge pin holes for the hinge hardware attached to the door and the hinge hardware attached at the door jamb. Align these holes by bending the hinge pin holes at the hinge hardware of the jamb. Replace the hinge pin and test the door.

-Trim the Door: If the door is rubbing against the frame or the floor, you may need to trim the door slightly. Use a plane or a belt sander to remove small amounts of material from the edge of the door that is causing the rubbing. Be careful and remove material gradually to avoid removing too much. Please note, that some doors may be hollow-core doors and sanding or planing these doors could result in damage that may reveal this inner hollow core. If your door is a hollow core door, we only recommend light sanding to prevent this issue.

-Check the Door Stops: Ensure that the door stops, the strips of wood or rubber on the frame that prevent the door from swinging too far, are properly aligned. Adjust or replace them if necessary to prevent the door from rubbing or hitting the frame.

-Test and Adjust: Close and open the door multiple times to check if the alignment is improved. If it’s still not satisfactory, repeat the above steps until the door operates smoothly and evenly.

If you’re unsure about making adjustments yourself or if the misalignment is severe, it’s recommended to consult a professional carpenter or contractor for assistance. They will have the necessary tools and expertise to fix the problem effectively.