Has your once-proud outside door started to sag, scraping against the threshold and making it difficult to open and close? This problem is more common than you may think, and it can be a real pain. But never fear! Fixing a sagging outside door is entirely possible with the right tools, materials and know-how.
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First, let’s explore why outside doors sag in the first place. Understanding the root causes will help you prevent the problem from recurring in the future. Common culprits include:
- Settling foundation: Over time, the ground beneath your home can shift and settle, causing your door frame to become misaligned.
- Passive hinges: Hinges that have become loose or damaged can allow your door to sag. Over time, gravity takes its toll.
- Warped door: Changes in temperature and humidity can cause wooden doors to warp, leading to sagging.
- Improper installation: If your outside door was not installed correctly in the first place, it’s more likely to sag over time.
Assess the Situation
Before you begin any repairs, take some time to assess the situation. Determine the severity of the sag and identify the likely cause. This will help you choose the best repair approach.
To determine the severity of the sag, measure the gap between the bottom of the door and the threshold at the center and at each end. If the difference between the measurements is more than 1/4 inch, your door is considered to be sagging.
Next, inspect the door frame for any signs of damage or rot. Also, check the hinges for looseness or damage. If you find any problems with the door frame or hinges, they will need to be repaired or replaced before you can fix the sagging door.
Fix a Sagging Outside Door
Now that you’ve assessed the situation, it’s time to fix that sagging outside door. Here’s how:
Adjust the Hinges
If the hinges are loose, tightening them may be enough to fix the sag. Use a screwdriver to tighten the screws on the hinges. If the screws are stripped or damaged, they will need to be replaced.
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Use Shims
If adjusting the hinges doesn’t work, you can try using shims to level the door. Shims are thin pieces of material, such as wood or plastic, that are inserted between the door frame and the door. To shim the door, insert the shims between the door frame and the top of the door. Then, use a hammer to tap the shims into place until the door is level.
Replace the Hinges
If the hinges are damaged or worn out, they will need to be replaced. To replace the hinges, remove the old hinges from the door frame and the door. Then, install the new hinges in the same location. Be sure to use screws that are the same size as the old screws.
Plane the Door
If the door is warped, you may need to plane it to make it flat again. To plane the door, use a planer to remove a small amount of material from the bottom of the door. Be sure to plane the door evenly so that it is flat when you are finished.
Rehang the Door
Once you have fixed the sag, you will need to rehang the door. To rehang the door, lift the door into the door frame and align it with the hinges. Then, insert the hinge pins into the hinges and secure them with the hinge pins.
Tips for Preventing Sagging Doors
Now that you know how to fix a sagging outside door, here are some tips to help prevent the problem from recurring:
- Make sure that the door frame is properly installed and secured.
- Use strong hinges that are the right size for the door.
- Install the door so that it is slightly sloped downward from the outside to the inside to keep water from leaking in.
- Inspect the door and hinges regularly and make any necessary adjustments or repairs.
How To Fix A Sagging Outside Door
Conclusion
Fixing a sagging outside door is not a difficult task, but it does require some time and effort. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can get your door back on track and working properly again.
