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There is nothing worse for human sanity than a squeaky door. This annoying sound becomes a problem that cannot be ignored, especially when you try to close a door at night and it sounds so loud that it is like an alarm clock. There are several common causes for these noises, such as the door rubbing against the frame or perhaps a hinge lacking lubrication. Today we will show you how to fix a door that rubs at the top.
After using a door many times, it is common for the door to begin to show wear on the frame, or even to have deviated slightly from its original location. The problem is that in addition to producing an annoying sound, a door that rubs will damage the paint and the integrity of its materials.
As if the discomfort was not enough, a door that is bent will generally not close properly, failing in its most basic function. However, you should not worry, since you do not need a professional to do any kind of door repair.
Starting to repair the door is the difficult work, as this is one of the easiest household chores out there. Furthermore, completing this arrangement is one of the greatest possible satisfaction.
The first solution – tighten the door hinges
As a door or window is opened and closed, the hinges begin to loosen to the point where they do not hold firmly. These become unbalanced and begin to collide with the frames.
The good news is that repairing the hinges is simple, and you only need a screwdriver to tighten the screws.
The use of power tools is not recommended, as they can be very powerful for the adjustment. A hinge is not a very sturdy item, and over-tightening them could break the screws.
If you still plan to use a power tool, such as a drill, use the minimum power, especially with the brass door screws.
If you find any stripped screws on the frame, replace it with a new 3-inch one. These screws are sized to fit through to the rear frame and hold the door steady.
There are occasions that what is failing is not the screw but the hole where it is placed. Fixing a doorframe when the door is solid will require a drill to fix the hole. Use a 1/8-inch drill bit to drill a little through the gap, and then put in a screw that’s an inch longer than the old one so it can fit into the new hole.
Hollow-core doors will need another preparation process. For these cases, it is necessary to reinforce the screw holes with a bit of glue that solidifies the space. Do not insert the glue container nozzle into the hole, you should fill a toothpick with the glue and insert it. The screw should now have perfect space to hold on.
How to adjust a door using the hinges
The hinges are not adjustable as such but can be moved depending on the pressure applied to the screws and jamb. In total, this technique is used to fix deviations no greater than 1/8 inch.
Always start adjusting from the top hinge. This will usually be screwed with two or three screws. The 3-inch screws are perfect for lifting a door slightly, as these will tighten the hinges to the point where they are parallel to the jamb and frame.
The best way to apply this technique is to remove the hinge screws and start adjusting from the center screw. Insert the 3-inch screw and tighten until it is snug, not tight. Give it an additional quarter turn and watch the door position when closed. From this point on, you will have to press gently to see if the door starts to deviate.
Bear in mind that you don’t always need to adjust all the hinges. This will depend on where the jamb rub against the closed door. If the jamb rubs on the top then you will need to tighten the top hinge. If, on the other hand, it rubs against the lower side, you must adjust the lower hinge. The door may rub against the entire side frame; in these cases, you must adjust all the hinges.
If you notice that the hinges do not move, then the jamb does not allow further adjustments.
Finally, one thing you should know about how to fix a door that rubs at the top is that the problem could be the hinges in general. There is a possibility that you may need to replace them with better quality ones, preferably with hinges with washers, as these create more space between the door and the frame.
The second solution – Sand the door and remove material
This is a drastic measure, but it will not be applied in such a way that it damages the entire door. This door gap fix is recommended for deviations less than 1/8 of an inch or for cases where the door does not show marks or scratches greater than two feet from the jamb.
The first thing is to assess how serious the damage is. Using a ladder, check how far the stripes from the top of the door go. The rubbing of the jamb with the door has generated these stripes.
With a pencil or marker draw lines on all the stripes you find. You will now need an orbital sander to be able to remove the door material. Using a disc with an 80-grit paper, start sanding from the top corner with the most scratches. The idea is to sand until the stripes are no longer visible. If when you close the door you see that it is still bent, then go back up to draw new lines and repeat the sanding process.
Do not worry if the door is deformed a bit on the sides, as long as it stops rubbing with the frame the process will have been successful.
Finally, you must return the professional finish to your door. For this, you will use 100-grit sandpaper with which you can remove imperfections. The application of a couple of varnish coats is recommended before repainting the door.
The third solution – Move the frame and not the door
How to fix a door that rubs at the top without moving it? Just adjust the top frame. Fixing a doorframe is an option to consider if you want to maintain your door’s integrity. Especially when it comes to old doors, adjusting them again can be difficult and requires a professional. If you don’t want to expose your door or your wallet to this abuse, then it is better to adjust the frame.
You can fix the doorframe using a pry bar. Simply lever the frame until it fits the door’s deformity.
The fourth solution – Trim the door with a saw
If planning a door was already a complex and drastic job, trimming it with a saw is much more extreme. However, this method is much more accurate and prevents chips from forming on all types of doors.
The first thing you need is, in addition to the circular saw, masking tape. This tape does not adhere strongly to the material, making it perfect for delimiting and protecting spaces momentarily.
With the door removed from the frame, apply strips of tape to the parts where the chainsaw will rest to avoid scratching it. You can use adhesive tape as a replacement, but it can remove pieces of the door.
Another place where you should put the tape is where you will cut. It is not that this is going to be the guide for the saw, but that the tape will prevent the door from splintering when it is cut.
You can’t cut much of the door, especially if it is hollow in the center. The most you should cut is ½ of an inch. Hollow doors only have an inch of extra material around their edges to create a stiff frame, and it is not recommended to remove more than half of this inch or it will lose stability.
FAQs about fixing a door that rubs at the top
1. How can I fix a door that rubs at the top?
You must identify the rubbing’s cause in order to remedy a door that rubs at the top. This frequently results from a misaligned door or deteriorated hinges. To fix the issue, you could need to repair the hinges, shave down the top of the door, or adjust the hinges.
2. What causes a door to rub at the top, and how can I prevent it from happening again?
The wear and tear on the hinges or a shift in the door’s position over time are common causes of doors that rub at the top. Regular hinge maintenance and inspection are advised to keep this from happening again. Further considerations include making sure the door frame is straight and that the hinges are firmly fastened to it.
3. What tools do I need to fix a door that rubs at the top?
Depending on the root of the issue, different tools will be required to fix a door that rubs at the top. You might need simple tools like a screwdriver, hammer, and chisel to adjust the hinges or smooth out the door. If the issue is more serious, you could require specialized equipment or outside assistance.
4. Can I fix a door that rubs at the top myself, or do I need to hire a professional?
Depending on your degree of knowledge and the seriousness of the issue, you might or might not need to engage a professional to fix a door that rubs at the top. It’s preferable to call in a professional if you’re not confident performing the repairs yourself or if the issue is more complicated.
5. Are there any quick fixes for a door that rubs at the top, or is a more extensive repair necessary?
Adding lubricant to the hinges or adjusting the screws holding the hinges in place are quick remedies for a door that rubs at the top. However, these fast remedies can only offer short-term relief, necessitating a more involved repair.
6. How do I know if the problem with my door is due to the hinges or the door frame?
You can visually inspect the hinges and frame to see whether the issue with your door is with the hinges or the door frame. If the frame seems secure and straight, the hinges might be at fault. The hinges might need to be changed if they are flimsy or look worn.
7. Should I replace the hinges or adjust them to fix a door that rubs at the top?
Depending on the severity of the issue, the hinges may need to be replaced or adjusted. The hinges need to be changed if they are worn out or damaged. If the hinges are in good shape but the door is out of alignment, changing the hinges can be all that’s needed to make things right.
8. Is it possible to shave down the top of the door to prevent it from rubbing against the frame?
A door that rubs at the top may benefit from having the top shaved down. However, it’s crucial to remove little bits of wood at a time to prevent endangering the door’s structural stability. If the door is already too thin, this may not be an option.
9. Can weatherstripping be used to fix a door that rubs at the top?
If the issue is related to the door adhering to the frame as a result of humidity or temperature changes, weatherstripping can be used to correct it. The weatherstripping acts as a cushion to make it easier for the door to move along the frame.
10. How long does it typically take to fix a door that rubs at the top, and how much does it cost?
The extent of the issue and if you’re employing a pro will determine how long it takes and how much it will cost to fix a door that rubs at the top. It is easy and affordable to install weatherstripping or make minor changes to the hinges. However, more involved fixes including replacing the hinges may need more time and money.
How to fix a door that rubs at the top – Tips for removing the door
In all solutions, it is recommended to remove the door from the frame to be able to work on it (especially if you are going to cut it). To make this easier, there are a couple of things you can do.
The first thing is to never do these jobs alone. Having an assistant always reduces the work you have to do, especially when you remove a solid door, which is very heavy. Start by removing the bottom hinge and end with the top hinge, otherwise, the door’s weight will break the bottom hinge.
Place a wedge under the door at the opposite end where the hinges are located. This will help you to keep the door leveled while it is mounted on the frame, and will even help you balance the weight if you are removing the hinges.
Always remove accessories from the door while it is mounted on the hinges. Once you have disassembled the door it will be much more difficult to remove a knob.
If you don’t know how to fix a door that rubs at the top, never try using brute force. Especially against door hinges, as these are not they are not shock resistant.
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