How to Fix a Door That Rubs at the Bottom

If you have a door that rubs against the bottom of the door frame, you are not alone. This is often caused by one of several problems. For example, your foundation may have settled, you may have painted the door’s exterior, or you have hinges that are not aligned correctly.

Shimming the hinges

Shimming the hinges can quickly fix your door that rubs at the bottom. This is especially important if your door is a toe-in door and the top hinge is set at an angle. In such a situation, a shim can be stuck behind the upper hinge to prevent the door from rubbing against the jamb.

The other method is to make sure the hinges are aligned. This is done by using a plumb bob to determine vertical alignment. If you have no plumb bob, you can use a cardboard piece. The piece should be about 1/8 inch thick. Cut a few holes in the cardboard to match the holes in the hinges.

Then, replace the original screws with longer ones. These screws should be about two inches in length. These can be purchased at most home centers. If the originals aren’t long enough, you can extend them into a wall stud on the opposite side of the door frame.

Foundation settling

You may find that your door sticks or rubs at the bottom. This is an indication of the foundation settling. You should not ignore this problem. It can cause your home to lose value.

This can be caused by improper maintenance of your door hardware. For example, you should ensure that the hinge screws are tight and the door is properly aligned. If you cannot correct these problems, you might have to install a new door.

Another possible cause of sticking doors is improperly laid drywall. Cracks in the drywall might also be an indication of the foundation settling. The drywall is usually a relatively easy fix. It would be best if you had a professional inspect the drywall for cracks.

Another sign of foundation settling is a four-foot level along the door frame. You can check your window or door frames for this. You should also consider other issues. You should also check the striker plate for example if your door does not close properly.

Paint blocking

If you’ve noticed that your door is rubbing at the bottom, it may be time to consider painting it. The process can be relatively easy and will not take long. Here are a few tips to get you on the way.

First, you will want to ensure that you have your door on a good, dry day. It would be best if you also covered the floor under the door with a drop cloth. This will help you to prevent the mess that can occur from splattering the paint. You should also ensure that you use a lint-free rag to apply the finish.

Next, you want to make sure you pick high-quality paint. You’ll also want to ensure that you stir the color as you work. This will ensure that all of the pigments are evenly distributed. You will also want to ensure that you are using a paintbrush, roller, or squeegee to smooth out the edges.

Removing the door from the frame

When you have a door that rubs against the bottom of your door frame, the first thing you should do is determine what the problem is. There are many reasons for this, from a poorly constructed door to humidity or a loose hinge. The good news is that you can do a few simple things to fix this issue.

To find out what is causing your door to rub, you need to examine it physically. First, you will want to check the corners and edges of the door. You may also have to fit over the top of the door.

Then you will need to get on a stepladder or a sturdy chair and look at the door and the frame to identify the culprit. You will be able to see if the hinges are bending or moving or if there is an uneven gap between the jamb and the door.

You can fix the problem by tightening the screws. This will help you to get your door back into position. You can use a screwdriver or a power drill to tighten the screws. You will need to pull them a little at a time, and you don’t want to overdo it.