How do you fix a door that has too much gap?

What Causes Gaps in Doors?

There are a few common causes for a door having too much of a gap:

• The door hinges may be loose or worn out
• The door frame may be warped or damaged
• The house may have settled, throwing the door out of alignment
• The door may be a poor fit for the opening

Over time, normal wear and tear on the hinges can cause them to become loose. This allows the door to sag and create larger gaps. Warped or damaged door frames will also prevent the door from closing tightly. Settlement or shifting of the house foundation can shift walls out of plumb, causing misaligned door frames. Lastly, some doors are simply poorly fitted for the opening from the start.

How to Diagnose the Problem

Start by taking a close look at the door frame and hinges to identify any issues:

• Are the hinges loose or detaching from the frame/door?
• Is the door frame itself warped or damaged?
• Is the gap consistent all around or larger at the top/bottom?

Try closing the door to see how it settles into the frame:

• Does the latch line up with the strike plate properly?
• Does the door rub or bind anywhere in the frame?
• Are there any spots where the gap is wider than others?

Use a level to check the door frame for plumb and square. Out of plumb frames can prevent proper door closure.

Pay attention to any seasonal changes in the gap. Heat and humidity in summer followed by dry cold weather in winter can cause wood doors and frames to swell and shrink.

How to Fix a Loose Door Hinge

If the hinges are loose, the first step is to tighten the hinge screws. This may require longer screws if the originals have worked loose over time. Follow these steps:

1. Support the door and remove the hinge pin. This allows the door to separate from the frame.
2. One at a time, remove the loose hinge screws. Replace with longer screws (3-4”) that dig deeper into the framing.
3. Reinstall the hinge leafs into their mortises, then replace the hinge pin.
4. Check the hinge tightness and door closure. The gap should be reduced.

If the hinge screws still won’t hold tight, the hinge mortises may be wallowed out. This requires shimming the hinges for a snug fit:

1. Remove the loose hinge and hold it flush to the mortise.
2. Slide a wood shim into the mortise to take up any slack behind the hinge.
3. Reinstall the hinge and screw it into place. The shim helps fill the mortise so screws can grip tightly.

For severe cases, the entire hinge may need replacement if it’s bending or broken. Mortise hinges are common on older doors. Measure the existing hinge size and buy a quality steel or brass replacement. Install per manufacturer instructions.

Fixing a Warped Door Frame

Wood door frames can become warped from water damage, settlement, or general wear. Try to identify if just one side of the frame is warped or if the top header is sloped too.

For minor warping, this can sometimes be remedied by tapping wooden shims into the gap behind the frame to straighten it. Place shims just above and below areas where screws attach the frame. Gently tap the shims in until the frame is realigned and plumb.

However, major warping or water-damaged frames will need to be replaced. This requires cutting out the old frame, installing a new one, transferring over the door, and refinishing the repairs. Consider hiring a carpenter if you lack experience with frame removal and installation.

Adjusting a Door Strike Plate

If the door latch isn’t lining up properly with the strike plate, this misalignment can allow air gaps. Here’s how to adjust a strike plate:

1. Close the door and see where the latch meets the strike plate. Mark any misalignment.
2. Use a utility knife to loosen the strike plate on the marked side.
3. Reposition the strike plate until the latch inserts cleanly.
4. Tighten the strike plate screws and check for proper door closure.

Wood filler can be used to patch over the old strike plate screw holes.

Trimming a Door for Better Fit

If a door has large, uneven gaps, trimming it may be in order for a proper fit. This involves taking the door out of the opening and shaving it down slightly on the edges:

1. Mark the door and frame where binding occurs for reference.
2. Use a block plane or rasp to remove material on the marked spots.
3. Reinstall the door and check for an even reveal around the frame.
4. Repeat steps until the door fits the frame properly without binding.

Take your time trimming. Removing too much material can lead to gaps. Have a helper press the door closed as you check for smooth operation.

Shimming Behind Jambs for Plumb

If the door frame is out of plumb, shims can be used to straighten it:

1. With the door open, slide shims between the framing and jamb at the upper and lower hinge locations.
2. Use a level to monitor progress. Tap shims gently until the jamb is plumb.
3. Recheck door closure and gap. Add or adjust shims until optimal.
4. Secure shims with finish nails and break off excess.

Aim to keep shim spacing even from top to bottom for a clean result. Taking time to shim and plumb the jamb can greatly improve door closure.

How to Weatherize Gaps

Once underlying fit and alignment issues are corrected, remaining small gaps should be sealed against drafts and weather:

• Install weatherstripping around the door stop moulding to seal gaps.
• Use silicone caulk to fill gaps at hinges, corners, and along the threshold.
• Add door sweeps and thresholds to seal below the door.
• Consider replacing with a new pre-hung exterior door unit for a perfect fit.

High-quality weatherstripping will have solid compression against the door surfaces. Low expansion spray foams can also be used minimally to seal stubborn gaps. Avoid over-applying finishes or calk which can hinder door operation.

When to Call a Professional

While many minor door gap issues can be DIY fixes, consider hiring a carpenter for these major repairs:

• Replacing severely damaged, rotted or out-of-square door frames.
• Rehanging a sagging door that requires resetting hinges.
• Replacing broken or non-functioning hinges.
• Trimming a door that requires extensive material removal or is risk of damage.
• Damaged doors that require complete refinishing or repairs.

Avoid attempting homemade repairs that could put the door into a non-functional or hazardous state. The cost of professional repairs is often worthwhile for improved safety and durability.

Conclusion

Fixing a door with excessive gaps takes patience and care. Start by diagnosing the source of the problem whether it be loose hinges, frame damage, or poor alignment. Tackle any underlying issues first before weatherizing the door. With some basic tools and carpentry skills, most minor gaps and fitting issues can be successfully repaired by the DIY homeowner. Seek professional help for doors requiring major fabrication or refinishing work. Properly maintaining and sealing doors extends their lifespan while making the home more energy efficient.

Cause of Gap	Diagnosis Tip	DIY Solution
Loose hinges	Check screws/mortises	Tighten screws or shim hinges
Warped frame	Inspect with level	Shim or replace frame
Poor alignment	Note inconsistent gaps	Adjust strike plate or shim jamb
Bad door fit	Door binds, doesn’t close flush	Trim door edges lightly

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