Door Troubleshooting and Installation

Do your homework before replacing a door; carefully check the condition of all the components. Any problems with the hinges and jamb must be resolved before measurements are taken for the replacement door.

Before installing a new door into an existing jamb, it is important to check the condition of the hinges, jamb and door. Any problems with the hinges and jamb must be resolved prior to measuring the dimensions of the replacement door. When a door opening is in good condition, the jamb is plumb and the opening is square. If a standard door uses standard hinges, there should be approximately 1/8" along the hinge edge and 1/8" along the lock edge. If the door uses a continuous hinge, use the manufacturer's suggested dimension for the hinge side of the door. There can be an additional 1/16" for jamb irregularities. The door should have approximately 3/16" to 5/8" undercut at the floor. The undercut will vary depending upon the installation.

Before replacing a door, consider why the door is being replaced. If the door is damaged, where and how did the damage occur? Was the damage the result of and accident, corrosion, or wear? The answer can usually only be determined by examining the door, the hinges and the opening.

When asked, most customers will describe the result(s) of door problem(s), not the door's problem(s). You will have to determine the cause of the problem(s) and the solution. For example, the customer tells you the door drags on the threshold, or the door will not close properly. These are not the actual problems; they are the results of the problems. The actual problems could be that the building has settled, the jamb has moved out of position, and/or the hinges are worn. Realize that there can be more than one reason for the doors' problem(s).

EXAMINE THE OPENING

When examining a door and the opening, the first step is to try opening and closing the door. Does the door swing freely? Does the door latch and close completely? Look closely along the edges of the closed door. Is the door square with the jamb/threshold at the top, sides, and bottom? Is there sufficient space between the door and the jamb/threshold? Is the jamb out of square? Is there excessive clearance along one or more of the door's edges? Inconsistent clearances on a given side of door can be the result of an out of square or twisted jamb, or improperly seated or worn hinges.

One problem can be that the threshold lifts, which causes the bottom of the door to drag over the raised portion of the threshold. Tightening the threshold fasteners can properly position the threshold in the door opening.

Note: If this solves the problem, use thread adhesive or new fasteners to ensure the threshold stays in place. If not, look further.

If the door does not properly fit the opening, the problem could be the building has settled or was racked in an earthquake. Walk around the building and look for evidence of damage. This can include cracking on the exterior, and window and door frames that are no longer level. Depending upon the degree of settling, door replacement may be just a temporary fix.

Another problem is worn hinges. Examine and tighten all of the screws in all the hinges. Replace any missing screws. If any of the screws do not tighten, depending upon the jamb material, install longer or larger screws. Lubricate the hinges. Open and close the door. Do the hinges function smoothly? Is the door swing level? Are there missing or worn pieces of the hinges?

The heavier and wider the door, the greater the amount of force is placed on the hinges. This can cause the hinges to wear and eventually cause problems. Should the problem be worn hinges, obtain the proper hinges for the height, width and weight of the door. If the door opens out, use non-removable pin (NRP) hinges to prevent unauthorized access.