Page 223 - 2018 National Home Improvement

2018 National Home Improvement Estimator, All Rights Reserved Page 181

Figure 9-7 shows standard door clearances. Measure the opening width and plane the edge for proper
side clearances. Slightly bevel each door edge that fits against the stop. If necessary, square and trim
the top of the door for proper fit. In cold climates, exterior doors should have weather seals.

Interior Doors
Most interior doors get heavy use. But they don’t have many moving parts and tend to be durable.
Sticking or binding with the jamb and failure to latch are the most common problems. Sticking or
binding will rarely be the result of heavy use or abuse. The most common cause is movement in the
building frame. Settling at the foundation, shrinkage of framing lumber or heavy floor loads can warp the
frame out of square and cause a door to bind. In most cases, minor adjustments will solve the problem.

To remedy a binding door, first find the point of contact. You’ll usually see scuff marks where the door
and jamb are rubbing together. Here are some simple repairs.

•Binding on the top or lock edge. Use a hand plane to remove 1/8" of door where you see scuff
marks. Some paint touch-up will be needed where the door edge was sanded or planed off.

•Binding on the hinge side. The hinges may be routed too deeply, causing the door to “bounce” open
if the latch doesn’t catch. Loosen the hinge leaf enough to add a shim under the leaf. Then retighten the
leaf screws.

•Scraping at the bottom edge. The frame may be out of square. Or, a thicker floor cover has been
installed. Plane or saw off enough door edge to provide floor clearance.

•The latch doesn’t close – interior door. Remove the strike plate and adjust the position slightly or
shim it out slightly. To replace the latch, you may need longer screws. Before replacing the old screws,
try inserting a filler (such as a wood matchstick) into the old screw hole. Then drive the screw in the
same hole. If the latch is secure, you’re done.

Doors will also bind when they absorb excess moisture during humid weather. This is a symptom of the
door not being completely sealed at the edges. Sealing the edges with paint or varnish should solve the
problem.