Inspect the hinges: Look for gaps or screws sticking out.

Use a spirit level: Place a spirit level along the edge of the door to see if it’s misaligned.

Open and close the door: Notice if it rubs against the frame or floor and where.

If you think you have a dropped door, try these quick fixes mentioned below, before you rush to plane the doors or replace them altogether.

What causes a door to drop?

1. Loose hinges: Over time, screws gradually work their way out of the wood, causing the hinges to loosen and the door to drop or sag. You'll know this is the cause if you notice gaps around the hinge area or if the door is wobbly. The top hinge, in particular, is prone to this, as it bears most of the door's weight.
2. Stripped screws: Another common reason for a door to drop is stripped screws, as they can't hold the door firmly in place. Stripped screws might look fine, but as they can no longer grip effectively, the door sags and misaligns with the frame.
3. Having an uneven door: Wood is sensitive to changes in humidity, and if subjected to high moisture levels, especially in older or untreated wood, the doors can warp, swell, and drop from their intended position.

How do you fix a dropped door?

What do I need to fix a dropped door?

• Screwdriver
• Level
• Longer wood screws (2–3 inches)
• Shims
• Sandpaper or planer

Step 1: Tighten the screws

Start by tightening all the screws in each hinge, focusing on the top hinge since it bears most of the weight. We recommend using a screwdriver instead of a drill to tighten the hinges, as a drill can over-tighten the screws and cause more issues.

Step 2: Replace or upgrade screws if needed

If tightening the screws isn't working, it may be because the screws are stripped. All you'll need to do is replace the screws with new ones but try to find screws that are longer than the original.

If this doesn't work, try filling in the screw hole first. You can do this by glueing small wood splinters, like toothpicks, in the hole, before driving the original screw back in.

Step 3: Adjust the hinges

Usually, small adjustments are enough to realign a door if the hinges are still slightly off. Try loosening the screws slightly and repositioning the door back to where it needs to be before retightening the screws.

Step 4: Add or remove shims as needed

Adding shims

If the door is still sagging after tightening and replacing screws, you can try adding shims. Shims are thin pieces of wood or cardboard placed behind the hinge plate to adjust the door's alignment slightly. Simply remove the hinge screws, slide the shim behind the hinge, and reattach the hinge.

Removing shims

There may be an existing shim which now needs to be removed. Remove a visible shim by removing the hinge, taking the spacer out of it, and discarding it. Replace the hinge and rehang the door.

Step 5: Check and refit the latch or strike plate

If your door has dropped, the latch might no longer align with the strike plate, making it hard to shut. You can remove and reposition the strike plate so it aligns better and makes it easier to shut.

Step 6: Install a new hinge

Over time, old hinges can wear away as the screw rubs on the metal. If the screw rattles, the hinge might not be as tight as it should be.

If you can find a hinge that matches the door's other hinges, replace the hinge entirely. Or you might have to replace all three hinges at the same time to keep a uniform look.

Step 7: Sand the door

If you’re still finding that your door is sticking, you may need to do the trickier job of sanding or planing the door. Don’t worry, it’s not the most difficult job in the world, but it requires more care.

You’ll need to mark on the door exactly where it’s rubbing, remove it from its hinges and sand that part of the door down. Hang the door back on its hinges and see if the fit is any better - you may need a couple of tries to get it perfectly right. Once it fits, you can paint or stain the edge of the door to match the rest.

How to prevent your door from sagging

To prevent your door from sagging, there are a few things you can do:

Regularly check hinges: Occasional tightening and inspection can prevent loosening over time.

Maintain the frame: Treat wood frames, especially in areas with high humidity, to reduce warping. Sealing or painting frames can help protect them from moisture damage.

Avoid hanging heavy items on doors: If you have over-the-door hooks and hang heavy items, like coats or bags, this can contribute to sagging.

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