Why Is My Door Rubbing Against The Frame? Causes and Solutions

Have you been struggling to open or close your door? Do you ever feel like you’re in a wrestling match with your door when all you’re trying to do is leave your house? 

It sounds like you’re having some functional problems with your door. Whether it's a front, back patio, or side door, it's hard to ignore when something is wrong with it. 

So, you’re wondering why your door is behaving like this, what the causes are, and how you can fix it. 

Do you need to replace the whole door system? Will you have to hire a professional to repair it? Is the solution something you can do yourself?

Don’t freak out. We’ll answer all your questions regarding your door issues in this article. 

Southwest Exteriors has been an expert door replacement company in San Antonio since 1989. We offer complete door replacements that provide a lifetime solution with a door that won’t fail you. 

Although we only perform full door replacements and not repairs, we want to provide you with the right information, so you understand the solution to the door problems you are experiencing. 

This article will dive into what causes your door slab to run against the frame and what the right fix is. 

After reading, you’ll understand why your door has been causing you these issues and know the next steps to take to get your door working properly. 

What’s causing my door to rub against the frame? 2 causes and their solutions

If you’ve noticed your door has become increasingly difficult to open or close, you’re probably fed up with it. You can only stand so long using your entire body force just to leave the house and lock the door. 

So, what could cause this, and what are the solutions? There are two major causes of a door rubbing against the frame. 

1. The door is out of square
2. The hinges or the door are bent

Let's dissect each of these causes more and explain the best solution for the diagnosed problem. 

1. The door is out of square and does not fit in the frame properly 

The first major cause of a door rubbing against the frame is that the door is out of square. This means the door is not level, which has caused it to not line up with the door’s frame.

When a door is first installed, it must be leveled horizontally and vertically to function properly. A door should fit flush in the frame. A sign of this would be if you open the door, and it can remain in the same position without swinging open or closed. 

If the door slab is rubbing against the frame when you open or close the door, then it is not level in the frame. This could be caused either by an improper installation or foundational shifting. 

• If you’ve experienced this problem since your door was installed, it is most likely an installation issue. Your door may not have been installed properly level in the frame. 

• If this is a new problem you’ve recently noticed, your home may have shifted on the foundation. This would make any opening in your home, like a window or a door, shift out of square, causing the door to not fit perfectly in the frame. 

What is the solution if my door is out of square? 

If your door is not fitting properly in the frame because you believe it to be out of square, it may need a simple adjustment around the frame. 

A door is adjusted around the frame to relevel it by using small shims around the door frame and the wall. Shims are wedged between the door frame and wall to properly level the door to the exact position for it to function properly. 

This is a simple adjustment that can be made by a professional using the right tools, products, and techniques. 

If you have been experiencing this issue since your door was installed, it may have been installed incorrectly. 

If this is the case, you will want to have a professional door replacement company inspect the door to diagnose the problem properly. 

2. The hinges of the door are bent

The second reason your door may be rubbing against the frame is if the hinges are bent, causing the door to angle upward or downward. This would make the bottom or top side of the door and corners then grind against the surrounding frame. 

You may wonder, “How could the hinges on my door become bent?” 

Well, this could be a symptom of old age or constant, forceful wear and tear on your door. 

• If your door is over 20 years old, the hinges may have become bent over time from the constant use of opening, closing, pushing, and pulling on your door. 

• If your door is not that old, but you notice the hinges look bent, it may be due to forceful use on the door. The door may be open and closed with the combination of pulling the door upwards or pushing it downwards simultaneously. This could cause the hinges to start to bend either way, up or down. 

What is the solution to a door with bent hinges? 

If you notice your door’s hinges are bent or suspect this may be the cause of your door rubbing against the frame, the hinges may need to be readjusted or completely replaced. 

If the hinges are not bent but loose around the frame, you may be able to tighten the screws on the door to make it square in the frame. But, if the hinges are bent and damaged, they will need to be replaced, which you may be able to do yourself, or you may want to hire a professional to do it. 

Regardless, the best thing you can do for your door and your home is to have a professional assess your door and provide you with the right solution. 

Finding the right solution to fix your door problems

Now that you know two common causes of a door rubbing against your door frame, you can understand why this problem is occurring and what the proper solution is. 

• If you think your door is rubbing against the frame because it has fallen out of the square, you may need your door to be adjusted around the frame by a professional. 

• If you think the door was installed incorrectly and that is the reason you are experiencing your issues, then you may need to have your door completely replaced and reinstalled. 

• If your door issues are caused by bent hinges, the hinges may need to be adjusted or completely replaced. 

No matter the cause of your door issues, we recommend contacting a professional door replacement company to take a look at your door, asses what’s causing the problem, and provide you with the right solution. 

At Southwest Exteriors, we offer high-quality door replacement services for all San Antonio homeowners. 

If you experience issues with the door that we install, we will do all we can to fix it for as long as you own your home. 

While we do not offer door repair services, we want you to have the right information to know what the best solution is for your door problems. 

Whether you’re experiencing your door not opening and closing properly or have noticed a draft coming through your door, you may be wondering what truly constitutes a full door replacement. 

Check out this article that outlines three signs that it’s time to replace your door. Then, you’ll understand if the problems you are experiencing warrant a full door replacement or know if you can just get your door repaired.