How to Adjust Your Front Door

If your front door is more than a few years old, you might find that you encounter common door problems such as sticking in the frame, hanging off the hinge or sagging which can cause issues when opening and closing your door. These are all problems that can occur as part of your door’s natural wear and tear, but they can make it look worn and affect its security and thermal performance.

No matter which material your front door is made from, the best way to fix these issues is often to adjust your front door. In this guide, we will provide more information on how you can easily adjust your front door without the help of a professional.

Identifying the problem

There are a number of common problems that may lead to your front door requiring adjustment. Knowing what the problem is can help you to adjust the door properly and understand why your door might not be closing or hanging properly.

Weather-related shrinking or swelling

The weather can have a huge impact on your door’s ability to open or close properly, depending on the material it’s made from. This is particularly true for wood and uPVC doors, as these materials can expand and contract when exposed to warmer and colder temperatures. On the other hand, this is not something that will usually occur with aluminium front doors or composite front doors.

During the summer, for example, an untreated wooden front door can swell in its frame and become too tight to open, leading to sticking. This is because wood is very sensitive to humidity and absorbs moisture from the air, causing the material to expand. On the other hand, during the winter when the air is drier, a wooden door can lose moisture and shrink. These seasonal processes can be slowed down by various wood treatments and finishes.

All Vufold front doors are made from engineered construction and are fully treated to counter common issues of warping and twisting.

Incorrect original fitting

If your door wasn’t fitted properly when it was originally installed, the alignment will be off, and you will need to adjust the door to make sure it opens and closes correctly, without sticking.

Misalignment

A door can become misaligned as a result of loose screws at the top and can mean that it will drop or not hang properly. A misaligned door will not fit into the frame correctly or open and close properly. This can cause draughts and provide an opportunity for intruders to gain access to your home. Adjusting the door can make sure it fits back into the frame properly.

Incorrect door alignment can also mean that your door doesn't line up with its locking mechanism properly, which can make it difficult to lock and unlock your door. This can also be caused by a front door outer frame not being installed square or level on all planes. Making sure you adjust your door will help to keep it as secure as possible.

Problems with the door hinges

If your door hinges are worn or not fitted properly, the door may not hang straight, and you might find it difficult to close it properly. Over time, the screws in the door hinges can come loose. This can affect the way the door hangs and provide a weak point for intruders to take advantage of. This can be rectified by adjusting the door and making sure the hinges are in place correctly.

Our Signature front doors prioritise security without compromising on style. Available in a range of prices and colours, these front doors are perfect for modern homes.

Adjusting your front door

If you encounter any of the problems listed above, your front door can be adjusted to make sure it sits flush in the frame, closes any gaps and ensures that your home is as secure as possible. Being able to adjust your front door allows you to keep it in great working order and prevent further problems with easy maintenance.

Follow these easy steps to adjust your front door or fix possible problems.

Step one

Diagnose the issue with your front door and work out where it is misaligned or if there are problems with the hinges or screws. This includes checking the frame levels.

Step two

Tighten the screws. Over the years, screws can work themselves loose. If your door is dragging on the floor or rubbing near the top of the door frame, use a screwdriver to tighten all of the screws in the door itself. Make sure you tighten the screws between the hinges and the door jamb as well. Avoid using a drill, as this could flatten the heads of the screws, and you will need to find replacements. Check the alignment of the doors to make sure the screws are tight enough and that the door still functions correctly.

Step three

Another method for adjusting the hinges of your front door is to pull out one of the screws in the middle of the hinge that connects to the door jamb. The screw in the hinge should be replaced with a brand new screw that can connect with the door jamb more efficiently and help to keep your door in place. Check if your doors have adjustable hinges; if so, refer to any manufacturer’s manuals on how to adjust them.

Step four

Fit the new screw into the hole using a screwdriver or drill. A drill will help to drive the screw fully into place and make sure it’s tighter than you can achieve with a manual screwdriver. This will help to pull the door back up into the door frame.

Step five

With the door back in place, the last step is to close the door as normal, standing back to ensure that it slides into the frame as it should. You want to see that the spacing all around the door is now even. For external doors, this space will help to prevent air filtration and keep your home protected from exterior draughts.

For information on how to adjust your front door or buying a new front door, contact our expert team.

Our Stockholm wooden front doors are perfect for traditional and modern homes alike, available in grey or natural wood finishes to fit with your desired aesthetic.

Does Adjustment Differ Based on the Type of Front Door?

Yes, different adjustments may need to be made depending on the type of door you own. However, they should still follow the same guide as above, but you may need to modify certain aspects.

Adjusting a Composite Front Door

Composite front doors usually feature modern 3D hinges that allow for easy adjustment. These hinges are typically flag or T hinges; the method for adjusting these doors involves removing the hinge covers using an Allen key to adjust screws for height or lateral movement.

Adjusting an Aluminium Door

Similar to a composite door, aluminium front doors need an Allen key for adjustment, which controls height, horizontal alignment, and compression. Due to the more premium nature of aluminium front doors, although easy enough to adjust, it may be worth consulting a professional to adjust your door.

Adjusting a Wooden Front Door

Wooden front doors in particular are much more susceptible to swelling and shrinking in humid and cold climates, respectively. Therefore, they may require more frequent adjustments when compared to composite and aluminium front doors. Hinges must be tightened or even replaced if the door has severely warped. However, this shouldn't be an issue if you purchase your door from a reputable manufacturer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to adjust a front door myself?

Adjusting the front door yourself is generally safe for minor issues as long as you use the right tools, such as a screwdriver or an Allen key. If you are uncomfortable performing DIY, get a friend or family member to help, or consult a professional

What should I do if my front door won't close properly?

If you've already tightened the hinges and your door still won't close, have a look for any possible obstructions, lubricate the latch, check for dropped hinges or adjust the strike plate.

Can loose hinges cause a problem with locking the door?

Yes, loose hinges can cause door lock problems, especially if they are causing the door to sag or misalign. To fix this, try tightening or replacing the screws or fixing any stripped holes.

Does adjusting the front door improve security?

Yes, adjusting the front door can improve security, as it eliminates gaps and ensures the door can be locked properly. Doors that are aligned properly can prevent forced entry by means of prying open the door, and tightened hinges can make doors harder to break down.

Does adjusting the front door help reduce draughts?

Yes, adjusting the front door is highly effective in minimising draughts, improving energy efficiency within the home.

Related Content:

·       How to fit a new front door and frame

·       How to draught-proof your front door

·       How to maintain your front door

·       How to childproof your front door

Author:

John Collins - Managing Director

About John Collins

John has built Vufold into a unique online door and window company and has spent 20 years bringing innovative products and designs to fruition, recognising niches in the market and placing them in the likes of Wickes and Travis Perkins, he started Vufold in order to sell them directly. John founded Vufold and has amassed a wealth of experience in product design and development, and in particular timber-based products

Read more about John Collins