how to repair or replace your doorshow to repair or replace your doors

Gaps around your exterior front door can let in drafts, lead to higher energy costs, and even provide an entrance to insect pests. Repair methods depend on the cause of the gaps.

1. Weather Seal Failure

One common issue that causes a door gap is failed weather sealing. When the seals around the door begin to compress or peel away, the door won't sit as flush in the frame. Fortunately, this is a very easy repair to make. First, the old weatherstripping is completely removed and the frame is cleaned. Then new stripping is installed to create a tight and snug fit.

2. Frame Rot

If you have an old wooden door frame, then rot could be the cause of the gaps. As the frame rots, it can warp, swell, or shrink, which can lead to a poor fit of the door inside the frame. You can check for rot by pressing a fingernail into the wood. If it sinks in easily, then rot is the likely culprit. Repair involves removing the old frame and replacing it with a new one. Consider a metal door frame, as it will last longer and is more secure. 

3. Warped Wood

Wood doors are prone to damage, just like wood frames. If a wooden door becomes warped over time, often due to weathering or absorbing moisture, it won't fit tightly into the frame anymore. Warping can't be fixed in most cases, which means that the only reasonable solution is to replace the door. Consider an insulated metal or vinyl door so you won't have to worry about warping in the future. 

4. Alignment Issues

A sagging door is no longer in proper alignment with the frame. Not only will you end up with gaps around the door, but it may also be difficult to move the door, and the latches may not easily line up properly. Most alignment issues can be fixed by adjusting the hinges until the door is no longer sagging. In some cases, the hinges may also need to be adjusted to bring them back into alignment if the sagging is severe. 

5. Missing Door Sweep

An otherwise good condition door may have a gap along the bottom threshold, which makes it seem as though the door is too short for the door frame. There is no need to buy a new door, though. Instead, install a threshold door sweep along the bottom of the door to seal the gap and solve the problem.

Contact a door repair service, such as AM PM Door Service, if you need more help to fix a gap around your front door.