How to fix a door that rubs at the top 
Aurora, Ontario 

Understanding Why Your Door Rubs at the Top

When a door starts rubbing at the top, it can be annoying and cause damage over time. In Aurora, weather changes and humidity often affect doors by causing them to swell or shift. This rubbing could mean your door is misaligned, the hinges are loose, or the frame has settled. Knowing these basics helps figure out the best way to fix the problem.

Sometimes, wood doors swell after a rainy season or a humid summer. This extra moisture can cause the door to expand and press against the frame, especially at the top. If your door rubs there, it might not close smoothly or might leave marks on the frame or paint. Metal and fiberglass doors can also move slightly if the frame shifts or if the installation wasn’t perfect.

How to Check and Diagnose the Problem

Before you grab tools, start by inspecting the door carefully. Open and close it slowly to see exactly where the rubbing happens. Pay close attention to whether the problem is constant or happens only when the door is closed hard or at a certain angle. This gives clues about the cause.

Look at the hinges. If they are loose, the door might sag and rub near the top. Tightening the screws often helps. Also, check if the door frame is straight. Frames can settle over time due to the foundation or weather effects, causing the door to lean and rub. Examining the threshold and weather stripping to make sure they aren’t the cause is a good step.

One useful trick is to use a pencil or chalk to mark the rubbing area on the door or frame. Then, open the door to see where paint has rubbed off or where extra pressure is detected. This visual can guide your repairs.

Fixing the Door That Rubs at the Top

If the issue comes from the hinges, try tightening all the screws first. Use a screwdriver to secure them firmly. If screws spin without gripping, you can fill the hole with wooden toothpicks or matchsticks coated in wood glue. After it dries, reinsert the screw for a better hold.

Another fix involves adjusting the hinges themselves. Sometimes, hinges need slight repositioning to realign the door properly. Removing the hinge screws on the frame side and repositioning the hinge by a few millimeters can give the room the door needs to stop rubbing. Keep in mind this is a delicate task and should be done carefully to avoid damaging the door or frame.

If the door is swollen because of moisture, sanding down the top edge slightly can help. Use medium-grit sandpaper and remove only a little at a time. Check often by closing the door to avoid taking off too much material. If you sand carefully, this can improve the door’s clearance and stop the rubbing.

For metal or fiberglass doors, sanding might not be the best approach. Instead, check if the door panel or frame has warped. In such a case, adjusting or replacing weather stripping on the door frame can make enough space to eliminate rubbing.

When to Call in Professional Help

If you’ve tried tightening screws, adjusting hinges, and sanding but the door still rubs at the top, it might be time to get more expert help. Problems like a heavily warped frame or door need specialized tools and experience to fix correctly. In Aurora, contacting Everest Windows and Doors is a smart move. They offer a range of door and window services, from sales to installation, that can ensure your door fits perfectly and works smoothly. Plus, their service includes evaluation, repair, or replacement if needed, making the process simple for homeowners.

For those interested, Everest’s door options cover various materials and styles, which might be the perfect upgrade if your current door is too old or damaged. They also provide information on installation and maintenance on their information page. Plus, their project gallery shows examples of quality work done around Aurora.

Maintaining Your Doors to Prevent Future Problems

Once the rubbing issue is fixed, caring for your door will keep it working well. Regularly check the hinges and tighten screws if they get loose. Keep the door and frame clean to avoid dirt buildup that can cause stickiness or damage. Applying a weatherproof finish or paint on wood doors helps protect them from warping during wet or humid seasons.

For metal or fiberglass doors, inspect seals and weather stripping annually. Replacing worn-out strips keeps the door snug but not too tight. This also improves energy efficiency by sealing out drafts. Making small repairs quickly helps keep the door in top shape and avoids more costly issues later on.

Since the climate in Aurora can change with the seasons, adjusting maintenance routines accordingly is helpful. For example, after winter, check for water damage or warping and fix as needed before the spring and summer season.