interior wood door binding at the top

I'm having a problem that seems to be the opposite of most info I'm finding on the web. An interior door won't close, it hits the top of the jamb, directly above the door handle. I've been in this house 2 years, and now I can't remember if it ever closed correctly, but it's been this way at least 6 months.

When I open the door enough to put a level on it, it shows level, and the latch side is plumb. The top of the jamb is a bit out of level, but the latch side jamb is plumb.

Should I just go ahead and shave the top down so it closes? I read somewhere once you should always try adjusting first, but I don't know what to adjust here. All of the hinge screws look like they are in tight.

I'm in the phoenix area so I doubt humidity swelled it, but you never know.

Thanks.

 

If the door itself seems level but the head jamb is out of level, then it's likely that your latch side jamb is moving downward for some reason... perhaps the framing is settling or the jamb doesn't have solid shims underneath it or something.

One adjustment you could "try" is to remove a jamb side screw from the BOTTOM hinge and replace it with a 3" long screw that would go into the stud. This should cause the top of the door to lower slightly. But if it makes the gap too big along the side of the door below the latch then you probably are tightening the screw too much.

You are right that you normally try to adjust the door jamb to make it work, but if that does not work or isn't feasable, then yes, you can just shave some off the door.

I'd actually suggest a belt sander instead of cutting the door with a saw. When cutting a door, the tendency for a DIYer is to accidentally remove too much at one time. Belt sanding can usually be done a little at a time while the door is still hanging on the hinges, and you can keep closing the door to see if you're making any progress. Good luck!

 

Thanks for the reply. The house isn't a new build, it was built in the late 70s. I had some major renovations done before I moved in, but can't recall if the door was a part of it. I think I get what you are talking about with the screw, I'll give that a try, and if that doesn't do it, take a sander to it.

Thanks again.

 

If it is newer construction with 2 1/4 casings, preferable not painted to the wall, I would take the casings off, and move the jamb to where it needs to be. A door could be completely removed and reinstalled in a couple of hours for an average DIY'er.

Now, if the casings are more ornate, or covered with 6 layers of lead based paint, then i would shave the panel.

But that's just what I would do.....

Whatever you do GOOD LUCK