door closes itself
#1
03-23-08, 12:36 PM
door closes itself
we moved into a new house & my daughter's bedroom (standard hollow-core 6 panel wood) door swings closed if not propped open. Is this because the door's not balanced or level? Any suggestions on how to fix this so the door stays open on it's own?
#2
03-23-08, 02:42 PM
In most cases it is the jamb that was not installed perfectly plumb. Place a long level vertically along the jamb on the hinge side. That is usually where the problem is. Let us know what your readings are.
#3
03-24-08, 12:23 PM
The door is next to the wall so the only place I can get a level on the jamb is directly over (on top of) the hinges, and it reads level there.
Any other ideas or suggestions?
Any other ideas or suggestions?
Last edited by mik; 03-24-08 at 01:22 PM.
#4
03-24-08, 03:31 PM
Go to the other side of the hinge side where the hinges aren't protruding, and take a reading, not on the molding, but on the casing itself. There should be a 3/16" reveal that you can set the level on.
#5
03-24-08, 05:02 PM
Group Moderator
Open the door 90 degrees and put the level on the latch edge of the door. This is what Chandler means by the jamb not being plumb. It's usually because the wall is not plumb.
When doors swing shut, most of the time it's because the wall is leaning, so when you open the door it's like you are pushing it uphill. When you let go of the door it wants to fall "downhill".
When doors swing shut, most of the time it's because the wall is leaning, so when you open the door it's like you are pushing it uphill. When you let go of the door it wants to fall "downhill".
#7
03-25-08, 05:52 AM
Member
You can also rehang the door so that it is plumb. Not a difficult job.
Lots of walls are out of plumb, but ensuring the jambs are plumb will make sure the door operates properly. Just be aware that if the wall is really off, you may have to do a bit of tweaking to get a good fit on the casing.
Lots of walls are out of plumb, but ensuring the jambs are plumb will make sure the door operates properly. Just be aware that if the wall is really off, you may have to do a bit of tweaking to get a good fit on the casing.
#8
03-25-08, 02:54 PM
Thanks for all the suggestions; everything I checked was level & plumb. Finally I checked all the hinges & found the bottom one on the door wasn't 'seated' all the way in the jamb, so I removed it & chiseled out the jamb just a hair & replaced the hinge flush. That worked fine. I should have checked that before asking any of you anything but thanks again for the direction!
