Whether your door is warped, has been damaged by high temperatures or is a victim of moisture, there are ways to fix a warped door frame. The first step is to identify the type of damage. Moisture, high temperatures, and forced entry attempts can damage a door frame. Then, install new shims to level it out. Once this is done, the door will be level again.
Termites can gnaw on a door frame
A damaged door frame may be a sign that termites have infested the structure. Subterranean termites can live up to 200 feet underground. These creatures leave behind tunnels that they use to reach their meal. The damage they cause is usually small and circular. When termites attack a door frame, you’ll likely notice small, circular holes. Termites are often hard to spot, and this is why termite damage to door frames is so common.
When termites invade a home, they start out as tiny colonies. These creatures prefer moist, warm, and dark environments. Their main goal is to find food sources. In addition to wood, termites can attack door frames and other wooden structures. While these structures look fine from the outside, inside they’re packed with intricate tunnels and holes. Sometimes, you can see the termites as holes, or even see traces of the damage by pressing on the wood with your fingers.
In addition to destroying wooden structures, termites also destroy wooden door and window frames. Their gnawing activity causes the frames of the doors and windows to become warped and stiff. While this may be normal during the warmer months, it can be a sign of a termite infestation. This problem can be aggravated by seasonal changes in humidity. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to call a pest control professional.
Installing new shims to level out the door
Depending on the level of your doors, installing new shims can make a big difference in the way they fit. By using new shims, you can correct many of the issues that may have caused the doors to not fit properly. Installing new shims can be done by following the directions below. After you have the shims installed, use a utility knife or a fine-tooth saw to cut the excess from the door frame.
To level the door frame, install new shims on the jambs on the rough opening side. Ensure there is at least a quarter-inch gap on each side. Slide the jamb into the framed opening using the new shims. Use a long carpenter’s level to adjust the shims as needed. To fasten the shims into the framing, use eight-d nails.
To install new shims, measure the gaps and subtract the gap from the measured width. Using a ruler makes this task easier. Use thin cardboard as shim material, as it won’t compress when driving screws through it or when tightening hinge screws. You can even stack two pieces of cardboard to increase the shim thickness. You can also use a flat bar to raise the low end of the sill.
Repairing a warped door frame
If your door is slightly warped, you can usually straighten it by using a heavy object. You must remove the interior stops around the sidelights so that the edge of the panel can be exposed. You can use a longer screw to sink into the jamb. Then, let the door dry for several hours. After it dries completely, you can reinstall it and enjoy a perfectly straight door.
If the frame has warped, it’s a simple process. First, remove the moldings that surround the door frame. Next, remove the shims and trim that frame the top and sides of the door. You’ll need a putty knife to remove the old moldings. After you have removed the trim, you need to measure the width of the door opening and the width of the frame.
You can remove the damaged part of the door. You’ll also have to sand and seal the top and bottom edges. Next, place a heavy weight on the slightly bowed part of the door and leave it there for at least 24 hours. Repeat the process every day until the warp disappears. You can also place a wet towel over the warped area. When the door is completely straight, you can then apply two coats of paint and finish the door.
