Bottom of Door Hits Before Top [Easy Way to Solve]

If you’ve ever struggled to open or close a door because the bottom hits the door jamb before the top, you know how frustrating it can be. This problem, known as the bottom of the door hitting before the top, can be caused by a variety of factors. These include a warped door or a twisted door jamb.

In this article, we’ll explore the possible causes of this issue. We’ll also provide solutions for fixing it, so you can enjoy smooth, easy-to-use doors in your home.

Bottom of Door Hits Before Top

If the bottom of a door hits the door jamb before the top, it could be due to several factors. One possibility is that the door itself is warped. This causes one corner to hit before the others. Another possibility is that the door jamb is twisted. The bottom of one side may be ahead of the other.

This can happen as a house settles, even if the jamb was originally installed perfectly.

To address this issue, make controlled adjustments to the hinges and jamb rather than trying to “move” the hinge location without proper preparation. Start by tightening hinge screws, replacing short or stripped screws with long screws that reach the framing, and adding thin shims behind hinge leaves where needed. If the jamb must be shifted, remove or loosen the screws that fasten the jamb to the rough opening and insert shims to reposition it; drilling new hinge screw holes or enlarging old ones should be done carefully and the old holes filled if not used. Avoid relying on latching the door against a spacer as a permanent fix — it can temporarily improve the fit but may place stress on the latch and frame.

Possible Causes

There are two main causes of the bottom of a door hitting the door jamb before the top. These are a warped door or a twisted door jamb.

Warped Door

A warped door is one that is not perfectly flat. This can cause one corner to hit before the others. Changes in humidity can cause the door to expand or contract. A door that was not properly installed or maintained can also become warped over time.

Twisted Door Jamb

A twisted door jamb is one that is not straight or flush with the wall. This can happen as a house settles, even if the jamb was originally installed perfectly. A twisted door jamb can cause the bottom of one side of the door to hit before the top.

Before You Proceed to Solutions

There are a few things to keep in mind or have on hand when addressing this issue:

Know the Cause

It is important to determine the cause of the problem before trying to fix it. This can help you choose the most appropriate solution.

Have the Right Tools

Depending on the solution you choose, you may need certain tools. These include a screwdriver, a hammer, a plane, a chisel, a block plane or power planer, a drill, long screws (3″ or longer for pulling hinges to framing), and thin shims. Make sure you have the tools you need before you start working on the door.

Take Your Time

It is important to take your time and make careful adjustments. Rushing the process or applying too much force can cause damage to the door or the jamb.

Test the Door

After making adjustments, test the door to make sure it is closing properly. Open and close the door a few times to see if the problem has been resolved.

Solutions

There are several solutions that can help fix this issue. These include:

Adjusting the Hinge Mounts

Rather than attempting to shift hinge mortises, first tighten all hinge screws. Replace short or stripped screws with longer ones that reach the structural framing—this often pulls the door back into alignment. If the jamb is out of plane, remove the screws holding the hinge jamb to the frame and insert thin shims behind the hinge at the appropriate locations to correct twist. When new hinge screw holes are required, fill unused or stripped holes with wood filler or dowels and glue to restore holding power before re-screwing.

Installing Door Stop at a Slight Angle or Trimming It to an Acceptable Taper

If the door stop is preventing the door from seating correctly, carefully trim or plane the stop so the door can close evenly. Make small adjustments and test repeatedly—removing too much material can create gaps and reduce seal and security.

Latching the Door Against a Small Spacer

Using a thin spacer as a temporary measure can help hold the door in a better position while you plan a lasting repair, but it is not a recommended permanent fix. If you use a spacer, choose a noncompressible material and avoid forcing the door into place, which can damage hardware and the frame.

It is worth noting that these solutions may not work for every door and every situation. In some cases, it may be necessary to consult a professional for further assistance.

Tips for Fixing a Door

Here are some additional tips for fixing a door that hits the door jamb at the bottom before the top:

Check for Loose or Damaged Hardware

Inspect and tighten all hinge screws, strike-plate screws, and other fasteners. Replace any stripped screws and consider using longer screws to secure hinges to the framing for better alignment and strength.

Check the Alignment of the Hinges

Make sure the hinges are properly aligned with the door and the door jamb. If the hinges are misaligned, it can cause the door to hit the jamb at the bottom before the top.

Check the Floor

If the floor is uneven or sloped, it can cause the door to hit the jamb at the bottom before the top. In this case, you may need to adjust the door stop or use shims to level the door.

Check the Door Jamb

If the door jamb is not straight or is not flush with the wall, it can cause the door to hit the jamb at the bottom before the top. In this case, you may need to adjust the door jamb or use shims to level it.

Use a Plane

If the door edge rubs slightly, remove small amounts of material with a hand plane or power planer. Mark the area to remove, plane in small increments, and check fit frequently to avoid removing too much material.

Use a Door Sweep

A door sweep is a strip of material that fits along the bottom of the door and seals the gap between the door and the floor. If the gap between the door and the jamb is small, a door sweep can help the door close more evenly and improve weatherproofing.

Use a Weatherstrip

A weatherstrip is a strip of material that fits along the sides and top of the door and seals the gap between the door and the door jamb. If the gap between the door and the jamb is small, a weatherstrip can help the door close more evenly.

Conclusion

The bottom of a door hitting the door jamb before the top can be a frustrating problem. It can be caused by a warped door or a twisted door jamb. Adjusting the hinge mounts, installing door stop at a slight angle or trimming it to an acceptable taper, and using temporary shims or spacers carefully are all potential solutions.

If the bottom of your door hits before the top when closing, it’s likely due to misalignment or settling of the door frame. This issue can often be resolved by adjusting the hinges or sanding down the bottom edge of the door. Proper alignment ensures smooth operation and prevents damage to the door and frame.

Important practical note based on common experience: you cannot safely ‘move’ a hinge without addressing the screw holes—changing the hinge location often requires new, correctly placed screw holes and filling or repairing the old ones. A common and effective method is to remove the long screw that secures the hinge jamb to the framing, loosen the other screws, insert shims as needed to shift the jamb slightly, then re-secure with long screws into solid framing. Be careful when pulling the jamb—many installers use sealant or foam in the gap; removing or crushing insulating material such as fiberglass will reduce its R-value and can damage the thermal seal. If the cavity behind the jamb is filled with insulation, replace or restore the insulation if disturbed.

While fixing your door, consider other common door-related issues. For example, if your deadbolt doesn’t retract all the way, it could indicate a misaligned strike plate or a faulty mechanism. Additionally, understanding the rough opening size for a 72-inch bi-fold door can help with installation projects. For more tips, explore our guide on why shades are so expensive.