How To Fix an Uneven Storm Door Frame

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Things You'll Need

  • Phillips head screwdriver

  • Thick cardboard

  • Utility knife

  • 4-foot level

  • Shims

As your house settles, you may need to adjust the storm door frame. Fixing an uneven storm door frame may be as easy as installing shims behind the door hinges. The storm door frame mounts inside the wooden door frame opening on your home. When the wood expands and contracts, it can cause the frame to become uneven. A few small adjustments will get your storm door working smoothly.

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Step 1

Tighten any loose screws inside the door frame. Screws will often work themselves loose, causing the frame to move away from the inside jamb. Install larger screws if the existing holes have become larger.

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Step 2

Open and close the door to determine where the door is binding. You may be able to use thick cardboard shims behind a door hinge to remedy the door binding.

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Step 3

Open the door and disconnect the bottom hinge from the frame, if the door is binding at the top. Remove the screws that secure the hinge to the door frame with a Phillips head screwdriver.

Step 4

Cut a piece of thick cardboard to the size of the hinge leaf with a utility knife. Place the cardboard on the door frame and position the hinge leaf back over the cardboard and frame. Secure the hinge with the retaining screws.

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Step 5

Remove the top hinge from the frame, if the door is binding toward the bottom. Remove the securing screws and place a piece of cardboard between the hinge and door frame. Secure the hinge over the cardboard and frame with the retaining screws.

Step 6

Check the plumb and levelness of the storm door frame jamb sides and top frame with a 4-foot level. Remove screws from the frame and place small wood shims between the frame and rough opening where necessary. Resecure the frame to the rough opening with the retaining screws.

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