A sagging door usually happens because of one or more of these issues: loose hinges, worn hinge screws, a misaligned frame, or humidity warping the wood. Over time, the top hinge especially can loosen, causing the door to tilt and rub or not latch properly.
Here’s how to fix it:
- Check the hinges. Tighten any loose screws with a screwdriver. If the screws won’t tighten, replace them with longer ones (like 2.5–3 inches) to grip deeper into the wall stud.
- Inspect the hinge placement. If the door is sagging from the top, remove the top hinge, fill stripped holes with wooden matchsticks or dowels and wood glue, then reattach the hinge with longer screws.
- Adjust the hinge position. You can shim the lower hinge (add thin cardboard or a washer behind it) to slightly tilt the door back into alignment.
- Check the frame and door for warping. If the door itself is warped, you may need to replace it.
If you've tightened everything and the door still sags or rubs badly, the frame may be out of square, which could require a pro to realign.
