Nightmare Door Installations: Horror Stories and How to Prevent Them

Having a properly installed Door is incredibly important for security, safety, and comfort in your home. Unfortunately, many door installations go wrong, as the horror stories in this blog demonstrate.

Misaligned frames, loose hinges, and improper measurements can cause all sorts of issues, like sticking doors, noisy squeaks, and uneven gaps that detract from your home’s beauty.

But with the right preparation and care during installation, most problems can be avoided. The key is to measure carefully, square, and level the frame meticulously, position the hinges precisely, and lubricate all parts thoroughly.

Taking these steps at the outset will give you peace of mind that your new door installation will work smoothly for many years.

The Importance of Proper Door Installations

Having a properly installed door on your home is super important for a few big reasons.

Here’s a rundown of the top benefits of taking the time to do the job right:

1. Security – If your door isn’t installed correctly, it won’t close or lock securely. This means less protection from intruders and unwanted guests. A well-installed door with a solid frame actually deters would-be thieves simply by looking sturdy.
2. Weather resistance – Doors keep out the elements like wind and rain when installed correctly. Gaps, improper flashing, and loose hinges will allow moisture inside and cause damage over time.
3. Energy efficiency – When your door opens and closes, conditioned air escapes. Good installation minimizes air leaks and helps keep your heating and cooling bills lower. Properly installed weatherstripping around the edges helps a lot.
4. Safety – Wobbly, unsecured doors pose a risk of injuries from slammed fingers to whole-body falls. Making sure hinges and knobs are tight and secure ensures everyone’s safety.
5. Longevity – If your doorframe isn’t correctly squared and level before installing the door, the pressure of opening and closing will cause it to bind, stick, and warp more quickly. The correct installation extends the life of your door.

So, in the end, taking the time to do a proper door installation — meaning square and level frames, snug fits, and attention to weatherproofing — pays off in a safer, more secure, and longer-lasting door for your home. It’s so worth doing the job right the very first time!

Horror Story #1 – The Misaligned Door

The first sign of trouble is often immediately after installation when the door sticks when opening or closing. This is because even the slightest misalignment can cause friction and rubbing against the door jamb. Over time, this excessive friction can actually wear down the door, the jamb, and any hardware.

Issues that result from a misaligned door installation include:

-Uneven or excess gaps between the door and jamb can be wide at the bottom and narrow at the top or vice versa. This is unsightly and reduces privacy and security.

-Warping or twisting of the door itself as it rubs against the jamb, causing it to stick even worse over time. Warped doors are difficult to open and close smoothly.

-Premature wear of door hinges, strike plates, and other hardware can lead to replacement needs sooner than expected.

After a misaligned installation, the number one complaint homeowners have with new door installations is sticking doors that rub against the jamb. Beyond the annoyance factor, sticking doors can quickly lead to damage and premature wear.

How to prevent this issue:

•Measure the door frame and door accurately, even double-checking measurements.

•Square the door frame plumb and level before securing it. Use a square and spirit level.

•Use shims as needed underneath the frame to ensure it is level and square.

•Adjust and align the hinges carefully, making small adjustments gradually until the fit is snug but not tight.

Horror Story #2 – The Sticking Door

After a misaligned installation, the number one complaint homeowners have with new door installations is sticking doors that rub against the jamb. Beyond the annoyance factor, sticking doors can quickly lead to damage and premature wear.

Common causes of sticking doors include:

-Warped or twisted door frames that have become bowed over time. Old frames are especially susceptible. This warping causes the door to rub against the high or low side of the jamb.

-Hinges that are incorrectly positioned too high or low. This can be due to measurement errors or improper shimming during installation. The hinges then cause the door to rub against the top or bottom of the jamb.

-Strike plates that are not positioned exactly where the latch bolt meets the frame when closed. This forces the latch and door to rub against the jamb to engage the strike plate.

-Improperly adjusted or tightened hinges. Hinges that are not snug enough can allow the door to shift and rub over time. But over-tightening can also warp or twist the hinges.

How to prevent:

• Check that the door frame is plumb and square before installing the door.

• Position hinges precisely so the door hangs level and is centered in the frame.

•Adjust hinges slightly if needed and secure firmly to prevent shifting over time.

• Tighten and adjust the strike plate so the door latch engages smoothly each time.

• Apply silicone lube to the hinges and other rubbing points before hanging the door.

Horror Story #3 – The Noisy Door

After misaligned and sticking doors, noisy doors are one of the most common complaints about new installations. Squeaks, rattles, and other sounds can be maddening and embarrassing, particularly in bedrooms and bathrooms.

A typical “horror story” noisy door scenario might involve:

-A newly installed pre-hung door that starts squeaking loudly within a few months. The noise becomes more frequent and bothersome over time.

-The squeaking occurs primarily when opening and closing the door but also sometimes at random. The source of the sound seems impossible to locate.

-Attempts to lubricate hinges and other hardware only provide temporary relief before the squeaking returns. Replacing the hinges has no lasting effect.

How to prevent:

•Position hinges accurately and tightens screws firmly to secure hinges in place.

• Lubricate all hinges, latch hardware, and door bottom sweep thoroughly with silicone or graphite lube before hanging the door.

• Check for loose screws in hinges and hardware and retighten as needed.

•Add rubber bumpers or tape and weatherstripping as needed to eliminate or muffle remaining squeaks.

• As a last resort, replace poorly fitted or worn hinges that cannot be properly lubricated to stop squeaking.

To Sum Up:

Trusted Door Seller: Doorvisual, a reputable and reliable door seller, providing high-quality products to our customers. With years of experience in the industry, we have gained the trust of numerous clients through our exceptional service and commitment to customer satisfaction.

Professional Installations: Our team of skilled technicians ensures seamless and professional door installations. We take pride in our meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that each door is fitted securely and operates smoothly. Our installations are completed efficiently, minimizing any disruption to your daily routine.

Superior Craftsmanship: We offer doors crafted with precision and excellence, using the finest materials available. Our doors are built to withstand the test of time, combining durability with aesthetic appeal. Whether it’s for residential or commercial purposes, our doors will enhance the beauty and functionality of any space.

Our Installation Works:

Laminate Main Door Installation – Click Here

Laminate Bedroom Door Installation – Click here

In the end, proper door installations really aren’t too difficult if you take your time, measure carefully, square and level the frame, and install hinges accurately and securely. 

But rushing through an installation or neglecting key alignment steps can quickly lead to sticking, squeaking, or other problematic doors that feel more like nightmares. 

So, my advice? Spend the extra time upfront for a quality installation, check and adjust meticulously, and lubricate all moving parts thoroughly. 

This will give you peace of mind knowing your doors will operate smoothly for years, cause minimal frustration, and hopefully allow you to avoid the door installation horror stories!

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