How to Fix a Gap Between Doors and Frames: A Beginner’s Tutorial

May 16, 2025

7 min read

Why Are There Door Gaps in the First Place: Main Causes

Best Practices for Fixing Gaps Between Doors and Frames

5 Tips to Avoid Gaps Between Doors & Frames

Have you ever noticed a gap between a door and its frame? Although pretty common, these gaps aren’t just an eyesore. They let in drafts, dust, bugs, water, and noise, significantly dropping overall thermal performance of your home. The result? Higher energy bills, inability to secure the door properly, and wrecked aesthetics.

Luckily, most of these issues are easily fixable and don’t require full door replacement or hiring a pro. However, If the issues are persistent and you’re sick of everyday repairs, it’s a great time to think about tackling the core of the problem and get some new window and door estimates to make an energy-efficient upgrade.

For those DIY enthusiasts who have relevant experience and toolkit, today we’ll breakdown how to spot and fix the gap between door and door frame in this how-to beginner tutorial. Stay tuned!

Why Are There Door Gaps in the First Place: Main Causes

You might see a gap between the door and the frame for a few reasons. Some of the usual culprits include:

Poor Installation. If the door isn’t shimmed or levelled properly during installation, it can leave you with an uneven or crooked gap.
House Settling. Over time, the building’s foundation shifts. This can pull perfectly aligned frames and create a gap between door frame and wall.
Worn-out Parts. From old weather stripping and loose hinges to a warped door — everything can create a space where there shouldn’t be any.
Weather and Materials. The outdoor elements can also affect the door: wood expands and contracts with humidity, and metal or composite materials can warp.

Age is another factor. Older or antique doors combine their charming look with a tendency to develop gaps. That’s when easy DIY fixes might not do the job. If the frame is rotting or crooked, it is a clear indicator that your exterior or back doors need a replacement. Bring in your local reliable contractor for estimation and energy consultation. Ask what options work best for your home and if you qualify for door replacement rebates.

Main types of door gaps

Not all gaps are created equal. Here’s a look at the most common gap locations and how they impact the door’s functionality:

Side Gaps. Typically caused by loose hinges, this problem can mess with your lock alignment and let in drafts.
Top Gaps. It’s a good sign that the door or frame isn’t square. Solution? Either adjust the door or trim it slightly.
Bottom Gaps. These gaps can be pesky, letting in drafts, bugs, and dust. A door sweep can work wonders here.
All-Around Gaps. If you can see daylight around your entire door and it looks like a portal into another dimension, it’s time to fix or even replace it entirely.

project comparison for door replacement before after

How to tell you have a door gaps problem

There are a few easy ways to check if something’s off:

Paper Test. Close the door on a piece of paper: if it slips out easily, there’s probably not enough pressure holding the door closed.
Light Test. Stand inside with the lights off during the day — if you see daylight around the edges, you have a gap.
Feel for Air. Use your hand or a lit candle to spot drafts.

If you’re wondering how much gap between door and frame is too much, most pros argue that anything over 1/8 inch needs attention.

Best Practices for Fixing Gaps Between Doors and Frames

The solution depends on the location of the gap. Here’s a simple breakdown of how to close gap between door and frame.

Side Gaps

Adjust Hinges. Tighten the hinges if loose.
Install Weatherstripping or Add Foam. An easy and affordable way to close a big gap between door and frame without changing the structure.

Top Gaps

Sand the Door. If the door keeps rubbing the frame or is slightly misaligned, sand the top edge.
Check the Hinges. Sometimes, just adjusting the top hinge can level the door out.

Bottom Gaps

Install a Door Sweep or Threshold. This simple measure will fill gap between door frame and floor and keep out the cold drafts.
Use a Draft Stopper. A quick, easy, but temporary fix.

Frame and Wall Gaps

Seal it up. Use caulk or expanding foam to fill gap between door frame and wall. For larger gaps, a foam rod helps before caulking.

What should you have in a basic door repair toolkit?

Depending on the type of repair, the list will change but typically includes screwdriver (or drill), hammer and nails, caulking gun and sealant, weatherstripping (or foam tape), door sweep (or threshold kit), and, of course, basic DIY skills and a bit of patience.

5 Tips to Avoid Gaps Between Doors & Frames

A little maintenance can go a long way. Here’s a look at the best preventative practices that will keep your doors in good shape for years to come:

Ensure proper installation: Use only quality hinges and weather-resistant thresholds for exterior doors.
Regularly replace weather stripping around the edges or even add a door sweep to the bottom to minimize drafts.
Check the alignment and tighten hinge screws every few months. If you have sliding doors, clean the tracks with a wet rag.
If you live in a rainy climate, use dehumidifiers to prevent the door from swelling.
For small gaps, use exterior-grade caulk; for bigger gap between door and frame, try expanding foam.

These are the maintenance basics that will prolong the lifespan of your doors. All in all, fixing gap between door and frame doesn’t have to be a major renovation.

In most cases, you can fix the issues with a few tools and a free afternoon, improving your home aesthetics and saving money on energy bills.

F.A.Q

Can door gaps affect my energy bills?

Absolutely! Even a small gap can let warm or cool air escape, forcing your heating or AC to work harder, leading to higher energy bills.

How do I fix gaps in older or antique doors?

Try weatherstripping that’s tailor-made to blend seamlessly with old wood. A gap between door and frame may occur if your old doors are rotten. In this case consider full-frame replacement to improve thermal performance, comfort and aesthetics.