How to Fix a Waterlogged Front Door

A waterlogged door is a serious problem for homeowners because the swollen door does not close and latch properly. Depending on where you live, the problem occurs because of high humidity levels or cold weather fronts. Cold weather brings a freeze-thaw cycle, where ice and snow melts, freezes and melts again. As the ice melts, it drips from the roof of your house to other areas, including the door. When you live in a humid area, the moisture settles in the door, making the wood swell. You must fix the problem if you want the door to work properly again.

Screwdriver
Chisel
Fine-grit sandpaper

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the hinges and any hardware from the door with a screwdriver. Set the hardware in a safe location where you will not lose it. Carefully remove the waterlogged door from the frame and move to a flat surface.
- 2
  Leave the wood door sitting in the sunshine for at least 24 hours. The heat from the sun slowly dries out the wood, removing the excess water. Turn the door over and let sit for another 24 hours. Keep turning the door until the wood feels dry.
- 3
  Hold a chisel flat against the hinge mortise, which is where the hinge sits against the door. Scrape the chisel across this area, removing the top 1/8 inch of the door. Move to the second hinge on the door and scrape 1/8 inch of wood off this area.
- 4
  Sand the side of the door where the hinges sit. Rub fine-grit sandpaper across the door, until you remove 1/8 inch of wood. Removing the wood from the hinge mortises and surrounding wood helps the door sit even with the frame.
- 5
  Attach the door to the door frame with the hinges. Swing the door open and closed several times, looking for any resistance. If you still experience problems, remove the door and sand off 1/8 inch from the bottom. Install the door back onto the frame.

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