Symptoms
- Door slowly swings shut without being touched
- Problem is worse in one direction than the other
- Started after a change in season or humidity
Likely causes
- CommonDoor or frame slightly out of plumbEven a small lean in the frame will cause gravity to pull the door open or shut on its own.
- PossibleHinges adjusted or worn, changing the door's balanceHinge wear can subtly change how a door hangs and swings.
- PossibleFloor not level near the doorwayA sloped floor can affect how the door behaves when released.
- Less commonNo door stop or holder to keep it in positionSome doors simply were never designed to stay open without a separate stop or holder.
What to do
- Use a level against the door frame's side jambs to check if it's plumb.
- Check hinge screws for looseness or wear, tightening or replacing as needed.
- Try adjusting the top hinge slightly (loosening it very slightly can sometimes correct swing tendencies) as door professionals sometimes do.
- Consider adding a door stop, wedge, or magnetic door holder if the swing issue is due to floor slope rather than something easily corrected.
- For a persistent issue tied to an out-of-plumb frame, know that this is often a longstanding condition of the house rather than a new problem to fully solve.
Tools and parts
- Level
- Screwdriver
- Door wedge or magnetic holder
Door stop or magnetic door holderSearch: “door stop wedge or magnetic holder”
When to call a pro
Call a carpenter if you want the frame itself corrected rather than just managing the door's tendency to swing with a stop or wedge.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.