Fixing a sticking door -- TS cut or sand? Bevel or straight?

[ScotF]

I had French Doors installed a couple of years ago and the main door sticks on the bottom for some reason right in the middle of the door bottom.  I am not sure why as it worked fine when installed, but I think it has a vinyle clad frame and the step might have settled and it now sticks.  At any rate, wanted to seek advice to fix it -- should I use the TS to trim the bottom so it opens freely -- maybe take 1/16 - 1/32 off or just sand the bottom where it sticks?  If I cut, should I try and bevel a couple of degrees or just make it 90 degrees?  Door works fine on top and sides, it is just the bottom that is off a little.  I would prefer to fix it while it is hung too as it is very heavy and would be a pain to take off and then reinstall.

Thanks!

Scot

 

[semenza]

I take that if you open the door you would have room for the saw housing to pass over the floor?

Seth

 

[ScotF]

..opens outside and should be able  cut let to right.

Scot

 

[fritter63]

I've used the TS to trim a door (on the side ). Worked well, but I took the door of off and did it horizontal.

 

[BUTTER]

I use my TS to scribe doors to their openings all the time.  I do recommend taking it off hinges for safety as well as accuracy.

However, if the door worked fine before, it "should" work fine now, too.
Have you tried tightening the top hinge screws?  Does the thus hold have any give, and if it does, could you secure that ?

With a vinyl-clad frame you could negatively affect its durability and weather-resistance, (not to mention your warranty) if you cut or sand it.

 

[Brice Burrell]

I use my TS to scribe doors to their openings all the time.  I do recommend taking it off hinges for safety as well as accuracy.

However, if the door worked fine before, it "should" work fine now, too.
Have you tried tightening the top hinge screws?  Does the thus hold have any give, and if it does, could you secure that ?

With a vinyl-clad frame you could negatively affect its durability and weather-resistance, (not to mention your warranty) if you cut or sand it.

I would be very concerned about this too.  Take a look at the threshold to see if it has moved.  That may well be the issue.

 

[tiralie]

I use my TS to scribe doors to their openings all the time.  I do recommend taking it off hinges for safety as well as accuracy.

However, if the door worked fine before, it "should" work fine now, too.
Have you tried tightening the top hinge screws?  Does the thus hold have any give, and if it does, could you secure that ?

With a vinyl-clad frame you could negatively affect its durability and weather-resistance, (not to mention your warranty) if you cut or sand it.

I would be very concerned about this too.  Take a look at the threshold to see if it has moved.  That may well be the issue.

Scott:
Along with the advice above, here are my thoughts.
The door rail could be swollen from moisture. This may be a bigger problem than the door sticking. I would try to find out why the door is sticking now and if it's moisture etc. correct that problem rather than cutting or sanding the door.
Have you put a straight edge on the threshold to see if it has heaved?
If it's the threshold heaving, it may be an indication of something else.

 

[peter halle]

I'll agree with the guys who say to check your threshold.  You've had wetter and colder weather than normal lately haven't you?

Peter

 

[ScotF]

Thanks...yes, I think the threshold heaved slightly.  I will hold off from doing anything to the door itself for now.  I think it is the stucco on the outside under the threshold that is the problem.

Thanks for advice, guys!!  So glad there are experts here to ask...

Scot

 

[Tinker]

Stucco doesn't expand, but the wood that the lathe is attached to will swell when wet.
If there is a crack in the stucco, that could be the source for moisture.
If moisture did get behind the stucco causing the wood to swell, that could be the source for a crack.
I think you need to determine what caused the wood to swell and take care of that problem.

No matter, i doubt the stucco is the original cause unless a poor mix was used/or poor workmanship of application.
Tinker