[jkrodger]

A couple months ago I posted about the new back door Lowes installed. It worked fine for a couple weeks and then the deadbolt stopped latching. Following the instructions on here, I found out via the lipstick test that the deadbolt was hitting the bottom of the opening. We called the installer back out here and discovered the the door was now leaning down. He reset the door and drilled the deadbolt latch a little lower and it worked again, for a couple more weeks.

We've got the same problem again, the door is angled down again and the deadbolt won't latch. Lowes now says it's because our sunroom must be shifting (funny how it's not affecting any of the 10 windows back there or anything else) and refuses to fix it. Awesome, yeah, that's what I get for going through Lowes.

How do I fix this problem? Will it continue to get worse? They completely rebuilt the frame for the door when they installed the new one (which is why the install was $700), but obviously something is wrong.

 

[jogr]

The squeeky wheel gets the grease. Make a fuss. File a written complaint with the BBB. Call channel 5. Eventually they will find someone who actually know how to to it. (Sounds like they botched the reframing.)

 

[gma2rjc]

Had to edit this out. I thought the question was about a sliding door.

 

[wrangler]

If the door is continually 'leaning' down, then there must be something structurally wrong with the opening (as in the hinge side of the door was not properly framed) You definitely need to talk to your local Lowes manager, NOT the millworks (doors, windows etc. manager) but the Store manager. Lowes (and other similar stores) sub this work out to contractors. They in turn sub the work out to employees or other subs that may or may not do the job the way it should have been done in the first place. Often when there is a call back, they will send the same crew to take care of their own problem ( you would know if it were the same guys) with no more knowledge than they had the first time they were there.
This is a good case of how it is sometimes better to use someone that is reccomended by a friend or neighbor, buy the door yourself, and have him/her install it. Most often for less than you would pay to have the store do it(less overhead, and more experience with doors in this case) but on the down side, shallower pockets if something is done wrong.

 

[Scuba_Dave]

It's also possible the frame is sagging under that side
My last house the front door had this same exact problem
I had to go down into the crawl space & jack the framing up & support it

 

[Just Bill]

There are supposed to be LONG screws(2 1/2-3") in the top(2) and middle(1-2) hinge that reach into the house framing. I am guessing that these were never installed.

 

[bjbatlanta]

What Just Bill said....

 

[CrossWorks]

There are supposed to be LONG screws(2 1/2-3") in the top(2) and middle(1-2) hinge that reach into the house framing. I am guessing that these were never installed.

Most hardware stores will carry these screws. There usually #10 x 3" and the're called "set screws" for door hinges. In most cases with your description of the problem, these were never put in. Just keep in mind that when you put these in, that you "pre-drill for the screw. Otherwise you risk stripping the screw head. In fact, I would go with a 4'-4-1/2" screw, and drill at low speed.

Now if this doesn't do it, it could mean that the hinge side of the door was placed right up against the door framing, leaving no room for the door frame to be moved, in which case, you may have to settle with lowering the latch plate. But the screw will now hold the door in place.

Good luck

 

[jkrodger]

Thanks everyone. I plan on pulling out one or two of the screws tonight to see what was used.