A traditional building material, wood makes up a significant part of your Virginia home, being used as walls, ceilings, flooring, rafters, windows and furniture. Wood is also typically used to create doors because of the strength, warmth and timeless beauty it can provide. But there’s just one drawback: wood doors tend to swell and expand. Why does this happen exactly, and what can you do about it?
Why Do Wooden Doors Swell and Expand?
High humidity levels are the primary culprit. When a wood door is untreated or has insufficient water-repellent finish, the unit becomes susceptible to swelling and expansion when exposed to excess moisture. You probably already know that untreated wood absorbs and retains moisture. If the bottom edge of the wood door isn’t properly sealed or finished, moisture can get inside the material and cause it to expand. Did you know that the placement of the wood door in your home can also contribute to this issue? A unit that is located on the west or south side of your home will see more sun exposure, which can compromise the door’s finish. Because the door doesn’t have enough protection against moisture, it will start to swell.
How Do You Prevent Swelling in Wooden Doors?
When expansion occurs in a wood door, the unit will begin to stick, making them hard to operate. Sanding the sticky areas of the unit can take care of this. To prevent swelling and expansion in your wood doors, make sure that its finish remains intact. If the unit starts peeling, apply a new finish while following manufacturer guidelines. You should also take measures to prevent excess humidity inside your home. I
Wood doors have higher maintenance requirements. If you want to prevent swelling and expansion altogether, you should consider investing in doors made of a different material. Hill Roofing Corporation offers entry and patio doors from Provia®. They are available in fiberglass, steel and vinyl, allowing for tough, long-lasting, and low-maintenance performance. But here’s the best part – they are designed to resemble genuine woodgrain. With our exceptional options, you get to enjoy the beauty of wood doors, but without their weaknesses.
The Go-To Expert in Quality Door Installation
Hill Roofing Corporation specializes in roof repair services, but that’s not the only home improvement solution we can offer. You can also count us to handle your door installation needs. We proudly serve the areas in and around Arlington and Manassas, VA. Call us now at (703) 754-0964, or fill out this contact form to schedule your consultation. We’d love to hear from you!