Wood Door Swelling: What Causes It and Ways to Prevent

Wood doors are highly attractive and can give your home a warmer and more inviting feel. However, this door material is prone to expansion and contraction due to humidity and weather changes. You may have noticed that in humid conditions, the ones in your house expand and swell. 

Learn why this issue occurs from a local door and siding contractor. 

Why Does Door Swelling Occur?

The most common reasons doors swell are exposure to excessive moisture and the lack of a water-resistant finish. Moisture can easily penetrate the bottom edge of a door that isn’t sealed or finished properly. Sometimes, doors can become hard to open and close due to sticking paint. If this is the case, sanding the sticky areas should fix the problem. 

Your doors’ location can also be what’s causing them to expand and contract. Ones installed in the south and west areas of your home receive more sunlight, which can affect their finish. With a compromised finish, it will not take long for the doors to start swelling. 

How Do You Avoid This Issue?

If your doors are old and in bad shape, it may be best to consider investing in new ones. When it’s time for a door replacement, you can count on Right Angle Roofing & Siding. If you also need a roof repair, our experienced team is here to assist. 

Moreover, reducing the humidity of your home can help keep wood doors from expanding and swelling. You can do this by running your exhaust fan when cooking or taking a shower. Opening your windows may also help alleviate excess indoor moisture. It could also be that your doors require refinishing. 

Looking for an experienced door or roofing contractor for your home? Turn to Right Angle Roofing & Siding. We also specialize in siding, skylight, chimney and gutter installation. Call us at 631-849-8988 or fill out our contact form to get a free estimate.