Like other wood furniture, wood doors have the tendency to shrink and swell in response to daily and seasonal changes in the humidity of the atmosphere. In this blog, Renewal by Andersen of Sacramento, a reputable patio doors and casement windows installer in the area, shares a close look at the common reasons behind swelling in wood doors, and what you can do to stop it.
Heat and Humidity
Simply, wood fibers expand when exposed to heat and humidity. Since wood is naturally porous, meaning it is full of pores where water and air can pass through, it readily absorbs and loses moisture. When the air is humid, wood absorbs moisture and swells. When the air is dry, wood loses moisture and shrinks. Heat also affects wood through thermal expansion. When wood doors are poorly maintained, they can swell until the sashes push against the frames, resulting in stuck doors.
Maintenance of Wood Doors
Many beautiful pieces of wooden furniture have been ruined because heat and humidity caused the wood to soak up moisture. A residential window contractor recommends regular maintenance to make sure your wood doors are properly protected from heat and humidity. If you have painted wood doors, occasionally inspect them for blisters, cracks or peeling paint. You will need to scrape, prime and repaint affected wood doors to keep moisture out.
Fibrex® Doors
If your doors are due for replacement, consider non-wood options like composite material Fibrex. A blend of wood fiber and thermoplastic polymer, it is stronger and more durable than any wood and more energy-efficient than vinyl. Fibrex is also resistant to warping or chipping from harsh weather.
When it comes to beautiful and custom-fit Fibrex replacement patio doors and specialty windows, trust only Renewal by Andersen of Sacramento. Request a free estimate today by calling (916) 438-9362. You may also fill out our contact form to get in touch with our experts. We work with clients in and around Davis, CA.
