If you live in hot summer climates, your home is at risk of door swelling. Especially, interior doors are vulnerable due to increased humidity and less circulation of air. To protect your house from this issue, it’s important to understand what causes door swelling in Summer. In addition, there are several options available that can help reduce potential damage from this issue. How Can You Protect Your House from Swelling Interior Doors in Summer?
How Can You Protect Your House from Swelling Interior Doors in Summer?
The most common types of interior door swell include solid wood doors, veneered doors, and solid core doors. Solid wood doors are the most susceptible to this issue, but they also offer excellent insulation. With veneered doors, an inner plywood layer is pressed together with a thin sheet of material. Finally, solid core doors are made with wood chips and mixed with a bonding ingredient. Types of Interior Door Swell in Summer
Types of Interior Door Swell in Summer
The best way to prevent interior door swelling is to choose materials that are more resistant to moisture and humidity. Installing a room dehumidifier and taking measures to ensure proper air circulation will also help minimize the risk of this issue. Additionally, homeowners should inspect their doors for signs of swelling periodically.Interior Door Swell in Summer? Tips for Homeowners
Interior Door Swell in Summer? Tips for Homeowners
Interior doors will swell in the summer if they are exposed to high temperatures and humidity levels. The signs of potential door swelling include uneven surfaces, sticking gaps, and cracking along the edges. Additionally, some doors may also show signs of bulging. Signs of Interior Doors Will Swell in Summer?
Signs of Interior Doors Will Swell in Summer?
Certain house designs can help reduce the risk of swelling interior doors. Adding large windows that can bring in more air and light could be one way to help. Similarly, installing a patio awning or pergola to minimize direct sunlight or adding a front porch can help keep the temperature and humidity low in these areas of the house. Additionally, air filters or a dehumidifier could also be helpful in reducing moisture levels.House Designs to Minimize the Impact of Swelling Interior Doors in Summer
House Designs to Minimize the Impact of Swelling Interior Doors in Summer
If you’re looking for a different type of door, you could consider others made from materials such as steel, HardieBoard, or fiberglass. Steel doors are designed to provide additional protection against swelling. On the other hand, HardieBoard and fiberglass doors are both resistant to moisture and have a lower risk of swelling.Interior Door Alternatives to Reduce Swelling in the Summer
Interior Door Alternatives to Reduce Swelling in the Summer
If your interior door is already swollen, there are a few steps you can take. Begin by cleaning away any debris from the door frame and hinges, then sand down any rough spots on the wood. You can also apply a primer and sealant to the door to provide extra protection from moisture. Finally, if needed, add additional weatherstripping to the door to help reduce the risk of swelling.How to Fix Swelling Interior Doors in Summer?
How to Fix Swelling Interior Doors in Summer?
House designs that are focused on air circulation and preventing moisture buildup can help reduce swelling in the home. By adding windows or doors, you can bring in more natural airflow that will keep the temperature and humidity levels in check. Then, ensure that the interior doors are allowed to dry properly to help ensure they do not swell in the summer months.Preventing Swelling of Interior Doors Through Innovative House Designs
Preventing Swelling of Interior Doors Through Innovative House Designs
In addition to traditional building materials, there are now a variety of modern solutions that can reduce the risk of swelling in your home. For instance, materials such as polycarbonate panels provide excellent insulation and also allow for natural air circulation. Additionally, installing sliding glass doors or bifold doors can also help reduce door swelling, as well as the use of air-conditioning units when temperatures become too hot.Modern House Designs to Minimize Issues with Swelling Interior Doors in Summer
Modern House Designs to Minimize Issues with Swelling Interior Doors in Summer
The main causes of swelling in interior doors during summer are increased humidity and temperature levels. When these temperatures become too hot, the door lifts and shifts, causing gaps and even bulging. Additionally, they can be caused by improper installation, excessive air infiltration, or inadequate insulation.Common Causes of Swelling in Interior Doors During Summer
Common Causes of Swelling in Interior Doors During Summer
The best way to prevent swelling in your interior doors is to create an environment that is conducive to proper air circulation and avoid excessive moisture buildup. By adding large windows and/or doors to your home, you can increase airflow and reduce excessive humidity. Additionally, you can install air conditioner units to reduce the temperature, or use a combination of room dehumidifier and air filters to decrease humidity levels.The Best Ways to Prevent Swelling of Interior Doors During Hot Conditions
The Best Ways to Prevent Swelling of Interior Doors During Hot Conditions
Investigating the Reasons for Warping Wood Doors
Interior doors are often more vulnerable to changes in the humidity of the air than exterior doors. Due to their typically contact with the interior temperature and moisture of the home, it’s not uncommon for interior wood doors and frames to swell and warp when the weather is humid. During hot or rainy summer days, these doors can become difficult to open and close.
When the humidity is high, the cells in wood absorb moisture, causing swelling and warping. The easiest way to understand why a wood door swells in the summer is to compare it to what happens to damp clothing hung up to dry. Shirts and pants will stretch and get longer as they absorb the moisture from the air. The same rule applies to wood, as it expands and contracts depending on the humidity.
Typically, it’s advised to paint the interior wood doors when the weather is drier. With the moisture already in the atmosphere, any new varnish or paint on them will not cure properly. Furthermore, heavy amounts of moisture in the air can cause the finished product to chip off, which won't happen when the painting is done on a dry day.
Can You Fix a Warped Door During Summer?
In theory, yes, you can fix a swollen wood door during summer. The process requires some patience and can take a day or two, depending on the humidity levels of the area. Of course, your chances of success will depend on the species of wood, its condition, and the level of swelling.
The key is to dry the wood and get it back to the dimensions it had prior to the swelling. An easy way to reduce humidity levels is to draw air through the room with air conditioning or opening windows. But the most effective and recommended solution is to get a dehumidifier and let the door dry gradually.
Factors that could Contribute to Warped Doors
Aside from the summer weather , there are other things that could lead to a warped door. For example, if the door was installed without accounting for the space that wood will need to expand with the humidity, it could lead to warping. Not having a threshold at the bottom of the door frame, which prevents water from seeping in, could result in warping as well.
It’s also important to remember that wood doors come with their own set of risks and problems that should be addressed well before they’re hung. These include checking for fungal growth, culling, checking for density values, and using a moisture meter. Proper maintenance is key to preventing doors from warping, expanding, and shrinking during summer.
