Wood has been the all-time classic choice for front doors because of its strength, warmth, and durability. Most homeowners want them, and contractors have had difficulty getting lumber supplies for them, thanks to the pandemic-caused supply shortage. So, if you have a wooden door at home, you have to make sure to maintain it carefully, as there might be difficulty in getting a replacement or lumber for repairs.
G.H. Clark Contractors have performed door repairs in Maryland homes for years and have seen the different types of damage wooden doors sustain. While wood is well-known for its durability, it’s still susceptible to some damage if they’re not maintained properly. Problems could affect the door itself, the hinges, or the frame.
Some of the most common wooden door damages are easy fixes, but others may require the help of a specialist.
Common Issues With Wooden Doors
Swollen door
Wood will expand or contract depending on the temperature. If your home has recently been exposed to extremely high temperatures outdoors, your door will start to accumulate moisture and swell up in response. As a result, it’ll start to stick and become more challenging to open.
If you live in a humid area for most of the year, this will happen too. Humidity can cause a door and its frame to start warping.
Scrutinize the door and determine which area is swollen—the door itself or the frame. Check how far the swelling has gone. If the swelling is minimal, you can repair this by taking a sander and lightly plane the swollen area.
However, if the swelling is too significant, you’ll need to consult with professionals for repairs, as any attempt to fix the door may worsen the situation.
Sticking door
The door may stick or become difficult to open for various reasons. The door may not be hanging in the frame correctly due to warping, causing it to get stuck. Another typical instance happens with newer homes. As the foundations settle in the home, the door frame will no longer be in perfect placement. You might also have sagging or warped hinges damaged over time.
To fix this, you’ll need to have the door realigned to fit the door frame perfectly. In addition, you need to make sure that there are three or four hinges on the door instead to protect against warped or broken hinges.
Dull and squeaky door
Sunlight can eat at the finish of your doors over time. It’s imperative to have your door finished and sealed correctly, especially if it’s your front door. Ultraviolet light can be very damaging to wood doors. If the door’s finish comes off, the wood will receive the full brunt of UV light.
In addition, if you live somewhere where there’s plenty of wind, the wind can damage the door’s finish significantly while exacerbating existing sunlight damage. The wind also dries out your door, creating a loud squeak.
You’ll have to ensure that your door is sanded and sealed correctly to correct the damage. Restoring the protective finish of the wood can help it stay beautiful and like-new for a long time.
Call for Professional Repairs
Wood can be very challenging to repair on your own because it’s a natural material, susceptible to scratches, dings, and changes due to the environment. It’s always best to call a professional to repair your door and eliminate the wear and damage done to it. This way, you can be sure that someone with the right knowledge and tools can restore your beautiful door.
G.H. Clark Contractors have handled installation and repairs for multiple types of doors—glass, wood, metal—and different forms such as sliding doors, storm doors, front doors, and more. Contact us today to consult about your door repairs and get a free estimate. Or you can browse our door services to see if you would rather have your door replaced instead.