Every summer my exterior doors start to stick to the frame, but in the winter they seem to shrink and create drafts. Why does this happen and how do I fix it?
This is a common question that we get here at Southwest Exteriors. Many people have issues with their exterior doors either sticking or creating drafts during different seasons of the year. Depending on your location and the type of door your home has, this problem can get worse with time.
Not only is it frustrating to not be able to open or close your doors easily, but it also creates a security risk. If a door doesn’t fit into its frame properly, it will often not lock securely either.
Swelling doors are a very common issue here in South Texas where the humidity level is high, sometimes year-round. If you live in the San Antonio area, then you have probably come across a sticky door or two.
Anything that is not installed with care, precision, and attention to detail is not going to work at its best.
If you’ve recently had a new door installed and it is not shutting or opening with ease, it could be that it was not installed correctly. Contractors are people like the rest of us and can make mistakes or miss steps during installation. Make sure to give your contractor a call if you are having issues with a new door. It’s very possible that the door is not plum (level) and needs just a little tweak.
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Fiberglass front doors are designed to be weather-resistant and do not typically swell or expand as the weather changes. Unlike wood doors, which can absorb moisture and expand in humid conditions or when exposed to rain, fiberglass doors are made of a non-porous material that is not affected by moisture. This means that fiberglass doors will not warp, rot, or swell like wood doors can.
However, it's important to note that the frame around the door, as well as the weatherstripping and other components, can be affected by weather changes and may expand or contract. It's important to make sure that the door is properly installed and weatherstripped to prevent air leaks and ensure proper function in all weather conditions.
Overall, fiberglass front doors are a durable and low-maintenance option that can withstand a range of weather conditions without swelling or warping.
If the door is level but won’t fit into its frame, it could be swollen. If it’s crooked, it could be an issue with how the door was installed or its hinges have become loose. If the hinges are tight and the door is level, it could be an issue with the foundation shifting.
You can start by cleaning the sticky area with soap and water. Sometimes a little dirt gets in the way and creates a sticky door.
Next, try tightening all the hinges and screws. A loose screw can cause the door to sag and therefore, not line up with its frame properly. You can also try using WD-40 on them to see if that helps.
If your wood doors are sticking or causing other frustrating problems, you might want to check out replacing them with fiberglass or steel doors that are much more durable and won't expand/shrink during the weather changes.
