Swelling and Expansion in Wood Doors: What You Should Know

Wood doors remain a favorite among many homeowners – and this popularity is not unearned. They are naturally beautiful and durable, plus they offer great insulating properties. But here’s their main downside: wood doors tend to swell and expand over time. What exactly causes this, and how do you prevent it?

Seasonal Affective Disorder Is the Culprit

Wooden doors do experience seasonal affective disorder. They are porous and, when not treated with water-repellent finish, can change shape when exposed to extreme weather and temperature. Swelling is a typical reaction of wooden doors in high humidity, in fact. But aside from excessive moisture, there are many factors that can lead to this, including:

• Location: Wood doors in homes in predominantly humid or snowy regions are more likely to expand and swell because of moisture.

• Placement: Wood doors facing south and west tend to get too much sun, which can wear down the doors’ finish and make them more susceptible to moisture absorption.

How to Prevent Swelling in Wood Doors

Your doors should be maintained properly and regularly. One way to do this is to have them treated with water-repellent finish to protect them from moisture, which can lead to rot or mold damage when overlooked. However, maintenance may no longer work for wooden doors that are already too old or have sustained extensive moisture damage. Should this be the case with your existing doors, replacement is the better and smarter solution.

You can count on Renewal by Andersen® of San Francisco for this. We offer a wide selection of high-quality doors that are designed for reliable and long-lasting performance. Take our Andersen® 200 Series Narroline® gliding door, for example. Its design allows for smooth and effortless operation that makes stepping outside a breeze. It also comes with advanced finishes that resemble the rich look and feel of genuine woodgrain, making this door easier to match with your traditional home style. Swelling and expansion will no longer be an issue when you turn to us for your new exterior doors.

Aside from windows, Renewal by Andersen of San Francisco also offers a range of exceptional replacement doors. Look no further than us for top-tier solutions for your home improvement needs. We proudly serve Hayward and San Francisco, CA, plus the surrounding areas. Call us today at (866) 609-5033, or fill out this contact form to schedule your consultation.