How to Fix a Swelling Door

Swelling doors are a nuisance, especially when they expand so much that they are difficult or impossible to close. This occurs when the wood in the door or door frame absorbs enough moisture to increase in size, preventing the two parts from fitting together properly. The swelling goes down when moisture levels drop, but until this occurs the problem can cause significant aggravation. You can take several steps to improve the door's operation and prevent swelling when moisture levels in the atmosphere rise.

Screwdriver
Book
Wood varnish or stain
Paintbrush
Dehumidifier

Instructions

- 1
  Tighten the screws on the door's hinges. Slide an appropriately sized book under the door to prop it up before tightening the hinge screws, if the door drags when closing.
- 2
  Check to ensure the strike plate, which is the piece of metal that holds the bolt in place when the door is closed, feels secure. If not, tighten the screws that hold it in place.
- 3
  Examine the sides and bottom of the door to make sure they have been stained or varnished. If they haven't, or the old coat has worn thin in places, reapply the proper coating to keep the wood from absorbing moisture.
- 4
  Inspect the door frame to determine whether it requires a coat of stain or varnish. Apply the appropriate treatment and wait until it dries completely before attempting to close the door.
- 5
  Take steps to eliminate unnecessary moisture, such as placing lids on pans when cooking and using vent fans.
- 6
  Use a dehumidifier in the affected room to remove excess moisture from the air if the problem persists.

How to Insulate an Old Window That Sweats & Water Freezes On

How to Fix a Broken Window With Plexiglass

Window & Door Repair