Living in Dubai has its perks as well as challenges. For example, the combination of heat, humidity, and air conditioning can take a toll on doors. As a result, doors may expand and won’t budge. Fortunately, there are several effective fixes for swollen doors before you surrender yourself to an expensive replacement. Let’s explore the causes of swollen or sticky doors and easy solutions that can get you back on track.
Reasons Behind Doors Being Swollen
Before you check out how to fix a swollen door, let’s see what causes them to swell, especially in a climate like Dubai’s. Thus, you can take the right course of action and prevent to avoid further damage.
Moisture and Humidity
Dubai, known for its predominantly dry climate, can encounter high levels of humidity. Especially during summer, doors can absorb moisture and swell.
Temperature Fluctuations
Not to mention, Dubai people know how intense the sun is around the year. And, when the sun goes down, your door might struggle with misalignment or warping due to temperature differences.
Age of the Door
Over time, doors tend to absorb moisture, more or less. Hence, older doors are more prone to moisture or humidity damage.
Installation Error
Is it a new door that appears to be swollen? Chances are that the door has not been installed properly. However, improper installation can leave gaps through which moisture can seep into your new door and make it swollen.
Low-Quality Materials in Use
Also, swollen doors are a common problem when the materials are of low quality. In that case, replacement is the best option to guarantee your safety and privacy without hassles.
Loose or Hanging Hinges
According to Door Repair Dubai professionals, the lack of maintenance can make hinges loose or hanging. As a consequence, the door might stick to the frame.
How to Fix a Swollen Door Because of Humidity
Now that you understand the underlying causes of a swollen door, it’s time to find ways to get it back to shape and functionality. Let’s see what you can do to fix a swollen door:
1. Dry Out the Door
Yes, drying the door effectively can make the minor swelling go away. As per door frame repair pros, you can use any of the following resources:
- Rotating fan
- Hair dryer
- Heat gun
Now, take your time to dry the door. Make sure that you keep the tool closer to the door surface while drying it. For example, hold your preferred drying tool 30 cm away from the swollen door.
Also, the heat should remain even on every portion of the door and not be extreme. Otherwise, it could lead to further complications like getting burnt.
2. Re-Align the Door
When the door warps, it barely fits into the frame. Or, even if it does, it becomes too hard to open up. So, inspect if the door fits in the respective frame. If it does not then you can use a pry bar or screwdriver to adjust the door hinges.
While adjusting the door, make sure that you keep a gap of 2 to 3 mm. Now, this gap will allow the door to expand because of moisture or changes in atmospheric conditions. Most Door Repair Dubai experts recommend that for easy handling of doors, regardless of the season.
3. Examine the Weatherstripping
In Dubai, weatherstripping materials are a big yes to escape the fierce sandstorms. If you suspect that the door sticks because of humidity then here’s an effective tip. Door frame repair professionals suggest replacing the weatherstripping.
Indeed, outdated or damaged weatherstripping can lead to leaks or gaps. And, they can allow moist air into your home. So, your door stick. Try to replace the weatherstripping and see if it works.
4. Lubricate Hinges
Sticky hinges are a headache apart from a swollen door. If your door doesn’t appear to be swollen then hinges might be at stake. Hence, examine door hinges and apply silicon-based lubricant if required.
Using the right type of lubricant will help you fix a swollen door and its sticky hinges. However, refrain from using an excessive lubricant on hinges.
5. Sand Your Door
Are you thinking of a door replacement since you haven’t got a breakthrough yet? Well, take your chance with sanding the door. Utilising some sander or sandpaper can make your door return to its original shape and size.
Also, it will absorb the excess moisture from your door. However, make sure that you sand the door uniformly. Or else, your door might appear awkward. Hence, we recommend hiring door repair Dubai specialists or carpenters to sand swollen doors.
6. Utilise a Dehumidifier
Controlling humidity at your Dubai residence can be effective in preventing swelling of doors. And, dehumidifiers are a great way to reduce the moisture in your indoor air. So, you can invest in dehumidifiers and keep your interior atmosphere comfortable.
In general, the perfect humidity level for comfort should be between 30 and 50%. So, check your home’s humidity level and act accordingly.
7. Allow Proper Ventilation
Apart from using a dehumidifier, well-planned ventilation can help you fix a swollen door. Indeed, improved ventilation allows better air circulation. Thus, air with heavy moisture won’t be stagnant in your home.
So, open up windows. Additionally, you can turn on the fan to help the indoor air circulate freely.
8. Put Up Protection
After sanding and other correction steps, your door must be in one of the early stages of swelling. To prevent further damage, it’s essential to protect your door. Now, you can seal the deal of protection by applying some paint or polish on the door surface.
In fact, swelling typically occurs when the outer protective layer has worn off or is not as sufficient as it should be. So, use a suitable paint or polish that is designed to hold the integrity of both inner and outer doors.
Additionally, you should look out for cracks and seams while painting or polishing the swollen door, reminded Door Repair Dubai experts. Make sure that you paint these cracks well so no moisture can penetrate and lead to swelling.
9. Use a Bag of Charcoal
Sounds strange? However, this hack might control the humidity level of your home. All you have to do is to hang a charcoal bag in the closet. No doubt, it will keep the moisture level in check and prevent your door from sticking.
10. Reinstall the Door
As you already know installation errors can cause your doors to swell. If you have applied all the above-mentioned fixes and the door still doesn’t function properly, here’s what door frame repair professionals suggest: Door Re-installation.
Begin your journey by opening up locks and knobs. Then, carefully open up the hinges. After that, align the door to its place, and reattach hinges. Don’t forget to attach locks and knobs. See if the reinstallation process works.
Is It Time to Replace the Door?
Too much swelling might wear your door down, causing irreversible damage. If the swollen door compromises with aesthetic and functionality then it’s better to replace it. So, contact Carpenter Dubai or Door Repair Dubai experts to replace the door. Make your entrance stunning again!
