Yahoo News Homeowners warned of common door mistake that could cost £1,000 to fix
This may not be the Scottish summer we'd been hoping for in terms of weather, but temperatures are still higher compared to the winter months.
And while this is great news for many, it can be a struggle for homeowners, as the warmer weather can wreak havoc on the structure of your house.
This is especially true when it comes to your doors. You might have noticed that they aren't closing as well as they should, and according to experts, this is a very common issue - but it can be expensive to fix.
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Store operations manager Paul Strong from Magnet Trade has warned that doors are more likely to warp and swell when the weather is warm, making them less effective. He said: “Most doors in our homes are made from either wood, uPVC, composite or metal - all of which can expand during the summer. Wooden doors swell as a result of absorbing moisture. When exposed to moisture and heat, the fibres in the material swell and subsequently so does the wood."
But it's not just the material that can have an impact. In fact, homeowners often make the mistake of painting or installing dark-coloured doors, which also plays a major role in its tendency to warp or swell.
Paul added: “With regards to colour, dark colours including black and dark brown absorb significantly more heat from the sun as opposed to a white door. This increased heat absorption can therefore cause the door to expand more and lead to potential warping over time.”
It can be very difficult to fix a door that has been severely warped, and you could be forced to replace the whole unit - which could set you back anywhere between £300 and £1,000 according to the expert. Thankfully, there are a couple of ways that homeowners can help to prevent this from happening.
Ensure proper installation
It can be common for doors to be more prone to swelling and warping due to not being hung properly in the first instance. Therefore, make sure that your doors have the appropriate allowances for expansion and contraction and check that the frames and hinges are correctly aligned to prevent any stress on the door.
Wood doors can expand by as much as 9mm and uPVC doors can expand by up to 2.4mm, so make sure your doors and frames can allow for this expansion.
To further protect your doors during the summer, it's essential to choose the right material and finish. While uPVC and composite doors are less prone to warping compared to wood, they still require proper care to maintain their longevity. Ensuring regular maintenance can save homeowners from costly repairs down the line.
Myles Robinson, CEO of UK door supplier Composite Doors, advises: "Opting for lighter-coloured composite doors can greatly reduce the likelihood of warping during hot weather.
"These materials are engineered to withstand temperature fluctuations, but proper installation and occasional upkeep are key to extending the life of your doors."
Ensure doors are sealed properly
Prevent doors from swelling and warping by ensuring they are sealed properly - varnish and weather-resistant paint are suitable and will prevent any moisture from penetrating the material.
Ensure your home is well ventilated
Ventilation in your home is key when it comes to preventing your doors from swelling and warping. Prevent the build-up of humid air by investing in dehumidifiers, which reduce moisture levels in the air and will help prevent the doors in your home from absorbing moisture.
