Despite our Scottish summers not quite living up to weather expectations, we can all agree that they are noticeably warmer than the winter period. This shift in temperature, while embraced by many, can impose challenges for unsuspecting homeowners in Glasgow. There could be an impact on the architecture of their homes due to the heat, particularly on doors that may cease to close properly, an increasingly common yet costly problem to resolve.
Paul Strong, who oversees store operations atMagnet Trade, noted that doors become prone to warping and swelling during warm periods. According to him, “Most doors in our homes are made from either wood, uPVC, composite or metal – all of this can expand during the summer. Wooden doors swell as a result of absorbing moisture. The same thing happens when they encounter moisture and heat, the fibres in the material will swell, leading to the wooden door’s expansion.”
Interestingly, it’s not only the material construction that can trigger such expansion; the colour of the door itself can play a pivotal role in this. Many homeowners, unaware of the implications, install or paint their doors dark shades, causing them to absorb more heat and consequently deform.
Paul reiterated, “Dark colours including black and dark brown absorb exponentially more heat from the sun as compared to a white door. This amplified heat absorption can cause the door to expand further and potentially warp over an extended period.”
Fixing an excessively warped door can be a daunting task, possibly leading to a complete door replacement. The costs for such replacements can range anywhere between £300 and £1,000, as estimated by Paul. Nevertheless, homeowners can adopt preventative measures to such expanding door phenomena.
Proper Installation
Doors that are not properly installed often become more susceptible to warping and swelling. Ensure your door is properly hung, the frames and hinges are correctly aligned to prevent stress and expansion allowances are provided. For instance, wooden doors can expand as much as 9mm and uPVC doors by up to 2.4mm. Proper dimensioning and fixtures will allow for such expansion.
Proper Sealing of Doors
Doors that are correctly sealed are less likely to swell or warp. Proper sealing agents like varnish and weather-resistant paint will deter moisture penetration into doors.
Efficient Ventilation
Maintaining proper ventilation within your home in Glasgow is another critical factor in preventing doors from swelling and warping. Invest in high-quality dehumidifiers to control humid air inside your home and limit moisture absorption into doors.
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