When your entry door sticks, it might initially seem like a minor inconvenience, but this small issue can quickly escalate into a significant problem, potentially preventing you from opening or closing your door altogether. In extreme cases, a sticking door can even become a safety hazard, trapping you inside or outside your home when you least expect it. Ensuring your entry door operates smoothly is not just about convenience—it’s about safety and accessibility.
What To Do When Your Entry Door Sticks
Sticking doors can result from a variety of causes, each with its own set of solutions. Often, the issue lies with the strike plate or loose hinges, both of which can shift over time, causing misalignment. Fortunately, these problems are typically easy for homeowners to address with a screwdriver and some patience. Similarly, if your door has been repainted multiple times, the buildup of paint layers can cause it to stick, and a bit of sanding can usually solve the problem.
Humidity – the Sticking Door Culprit
However, the most common and challenging culprit behind a sticking door is humidity. High humidity levels can cause wood doors to absorb moisture and swell, leading to a tight fit in the frame that wasn’t present during drier seasons. While running air conditioning or using a dehumidifier can help reduce indoor humidity, these measures won’t eliminate the problem if the moisture is coming from outside, especially during the humid summer months.
If your door is persistently sticking due to humidity, it’s time to consider an upgrade. Fiberglass or steel doors offer a superior solution to this problem. Here are some details about both to help you choose the best door for your home.
Fiberglass Entry Doors
Fiberglass doors offer several advantages over traditional wood doors, making them an increasingly popular choice for homeowners. Unlike wood, fiberglass is highly resistant to warping, rotting, and swelling. This durability means that fiberglass doors require less maintenance and have a longer lifespan, saving homeowners time and money in the long run.
Additionally, fiberglass doors can be designed to mimic the appearance of wood, providing the same aesthetic appeal without the associated vulnerabilities. They also offer superior energy efficiency, thanks to their insulated cores, helping to reduce energy costs and keep homes more comfortable year-round. Overall, fiberglass doors provide a perfect blend of style, durability, and performance, making them a smart investment for any home. Many fiberglass doors are warranted for the life of the door, adding an additional layer of protection to your investment.
Steel Entry Doors
Steel doors offer significant advantages over wooden doors, particularly in terms of security, durability, and maintenance. One of the most notable benefits is their superior strength and resistance to forced entry, making steel doors a top choice for homeowners concerned about safety. Unlike wooden doors, which can warp, crack, or rot over time due to exposure to the elements, steel doors are incredibly durable and resistant to these common issues, ensuring a longer lifespan with minimal maintenance.
Additionally, steel doors are often insulated, providing excellent energy efficiency by helping to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, reducing energy costs. While wooden doors require regular upkeep, such as painting or staining to maintain their appearance and structural integrity, steel doors are low-maintenance, typically requiring only occasional cleaning to look and perform their best. Overall, steel doors offer a combination of strength, durability, and energy efficiency that wooden doors simply can’t match.
Choose the Right Material For Your Door
By upgrading to a fiberglass or steel door, you can eliminate the frustrations of a sticking door, enhance your home’s energy efficiency, and enjoy peace of mind knowing your entryway is secure and reliable, regardless of the season.
Let Volpe take a look at your entryway and help you choose a door that works for you.
