Expanding/shrinking front door

carolinejm0706 · Post by **carolinejm0706** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 8:10 pm

What is the best way to treat a front door which expands and shrinks depending on weather/time of year?

As the door is wider than a standard door (44" wide) I cannot afford to replace it but want to strip it down and paint it. However, I need to treat it first before painting to stop it expanding/shrinking.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Gadget · Post by **Gadget** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 8:16 pm

You won't stop it shrinking or expanding, but if it's painted correctly (primer, two undercoats and gloss) it will help!....The pro painters might have some tips!

Welsh Decorator · Post by **Welsh Decorator** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 10:11 pm

As Gadget has said, you will not stop it moveing, are any of the joints open?

Apart from makeing sure that no joints are open, in which case, they will need a waterproof glue and cramping up, there is no substitue for propper painting.

Sorry, there is no mirricle cure.

Gadget · Post by **Gadget** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 10:19 pm

Adding to that, if the door is 44" wide, it will expand more than the average front door which is 32"-34" wide!

dirtydeeds · Post by **dirtydeeds** » Fri Jun 06, 2008 6:42 pm

not if the stiles are the same width

as for movement in an external door

just check somebody painted the top and bottom edges, it doesnt half help preventing moisture getting in

Gadget · Post by **Gadget** » Fri Jun 06, 2008 8:47 pm

It could be a batten door too!..

slippery · Post by **slippery** » Wed Jun 25, 2008 4:32 pm

it will definitely be the top or bottom end grain that is open and allowing moisture in, wait until it fits ok, then take it off and get as much paint on the bottom and top as you can, wont cost a penny if you have any old paint in the shed