The rainy season brings relief from the heat but can also create various minor household problems, including swollen wooden doors and windows. During the rains, effort is required to open or close the door, and windows may get stuck in their frames, sometimes making loud noises.
Causes and home remedies
People often rush to call a carpenter, believing that there is no other way to solve the problem. However, this is not always necessary. Most often, the cause is increased humidity during the rainy season, which causes the wood to expand slightly. If the problem is in its early stages, simple home methods can be used to restore the ease of movement of doors and windows without significant expense.
Finding the source of the problem
First, it is necessary to determine which part of the door or window is rubbing. You should check if the hinges are loose and ensure that dust or dirt has not accumulated there. If the screws are loose, they should be tightened, and the edges thoroughly cleaned. Sometimes this is enough to solve the problem.
Using wax or soap
If the door sticks due to friction or has difficulty opening and closing, you can lightly rub the edges with candle wax or dry soap. This can reduce friction, allowing the door or window to open and close more easily. However, it should be noted that this is a temporary, not a permanent, solution.
Controlling humidity in the house
It is important to maintain a low level of humidity in the dwelling, as constant dampness promotes rapid wood swelling. To do this, it is recommended to ensure good ventilation in the house so that the wood does not accumulate excess moisture.
When to consult a specialist
Self-repair attempts are not recommended if the door or window is severely swollen, if cracks have appeared in the wood, or if the entire frame has become crooked. In such cases, a carpenter can offer a proper solution: they can straighten the excess wood or repair the frame, solving the problem permanently.
Preventing problems
To avoid these annoyances in the future, several small measures can be taken even before the rainy season begins.