Hey folks,
I noticed some of the trim around this door is bending. I assume it is likely due to humidity but any other possible causes? This is in the basement where it is typically cool.
What do you recommend I do to fix it? Just some simple wood glue and something to hold it in place as the glue dries?
If it’s easy to remove, you can take off the part that’s coming loose, clean off any old glue and dust, then apply some wood glue evenly on the back. Press it back into place and secure it with tape, clamps, or small nails for about 24 hours. Once it’s fully dry, you can fill any gaps with wood filler, sand it smooth, and touch up the paint.
That’s probably too much warping for humidity. The hinges are probably pulling that side of the door lower.
Do you own this property? If so, I would pull the trim off completely, rehang the door properly, with longer screws through the hinges to hold them up to the framing, and then put the trim back on.
If you rent, call your landlord to do the above.
Weight of the door would stretch this side, not shorten it.
I tend to lean towards it being humidity since we have only noticed it happened in the last couple of weeks where temperatures in this area are higher than normal, humid and our AC has not been working for months (just had it repaired today).
Yes it’s caused by moisture. If you push it in manually does it go right back in place? If so yes glue and nails to hold it while it cures. If it doesn’t then you will need to start at the bottom and pull the piece of trim up until you get to the bubble and then refasten it from that point down to take up the slack.
Yeah it goes back in place and fits perfectly once i push it back into place. I’ll go the glue and nail route. Thanks!
I’d suggest looking into getting a dehumidifier as well. That’s a lot of moisture.
I don’t remember seeing that before - must be humidity plus MDF trim. Neither wood nor MDF expands significantly from heat. Moisture, on the other hand, makes wood expand across the grain, not along it - so boards get thicker and wider, but not longer. MDF, however, swells in all directions when exposed to moisture. I’m surprised that this is the only piece affected though. Perhaps who installed it forgot to nail in the middle.
If it’s warped, you’re going to need a mechanical fastener like a nail or screw.
