Fix a Door That Sticks Every Summer
· Mark Mendenhall
A door that closes fine in January and sticks every July isn't broken — it's swollen. Florida humidity puffs wood up just enough to bind. Fix it before you reach for a plane.
Try these first
- Tighten every hinge screw. A sagging door rubs at the top corner, and loose screws are the usual cause. Swap one short screw per hinge for a 3-inch screw that reaches the stud.
- Find the rub spot — it'll be shiny or paint-worn. Rub a candle or a bar of soap along that edge to wax it.
- Run a dehumidifier or keep the AC consistent in that part of the house.
If it still sticks after that, the edge needs light sanding and a fresh coat of paint or sealer so it stops drinking moisture.