I have a woooden front door which seems to expand with monotonous regularity. It often expans to jam in the door frame causing the frame to move and thus cracking the plaster join to the wall. Can I stop this happening and how can I make the frame more secure without having to take it out? Any advice appreciated.
Firstly, paint it. Secondly, go round the edge with a big belt sander, to remove a millimeter or two of wood. Pain edges.
Take it off when it has shrunk about as much as it is likely to do, strip it back to bare wood and paint it with a good oil-based paint, making sure to seal all bare edges well. That will stop it taking up moisture, which will stop it swelling.
Colin Bignell
You can get door frame fixings which will do just what you want. They are like long plastic rawlplugs with matching screws. As I recall you drill right through the frame and into the brick work. Then tap the fixing into place and screw up tight.
You should also look carefully at the brickwork and plaster surrounding the door frame as the cause of the jamming may be from movement of the structure rather than simple swelling of the door.
Richard.
To secure the frame use 'Hammer Fixings' or 'Frame Fixings'
See Screwfix
Don't forget to buy the appropriate masonry drill if you don't have one of the right size.
Being a belt and braces man I try to put three fixing each side. Try to put the fixings into masonry rather than the mortar.
Contrary to the advice on the packet, I find it best to countersink or counterbore the frame A LITTLE.
Fix the frame before taking any material off the door. The problem may be as much frame movement as door expansion.
A couple of the posters have written with the most likely answer. You indicate as much, asking about securing the frame.
Ask for Fischer Fixings they will give you their equivalent but 3 1/2 inch 10's will do with brown plugs if the substrate is sound. Like as not that is the problem. Check what is happening with a tape measure or a marked stick. Foam filler adhesive may be the answer if the brickwork is in poor shape.
Put it in as best you can with masking tape perhaps? And wedge the door in the frame so the frame is not pushed into it by the foam.
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