In some cases, garage doors warp, but that doesn’t mean it is the end of its lifespan. Even when you have provided enough care to your wooden garage door, it can still warp. However, it would be best if you did not worry as this condition can be fixed easily by your carpenter. If you notice that your garage door is not as straight as you had bought it or has changed its shape, that is an indication of warping, and hence it needs to be fixed immediately.
Are you wondering whether it is possible to fix a warped garage door and, if yes, how to do it? You are in the right place. This article by the experts at Ridgeline Overhead Garage Door is dedicated to enlightening you on the causes of warping, fixing it, and the associated preventive measures.
What is warping, and what causes garage doors to warp?
Warping is the bending or curving of wood in some areas due to differences in moisture content, resulting in some parts drying faster than others and shrinking in size.
Warping is mainly caused by moisture from air or rain. In this regard, you should not install a wooden garage door in areas that are very moist and humid. The other cause of warping in garage doors is using wood that has not gone through the required treatment processes. The final cause of warping is the finish used; if you fail to use a quality finish, the garage door will warp, mainly when applied only on one side.
Types of warping
Several types of warping are classified depending on the shape the warped garage door takes. They include:
Twist or wind
This shape resembles a twisted ribbon as both ends of the wood bends inwards, creating a jagged profile.
Bow
Bow warping resembles a bow, the face of the wood remains straight, but the ends bend upwards.
Crook
This occurs when only one end of the woods comes into contact with the moisture. Only the end that has contacted moisture warps, and this results in a C shape.
Kink
Here the wood bends upwards on one side, creating an arm bent at the elbow shape.
Cup
Both ends of the wood curve inwards to the center.
Can a warped garage door be fixed?
Yes, you can fix a warped garage door using various methods depending on the warp’s severity.
Fixing a door with a minor warp
If you notice a door wrap early, the corrective measures are simple and straightforward. Remove the door from the hinges carefully and if it is painted, remove the paint using a heat gun. Fill in any crack present, take off the coat, and varnish and concentrate on the top and bottom part as they are the main areas that soak up water. Apply two layers of sealant and allow it to dry before applying paint. Finally, hang the door, and do not forget to seal door frames to prevent them from swelling.
Fixing a door with a bad warp
If the warp is very bad, remove the door, lay it on a pair of saw horses, and weigh it down with heavy towels or blankets. Leave the door in this condition for several days until it can correct itself naturally. Wet towels/blankets work better than dry ones, and if the warp is too bad, you can add weights. When it has corrected itself and is straight, it can dry completely and then coat with sealant.
Tips to prevent garage doors from warping
Now that you know the cause of warping on a garage door, you need to take these preventive measures to avoid reoccurrence:
- Use quality finish
Garage door finish helps protect the door from moisture and other extreme conditions. With a perfect finish, the humidity will never reach the wood, and consequently, there will be no warping.
- Protect with a suitable sealant
This is done if you have not installed a new garage door. Please keep it in the garage for 48 hours to help it adjust to the room’s moisture content. After 48 hours, apply two layers of a sealant and ensure to apply it to all six sides of the garage door. Pay more attention to the bottom and top parts of the door as these two areas quickly soak up moisture.
- Use a dehumidifier
As you already know, the garage door warps due to moisture. If you realize your garage door is bending from inside, use a dehumidifier to remove the garage’s excess moisture.
- Install a cover over the door
During rainy seasons, the garage door soaks up water even though the warping is only identified during summer when the water is drying up. To prevent water from coming into contact with the garage door, install a cover over the door during the rainy season and remove it afterward.
- Install a water-resistant garage door
This is only applicable when installing a new garage door. Buy wooden garage doors that are naturally water-resistant such as White Oak and Teak.
Conclusion
As evident in this guide, you can fix a warped garage door regardless of whether the warp is minor or severe. The leading cause of warping is a difference in moisture content within the wood and fluctuating temperatures. To prevent warping, protect the wood from contacting moisture by using a quality finish, a suitable sealant, installing a cover over the door, or purchasing a garage door made of moisture-resistant wood. Even though it is easy to fix a warped garage door, get a professional to do it in the right way.