We installed a new front door last summer, and it has warped so much it won’t close properly—more than an inch. What went wrong?
A—Wood will warp when one side dries out more than the other, or if the finish on one side shrinks more than the other side. As wood dries, it shrinks, and expands again as it absorbs moisture. Door manufacturers recommend that all edges of doors (including the top and bottom), as well as the holes for doorknobs or peep-holes, be sealed with paint or other finish to prevent moisture penetration. It is also important to apply the same finish in the same number of coats to balance any shrinkage or moisture penetration on the two sides. Many manufacturers state that their warranty if void if these precautions are not observed.
