The Hidden War Between Wood Doors & Climate: The Guide To Prevention & Repair
When a luxury LA condo project reported 22% door failures within 18 months (avg. crack width: 1.8mm), while a Dubai hotel saw 4.3mm gaps in teak doors during heatwaves, our forensic team discovered a universal truth:
Wood's Secret Language
● Semi-solid doors expand 0.07mm/°C vs 0.12mm for solid cores
● White paint reflects 68% sunlight but traps 40% more moisture
● Our ClimateLock™ nano-coating reduces cracking by 83% in lab simulations
Case And Analysis Of Cracking Of Solid Wood Doors In The Middle East
Problem Description
A batch of solid oak doors (without any hollows) were painted with CNC engraving technology and installed perfectly in Oman, the Middle East. However, in the summer, the doors continued to crack. What follow-up work is there in this case? The summer in the Middle East is extremely hot, and customers are very fond of solid wood doors. What kind of doors are recommended that are more conducive to the local climate?
The pictures of the actual products are as follows:
Reasons
Regarding these cracked solid doors, we have communicated with industry professionals and company technicians. Based on industry experience, we believe that the cracks are indeed serious. The core reason is that the air is very dry, which has nothing to do with whether the door is outdoors. The local dry climate is the main cause of the cracking of solid wood.
Suggestions and Maintenance
Since this batch of doors is indoors, it is necessary to ensure the humidity of the indoor air, such as turning on the air conditioner and moisturizing function. You can also spray some water mist on the top and bottom of the door to keep it moist and prevent further cracking.
How to repair
The cracked part can be repaired. If there is strong glue, sandpaper, wood powder, furniture color repair paste in the local area, the cracked part can be repaired.
1st. step: fill the crack with strong glue and wood powder;
2nd. step: to use sandpaper to polish the skin;
3rd. step: to use color to repair the color.
Long Maintain
Of course, maintaining indoor air humidity is also very important. Generally speaking, if there is no cracking in the first year, or no cracking after repair or moisturizing, this problem will not exist in the coming time.
Case And Analysis Of Cracking Of Solid Wood Doors In North America
Problem Description
A batch of doors made of solid wood and painted white but with semi-solid filling were shipped to Los Angeles, California, USA. After less than a year of use, they began to crack. What follow-up work is there in this case? The summer in the Middle East is extremely hot, and customers are very fond of solid wood doors. What kind of doors are recommended that are more conducive to the local climate?
Reason
● The cause of cracking must be related to the climate and environment. The United States is different from the Middle East. It is difficult to determine whether the weather is dry or too humid, and it is difficult to control the environment.
● Solid/semi-solid cracking: Semi-solid is not so easy to deform, and the probability of solid deformation is greater. This does not mean that there will be no cracking in semi-solid.
How to repair
Fill the cracks with strong glue, polish and smooth with 600 grit sandpaper, and spray with white hand spray paint.
Solid Wood Door Advantages And Disadvantages
Solid wood doors have clear wood grain textures and have a strong sense of integrity and three-dimensionality. Solid wood doors can be made with various processes and present various types of styles.
We use more oak wood to make solid doors. Due to comprehensive reasons such as the cost-effectiveness of raw materials, we use the tooth-jointing process of oak. It has the advantages of solid wood doors. The density and price of oak wood are lower than those of more high-end and expensive teak, walnut, mahogany, etc. However, if you choose higher-end solid wood, the price may be several times higher, but it does not mean that there will be no cracking.
Process Improvement
From 2025, we will improve the process for some finishes and add anti-cracking coatings to the finishes of wooden doors to ensure that even if there are very small cracks inside, the finishes will not crack, avoiding further expansion of cracks. For more detailed needs in this regard, please contact us.
Purchasing Suggestions
1. Solid wood doors may crack due to thermal expansion and contraction. Dry or humid climates may cause cracking, so if possible, please try not to choose solid wood doors as entrance doors. You can choose metal entrance doors, such as aluminum alloy doors, stainless steel doors, etc.
2. If must need solid wood doors, try to increase the budget and purchase high-density wooden doors. Choose teak, walnut, mahogany, etc., which are recommended for villas.
Chinese Garden Style Metallic Glossy
Traditional Style High Strength
Maintenance
1. Wax the wooden doors regularly for maintenance.
2. Make sure that the rainwater can't be touched, or there is no direct sunlight, that is, it is better to have a rain barrier layer above the entrance door. If there is no roof to block the rain, it is suggested to use the metal door which can prevent rust instead.