Wood takes on moisture from humid air and gives it back when the air dries, so a wood garage door can change size through the seasons. A door that sticks or drags in a humid spell may be reacting to that, or to a track or roller fault. A good finish slows the change but does not stop it.
Why a wood door changes with the weather
The Wood Handbook from the USDA Forest Service says the moisture in wood tends to come into balance with the humidity of the air around it. Day to day changes are small and usually do not matter, but seasonal changes build up gradually and are more of a concern. A wood garage door therefore sits in a slow cycle. It takes on moisture in a humid stretch and loses it when the air is dry.
A larger, flat wood panel feels this more than a small piece does, and a garage door is a stack of large panels held in a track. A little change in size can be enough to rub on a track or a jamb.
What it looks like
- The door feels stiffer to lift by hand, or the opener strains in a humid spell and runs easily in dry weather.
- The door rubs on one side of the track or on the jamb.
- The bottom section looks dark, rough or swollen. DASMA says the bottom section can wick up water and typically gets the most moisture.
- Paint or stain peels or cracks, especially near the bottom and the edges.
The same signs come from other faults, so do not assume humidity is the cause. A bent track, a worn roller or a spring out of balance feels much the same.
What finish can and cannot do
The Wood Handbook says protective coatings can retard dimensional changes in wood but do not prevent them. A finish is a delay, not a seal. DASMA recommends finishing the door on every side before it is installed, because it is hard to do well once hardware is mounted, and says finishing after installation could put the manufacturer's warranty at risk.
DASMA also says to inspect the finish every 12 to 18 months for fading, peeling, chipping or buildup, and to refinish if the door looks or feels dry. Follow the door maker's instructions for the product to use.
If the door stays up by itself when you lift it halfway by hand with the opener disconnected, the springs are probably doing their job. If it does not, or it feels much heavier than before, stop and call. Never adjust a spring yourself.
What not to do
Do not plane or sand the edge of a door to stop a rub until you know the cause. If the door is binding because the track is out of line, removing wood does not fix it and you may leave bare wood open to moisture. Do not force a door that sticks, and do not run the opener against one that will not move.
Wood doors are heavy and the springs are matched to the weight of the door. A door that gets heavier from moisture, or that has been refinished many times, can change how well it balances. That is a reason to have a technician check the balance, not to adjust the springs yourself. See spring repair.
Quick answers
Why does my wood garage door stick in summer?
Wood takes on moisture from humid air and can change size. It may rub on the track or jamb. A worn roller, bent track or weak spring can feel the same, so have it checked.
Does paint or stain stop a wood door from swelling?
No. The Wood Handbook says protective coatings slow dimensional change but do not prevent it.
How often should I refinish a wood garage door?
DASMA advises inspecting the finish every 12 to 18 months and refinishing when the door looks or feels dry or the finish is peeling or chipped.
Should I sand the edge of a sticking wood door?
Not until you know the cause. If the track is out of line, sanding does not help and it can leave bare wood exposed to moisture.
Repair, refinish or replace
If the door is sound and only the finish has failed, refinishing and sealing the edges is usually the first step. If panels are split, rotted or bowed, repair of single sections may be possible. If the door is rotting through or no longer stays in balance, a new door is worth pricing. See new garage doors, including wood-look options that need less upkeep.
For binding that does not match the weather, see what to check when a garage door will not open.
Who to call
Emil Garage Doors repairs garage doors, springs, cables and openers and installs new doors in Illinois, including Schaumburg, Aurora and Joliet. Call or send your details with a photo of the bottom of the door and we book the soonest visit. See garage door repair.
Our related services
Cities near you
We repair and install in these cities. Each page has local notes, prices and reviews.