this post was submitted on 17 Nov 2023
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DIY

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A place to discuss UK-centric DIY. No sheetrock or drywall.

Wikipedia details DIY as a form of anti-consumerism, ain't that something.

Useful places to learn things: (taking suggestions!)

https://www.diynot.com/

A UK how-to and forum site. People tend to argue a bit, but a good place to get an idea.

Useful places to buy things:

https://www.toolstation.com https://www.screwfix.com/

Wide range of tools and fixings, shop format is like Argos. Always worth comparing prices between them. Don't sell lumber.

https://diy.com https://www.wickes.co.uk/

B&Q and Wickes. Often more expensive than TS/SF, but carries lumber and garden supplies too.

Wickes deals can bring prices in line with builders merchants.

Watch out with B&Q's website, as they do that thing like amazon, where people sell through them (often overpriced)

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UK centric because this is probably related to dampness in the room which I am guessing is a common issue for a lot of us. One of my doors has, I can only describe as, swelled up such that it doesn't close snuggly. I'm guessing it's because of the moisture it's taken on or something. It just hits against the door frame. So whilst it is "closed" it never really fits into the frame and you can see gaps around the edges. I should mention the door is wood. No idea what type, it's fairly light so cheap wood I think ๐Ÿค”.

What's the best thing to do here? Sand it down? Any tips on that? I've never done that before. Repaint after sanding? Get one of those furry door strips to stop heat leaking through the newly sanded door? Should I leave it because I might do more damage than its worth in the long run?

Cheers.

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[โ€“] GreyShuck 3 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Is this an internal door or external? I have known plenty of external doors to swell due to damp over the winter - but not an internal one.

If internal, which room is it in? Kitchen or bathroom, or somewhere that does get damp? If so, I'd want to look at reducing the damp in that room first - via extractors etc - since it is likely to cause other problems.

Anyway, if it is a question of damp, then the usual solution is to take it down and plane a little off in my experience - but be aware that you will then have a larger gap around it when it dries out again, so some kind of draught excluder may be a good idea.

However, the usual thing with internal doors is that one of the hinges - normally the top one - has become loose or bent. Tightening that up, or flattening it out, would be the solution there. You might need to look at the screw holes if it is loose - put a matchstick in if they have become loose - or use longer screws.

[โ€“] mannycalavera 1 points 11 months ago

It's an internal door on an extension that was built before we moved on connecting the extension to the main house. Damp is a constant problem in that room.