I have a wood gate - it's a double gate made with PT lumber. In a normal
condition the gate closes and there is a gap of about 1/4" between the two
gates. When it rains hard the gate seem to expand and I cannot even open
it - basically it's jamb locked.

So I guess wood expands when wet? I suppose there is no way to correct this
without taking apart one gate and cutting it shorted...there is no play at
all in the hinges.

Ideas?

MC

MiamiCuse wrote:
I have a wood gate - it's a double gate made with PT lumber. In a normal
condition the gate closes and there is a gap of about 1/4" between the two
gates. When it rains hard the gate seem to expand and I cannot even open
it - basically it's jamb locked.

So I guess wood expands when wet?

Doh!!!

I suppose there is no way to correct this
without taking apart one gate and cutting it shorted...there is no play at
all in the hinges.

Ideas?

MC

Wait till the wood is dry and seal it. Marine Varnish would be a
good suggestion. Be sure and do all sides or it won't do any good.
--
Grandpa

Wood expands crossgrain when wet, but not along the grain.
No way you are going to stop it; you have to design accordingly.
"MiamiCuse" wrote in message
...
I have a wood gate - it's a double gate made with PT lumber. In a normal
condition the gate closes and there is a gap of about 1/4" between the two
gates. When it rains hard the gate seem to expand and I cannot even open
it - basically it's jamb locked.

So I guess wood expands when wet? I suppose there is no way to correct
this without taking apart one gate and cutting it shorted...there is no
play at all in the hinges.

Ideas?

MC

On Tue, 19 Jun 2007 22:28:18 -0400, "MiamiCuse"
wrote:

I have a wood gate - it's a double gate made with PT lumber. In a normal
condition the gate closes and there is a gap of about 1/4" between the two
gates. When it rains hard the gate seem to expand and I cannot even open
it - basically it's jamb locked.

So I guess wood expands when wet? I suppose there is no way to correct this
without taking apart one gate and cutting it shorted...there is no play at
all in the hinges.

Ideas?

MC


Wood moves across the grain, much less with the grain. That's why a
frame door is made with panels to allow for inner movement, yet still
keep the outside dimensions stable. Successful furniture makers and
hardwood floor installers are well-aware of wood movement. You best
bet is to trim the door just enough and deal with the gap by
overlapping.

"MiamiCuse" wrote in message
...
I have a wood gate - it's a double gate made with PT lumber. In a normal
condition the gate closes and there is a gap of about 1/4" between the two
gates. When it rains hard the gate seem to expand and I cannot even open
it - basically it's jamb locked.

So I guess wood expands when wet? I suppose there is no way to correct
this without taking apart one gate and cutting it shorted...there is no
play at all in the hinges.

Ideas?

MC


The gate should have been designed for the expansion (and shrinkage).
Evidently, it was not. If you built it,
here's a calculator to help figure dimensions for the future. In the
meantime, take the thing down and trim the edge to give you the necessary
clearance.

http://www.woodbin.com/calcs/shrinkulator.htm