Door Alignment

Composite Door Expansion in Summer

Composite door tight or sticky in summer? Thermal expansion is real but manageable - here's how to allow for it.

Written by Cornwall Composite DoorsReviewed by Cornwall Composite Doors installersLast updated July 20262 minute read

Overview

Composite door slabs expand and contract by 2-4mm across the year with temperature. Dark colours in south-facing installations expand most. If the door was set on the edge of alignment, summer heat pushes it over.

Symptoms

  • Door hard to close on hot days.
  • Sticky lock only in summer.
  • Fine the rest of the year.

Common causes

  • Normal thermal expansion.
  • Dark colour + south-facing = worst case.

When to call a professional

  • For a summer-margin adjustment.

Prevention

  • Allow slightly more reveal in summer (or lighter colour on south-facing installs).

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