Humidity definitely throws a wrench into DIY projects, especially doors. A couple things I've learned from dealing with rental properties:
- Graphite powder is solid, but silicone spray lubricant can sometimes work better on latches and hinges. Doesn't attract dirt as much as WD-40 either.
- If shaving the frame helped temporarily but the sticking comes back, it might be worth checking if the door itself is sealed properly. Moisture absorption can warp even slightly exposed wood edges.
- Also, weatherstripping can make a big difference. Good quality foam or rubber strips around the frame help manage humidity-related swelling and keep the door snug without sticking.
Had a similar issue at one of my places last summer—thought I'd solved it by sanding down the frame, but after a few weeks of rain, it was back to square one. Ended up sealing the door edges and upgrading weatherstripping... hasn't stuck since. Small victories indeed.
Totally relate to your experience with humidity messing up doors. Had a similar headache last year when I flipped an older bungalow—thought I'd nailed it after shaving down the frame and giving it a fresh coat of paint. But nope, first humid spell and it was sticking again. Ended up realizing the door edges weren't sealed properly, so moisture kept creeping in and swelling the wood.
You're spot-on about silicone spray too. WD-40 is handy for quick fixes, but it tends to gum up over time. Silicone spray has been my go-to for hinges and latches ever since I discovered it doesn't attract dust and grime as much. Weatherstripping was another game changer for me—especially the rubber kind. Foam strips are decent, but rubber seems to hold up better long-term.
Anyway, glad you got it sorted out. Those small victories really do feel good after all the trial and error...
Had a similar humidity nightmare with a rental property last summer—door swelled so bad tenants got locked out twice. Ended up ditching the traditional lock altogether and installed a keyless entry pad. Honestly, best decision ever. No more frantic calls at midnight, and bonus: no more fumbling around for keys when my hands are full of tools or paint cans... Small wins, right?
"No more frantic calls at midnight, and bonus: no more fumbling around for keys when my hands are full of tools or paint cans... Small wins, right?"
Definitely relate to this. Had a tenant once who worked night shifts—poor guy got locked out regularly because the humidity warped the door frame. Switched to keyless entry pads myself and haven't looked back since. One thing I'd add: make sure you pick a model with a reliable battery indicator. Learned that lesson the hard way when one died unexpectedly... tenants weren't thrilled.
Totally agree on the battery indicator thing—been there, done that. Another tip: make sure the keypad buttons don't wear out too quickly. Had one where the numbers faded after a year, and suddenly it turned into a guessing game every time I came home late. Not exactly fun when you're juggling groceries and a toddler who's overdue for a nap...
