Elderly neighbours front door is severely swollen following the torrential rain, it is wooden, old but in keeping with the cottage. She does not want to, possibly afford to, replace it,so given she cannot use the door can it be unswollen? When and if it does unswell (?) Will it need replacing or can be made good/non swellable?

Mine does this everytime it rains for a prolonged period (though it can still be opened albeit with difficulty). As soon as it dries out a bit it goes back to normal size and works fine. If you start planing bits off it then it will soon be too small come summer. However, maybe a little bit planed off in strategic points may help it still work for now.

Wooden doors change shape all the time, it will shrink back as it dries out but that doesn’t help right now.
Probably short of paint/sealer on the bottom edge allowing it to soak water up.

get this quite often, take door off and ease as required with an electric plane, try not to take any off lock edge of door as you cant plane past the lock, also checjk the joints havent popped, eg come apart as even with easing the joint wil continue to open up.

also remember if the door is swollen and closed it will be difficult for someone thenn to close it , also beware of any glass pannels, never push on or near them, serious injury will result.

What area are you in, i can help if wirral or chester.

Try Leaving a dehumidifier right near the door

Yes, ease it then wait for dry weather then paint or varnish all surfaces to reduce moisture movement. A wood door should have three coats.

I took a couple of mm off the bottom of the garage door last night as it was getting to the point I was worried about pulling the handle off.

I just went at it with a block plane on the bits that were catching the worst and need to reseal it all today before the monsoon hits

Thanks the joints ….so edge of door near lock and jarm/wall has six joints running up the door all are gapping worst is a couple of cms…so wait till dry and then reseal massively?

A builder came round and said no new door and big bill, she almost said yes.

If there are gaps at the rail joints as you have described, you will need a new door unfortunately

Depending on how old and frail your neighbour is, you may want to suggest trying her back door.

Not necessarily easygirl – hang on till it dries, ease joints out, glue, clamp and re-fit the door.
Nice new coat of paint x 3 making sure you seal all the joints and edges.
Done this several times in the past – no need to throw away the original door.

Thanks the joints ….so edge of door near lock and jarm/wall has six joints running up the door all are gapping worst is a couple of cms.

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A couple of centimetres? Do you have pics? Most doors can be rebuilt, but it may not be cost efficient.

Pictures are needed, withh added pics.

six joints running up the door all are gapping worst is a couple of cms.

What you have there is a gate.

enfht – Member
Depending on how old and frail your neighbour is, you may want to suggest trying her back door.

You beast! 😯