0

I've noticed thin cracks becoming visible on multiple door and window frames where the horizontal and vertical wood of the frames join (on the corners.)

It appears they were just painted over and they are all reappearing. I also noticed 2 of the doors have become harder to open/close in the last few weeks. Moved into the house in the summer and this began in the winter.

Could it be weather related?

We've discovered other evidence of shoddy work by the developers so I'm concerned this may be a sign of something much more serious.

enter image description here

Improve this question
7
  • Is that a single-pane window that the frame is completely made out of wood? It kind of looks smooth enough to be a vinyl window frame. If it's single pane then are you in a cold climate?
    – Ted Mittelstaedt
    Commented Jan 10, 2021 at 17:22
  • It's a double pane window. The frame is wooden, I believe. Winter temps tend to be between 25-40 degrees in the region.
    – Clementine
    Commented Jan 10, 2021 at 17:29
  • If it is a double paned window in a wood frame then I do not believe you have a seal with the airspace in between the glass. (maybe you might, if the glass is seated in a rubber gasket and all of that) If that is the case and it's just an old-school unsealed double paned window then it is just cheap construction, and I would have the windows replaced with modern vinyl ones using sealed glass (maybe even go triple pane) since your energy savings would pay for the cost of the window. Start with the biggest one first. At some point you have to write off what you have instead of repairing it.
    – Ted Mittelstaedt
    Commented Jan 10, 2021 at 17:38
  • That is helpful, thank you. The same thing is happening with all the doorframes, too. That is why I thought it might be foundation related. Any idea what might be causing the issue with the doors?
    – Clementine
    Commented Jan 10, 2021 at 18:30
  • 3
    Trim wood had high moisture content when installed itis shrinking as it dries
    – Kris
    Commented Jan 10, 2021 at 19:08

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1

Pretty much just normal shrinkage in winter as things dry out, possibly aggravated by using damp wood or not running A/C in the hot/wet summertime - so if replaced/installed/painted before you moved in in the summer, it would be swelled up, and as you run heat and indoor humidity falls in the winter, the wood shrinks.

Personally I'd suggest waiting through a year or two before fixing it unless it's the top of your spousal unit's issues with life in general or the house in specific - once it's "cycled" a few times it will move less (not none) in the future so a fix will be more likely to stay fixed. But's basically paintable caulk and paint to fix it, nothing major to get excited about.

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.