Wood and water. Honestly, it’s a love-hate relationship. If you live in the UK, you already know the drill : rain coming in sideways, damp mornings, that cold, wet smell of timber when you open the back door in October. And yet, we keep choosing wood for doors, windows, terraces. Why ? Because when it’s done properly, nothing feels better. Warm under the hand. Solid. Alive.
But let’s be clear about one thing : moisture isn’t the enemy by default. The real problem is water that lingers where it shouldn’t. Poor drainage, blocked systems, constant damp around the structure. I’ve seen it more times than I’d like. It’s actually the same logic you find in water management issues explained on https://colmatage-filtre-assainissement.fr. Different trade, same reality : water that doesn’t move ends up causing damage. Always.
Why humidity causes so many joinery problems
Wood breathes. That’s not a romantic idea, it’s just how the material works. It absorbs moisture when the air is wet and releases it when things dry out.
The trouble starts when this cycle gets stuck. Weeks of damp weather, no proper protection, and suddenly your front door rubs on the frame every morning. You have to push it with your shoulder. Windows that used to close smoothly now resist. Decking turns green and slippery.
I’ve measured it on site more than once : a timber door can swell by 2 to 3 mm after prolonged exposure to humidity. Sounds tiny, right ? In joinery terms, it’s massive.
Exterior doors : the first victims of moisture
External doors take the full hit. Rain, wind, condensation, temperature changes. And most failures come from very basic oversights.
Things I see far too often :
- No drip groove under the door, so water runs straight onto the bottom rail.
- Paint applied only on the visible face. Edges left raw.
- Flat thresholds with no slope, meaning water just sits there.
Personally, I seal everything. Top edge, bottom edge, sides. Yes, even the parts no one ever sees. Especially those, actually. That’s where moisture sneaks in.
Windows : damage that creeps in quietly
Windows are tricky. Problems don’t always show straight away. At first, it’s condensation trapped in the frame. Then paint starts bubbling. Later on, you notice dark stains in the corners.
Ever opened an old timber window and caught that musty smell ? That’s moisture that’s been stuck there for years.
What works in real life :
- Microporous paints that protect without sealing the wood completely.
- Regular inspection of seals, beads and joints.
- Proper indoor ventilation. Obvious, but often ignored.
And no, piling on thick varnish isn’t always the solution. I’ve seen varnish crack after two winters. Once water gets behind it, it’s worse than bare wood.
Timber decking and terraces : beautiful but demanding
I love timber decking. Barefoot in summer, warm even when the sun goes down. But let’s not pretend it’s maintenance-free.
If your terrace stays wet all day, something’s wrong. Boards too tight, no airflow underneath, or the slope is off.
Rules I never compromise on :
- Expansion gaps between boards. Wood needs room to move.
- Regular oiling, not once every few years when it’s already grey.
- Clear drainage around the deck. Standing water nearby is bad news.
I once inspected a deck near the coast that looked fine on top. Underneath, it was falling apart. Water trapped below, no escape. You couldn’t see it… until boards started cracking underfoot.
Can timber really handle moisture long term ?
Short answer ? Yes. Long answer ? Only if you respect the material.
Choose the right wood. Protect every surface. Let water drain away instead of trapping it. And accept that timber needs care, like anything built to last.
Maybe I’m biased, but I still believe a well-made wooden door or terrace ages better than plastic or aluminium. It changes, sure. But it holds character.
So tell me – when was the last time you really checked your joinery after a week of rain ?