There is nothing quite like a spell of warm, dry weather to help us make the most of our gardens. But while the sunshine is great for barbecues and evenings outdoors, it can have an unexpected effect on timber gates.
If your gate has started sticking, rubbing on the ground or feels harder to open than it did a few weeks ago, don’t worry. In most cases, this is completely normal and simply reflects the way natural timber responds to changing weather conditions.
Why do wooden gates move?
Wood is a natural material. Unlike plastic or metal, it reacts to changes in temperature and moisture throughout the year.
During long periods of hot, dry weather, timber can lose moisture. As this happens, different parts of the gate may move at different rates. This can cause a gate to twist slightly, develop small gaps or become slightly out of alignment.
Changes in humidity can also affect the posts and surrounding framework, which may alter how the gate hangs.
This movement is a normal characteristic of timber and does not necessarily mean there is a fault with your gate. In many cases, the gate will settle again as temperatures and moisture levels return to normal.
Why is my gate sticking?
A gate that suddenly sticks during hot weather is often caused by small seasonal movements.
Common signs include:
- The gate catching on the ground
- It becomes harder to close or latch
- Hinges feeling tighter than usual
- The gate appearing slightly twisted or uneven
In many cases, these issues improve naturally as weather conditions change.
Simple ways to care for your gate in hot weather
A little routine wooden gate maintenance can help keep your gate looking good and working smoothly throughout the summer.
- Check your hinges and fixings
Hot weather can highlight small changes in alignment. Check that your gate hinges, screws and fittings remain secure.
If required, a small hinge adjustment may be all that is needed to improve the way the gate opens and closes. It is also worth checking that drop bolts and padbolts continue to operate freely after any seasonal movement.
Brenton Padbolt
- Protect the timber
Applying a quality UV protective wood oil helps reduce moisture loss and protects the timber from the effects of prolonged sunshine.
Regular treatment also helps preserve the natural colour of the timber while reducing the risk of excessive drying, splitting and weathering.
Reapplying protective oil every year, or as recommended by the manufacturer, can help keep your gate in excellent condition.
Wood Protective Treatment.
- Avoid forcing the gate
If your gate feels stiff, avoid forcing it open or closed.
This can place unnecessary strain on the hinges, posts and fixings. Instead, identify where it is catching and make small adjustments where appropriate, or wait until weather conditions become less extreme.
- Keep an eye on the posts
Sometimes the gate itself is not the problem. Timber posts can also move slightly as the ground dries out during extended periods of hot weather.
Checking that posts remain secure and upright can often help explain changes in the way your gate operates.
Choosing quality timber makes a difference
All timber moves to some degree, but well-made gates manufactured from quality timber are designed to cope with seasonal changes far better than lower-quality alternatives.
At Woodford Forest and Landscape, we stock a wide range of quality timber gates, together with gate hinges, drop bolts, padbolts and other gate furniture to help you complete your project properly.
If you are planning to install a new gate, or your existing hardware has seen better days, our experienced team will be happy to help you choose the right products.
Need advice?
Whether you need a replacement timber gate, new gate furniture or advice on caring for an existing gate, our experienced team will be happy to help.
Visit Woodford Forest and Landscape or get in touch with our team for friendly, practical advice.