Nightbox door.

[Renee_H]

I think I need to remake my door. When I installed it I noticed I had gaps on 3 sides. I put some weather stripping which decreased the gap but I could still see a thin gap. I’d made a mental note to go buy a thicker weather stripping on my lunch today. Well this morning I went to let my tort out before work and I could NOT get the door open. The wood had swelled. I had to raise the lid climb inside the box and kick out the door. I made the opening 16w/14t if I remember correctly. Helllllp

 

[wellington]

You could try putting a rubber or plastic strip on the outside of the door on the sides so when you close it, those strips cover the gaps

 

[wellington]

Post a pic of it closed and open

 

[Renee_H]

I’ll have to take a pic of it closed later I didn’t take one

 

[wellington]

I would do as I said in my first post. Then when the door is closed, those flaps would cover the gaps.
Or, if you put a handle on the outside of the door, you could pull it open and leave the thicker stripping.

 

[Renee_H]

Thank you!

 

[seanbaker1]

I would do as I said in my first post. Then when the door is closed, those flaps would cover the gaps.
Or, if you put a handle on the outside of the door, you could pull it open and leave the thicker stripping.

A handle on the door is a great idea! I'm going to do that. Just a small pull, for when it's warm and the door sticks a bit. Thanks!

 

[seanbaker1]

My mornings just got easier. Finally got around to doing this.

 

[Tom]

I think I need to remake my door. When I installed it I noticed I had gaps on 3 sides. I put some weather stripping which decreased the gap but I could still see a thin gap. I’d made a mental note to go buy a thicker weather stripping on my lunch today. Well this morning I went to let my tort out before work and I could NOT get the door open. The wood had swelled. I had to raise the lid climb inside the box and kick out the door. I made the opening 16w/14t if I remember correctly. Helllllp

First, I don't weather strip the doors. Just the tops. I don't mind some air circulation as long as it's not too much and the box isn't getting cold. As Barb said, the flaps inside will stop any drafts.

The tool you need to fix your problem is called a "planer". It just shaves off small amounts of material at a time. Just be sure not to go over any screw heads or nails.

Another thing that will help with your particular door configuration is to get a little plastic dish scrubbing brush and remove any substrate, leaves, poo, or anything else that gets in that area where the door recesses into when it is closed. Don't use your fingers. Splinters hurt. Ask me how I know this...

 

[Renee_H]

First, I don't weather strip the doors. Just the tops. I don't mind some air circulation as long as it's not too much and the box isn't getting cold. As Barb said, the flaps inside will stop any drafts.

The tool you need to fix your problem is called a "planer". It just shaves off small amounts of material at a time. Just be sure not to go over any screw heads or nails.

Another thing that will help with your particular door configuration is to get a little plastic dish scrubbing brush and remove any substrate, leaves, poo, or anything else that gets in that area where the door recesses into when it is closed. Don't use your fingers. Splinters hurt. Ask me how I know this...

I didn’t know planers existed. I did just that with a jigsaw LOL I’ll get a brush!