The kitchen is considered the soul of any home; sturdy, well-maintained cabinets are essential to keep it looking beautiful. Unfortunately, some factors can damage your kitchen cabinets over time. It is necessary to keep watch of these factors to ensure the longevity of your kitchen’s aesthetic.
This blog will discuss those factors and their effects on your kitchen cabinet.
1. Fluctuation of Temperature
Temperature and humidity changes in the kitchen are the leading cause of fractures in the center panel and cabinet doors. Wood is a natural material that responds to the humidity and temperature of your home over time.
However, even the most vital kitchen cabinets may expand during the summer and other humid months because wood rapidly absorbs additional moisture from the air due to the increased relative humidity.
As winter approaches, relative humidity decreases, forcing the wood to contract. In addition, due to the frequent movement of wood, the paint on kitchen cabinetry deteriorates over time. These defects manifest as minor fractures or gaps in the cabinet’s doors, joints, or corners.
2. Water and Spills
When not treated with care, wood cabinets can easily absorb water and swell, warping the cabinet and leaving unsightly marks. Additionally, if left sitting on a wet surface for extended periods, the wood’s surface finish can become stained or even be stripped away.
Even worse, any spilled liquids containing grease or oil can stain the surface of kitchen cabinets, leaving unsightly marks that are difficult to remove.
3. Inadequate Preparation Before Painting
If the wood in your kitchen cabinetry is not treated correctly or primed before the final painting process, cracks may appear on a tiny section or across an entire panel. For instance, the paint may bubble or shatter if you work on an unclean surface. Therefore, remove all debris, grease, and dust from the wood’s surface before painting.
It is also a poor idea to paint your wooden cabinet doors and panels while they are still damp. This may result in the formation of bubbles on the paint.
4. Pests
These pests include mice, cockroaches, silverfish, and ants. Apart from being a nuisance, they can cause costly repairs and replacements if treated after some time.
Mice are particularly problematic because they gnaw at wood cabinet doors and frames to create entry points in your kitchen. Once inside, they can contaminate food with their droppings, leaving an unpleasant odor and potential disease.
Cockroaches are known to infest kitchens, often targeting drawers and cabinets where food is stored. They can spread bacteria and cause health issues by contaminating surfaces and food items.
Ants can also become a problem, especially in areas where humid conditions provide a conducive environment for them to thrive. They are attracted to sweet foods, so storing items like sugar, honey, and jellies in airtight containers is essential to discourage them from entering your cabinets.
5. Poor Installation
Not only can poor insulation cause physical damage to the kitchen cabinet, but it can also undermine the quality of the cabinet, leading to poor overall appearance and performance. Improper kitchen cabinet installation could even lead to a hazardous situation, such as a nearby wall collapsing or the cabinet falling off its hinges.
Conclusion
It is essential to keep a watchful eye on your kitchen cabinet. To ensure that it lasts longer, inspect the cabinet from time to time, looking for any signs of wear and tear, and address them immediately. Be sure to clean surfaces regularly and be mindful of potential hazards such as water leakage, pests, and insect infestations.
If you need custom cabinetry in Tampa to replace the damaged ones due to these factors, look no further than Mark’s Cabinetry Services! Our experienced team of designers and craftsmen can ensure you get the exact look you want. Contact us now!