ᐅ Why do some BILLY doors only squeak in cold weather?

Hello everyone, I have a specific question that has been on my mind for some time: Why do some doors of the IKEA Billy bookshelf squeak, and only in cold weather? I mean that the doors work completely silently in summer or warmer rooms, but as soon as it gets colder outside, they start to squeak. I have noticed that it might be related to the material or possibly humidity, but I am not sure. Is there anyone here who can explain this from a technical point of view or has had similar experiences? I am especially interested in whether the problem is related to the construction of the Billy doors, such as material stresses or lubricants that change with cold temperatures. Thanks in advance for your insights!

Squeaking in cold weather is usually caused by the contraction of the wood or the fittings. The metal parts and wood react differently to temperature changes, which creates friction. Applying lubricant oil to the hinges and door bearings usually helps quickly.

To understand this better, it helps to look at the materials used for BILLY doors: typically, the panels and doors are made of particleboard with a melamine coating. In cold conditions, wood-based materials contract slightly, while the metal of the hinges contracts less.

This causes a change in the fit and increases friction in the hinges. Additionally, the viscosity of any lubricant layers or dust particles on the moving parts changes. Especially at low temperatures, the lubricant becomes more viscous, which promotes squeaking.

Could it be that your doors are not optimally adjusted? A cold environment then amplifies the friction effects. If so, it would be helpful to know how old the doors are and whether they have been maintained before.

Surela schrieb:
With cold temperatures, wood-based materials contract slightly, whereas the metal in the hinges contracts less.

Exactly! This happens with many types of furniture, not just BILLY. Wood responds to changes in temperature and humidity, which can also cause slight warping. When parts expand or contract at different rates, tensions arise, which can result in squeaking sounds.

To prevent this, I recommend, as BOMILAN already mentioned, lightly treating the hinges with a suitable graphite or silicone spray. It’s important not to use thick oils, since they attract dust and worsen the problem.

If you do this regularly, the noise usually stops, even during winter 🙂

karku schrieb:
Why do some doors of the IKEA BILLY shelf squeak, and only in cold weather?

This is usually caused by the lubricant. When it’s warm, everything runs smoothly, but in cold conditions the oil or grease hardens or becomes sticky, causing squeaking noises. Cleaning the hinges and applying new lubricant usually solves the problem.

Additionally, moisture can play a role. In cold weather, more moisture often condenses, especially in poorly heated or damp rooms. This can temporarily prevent the lubricant from working effectively. Using a dry cloth followed by lubricant helps.