Texas Humidity, Heat and Your Clock Case
North Texas swings from 20% to 80% relative humidity in a season, and wooden cases move with it.
What the swings do
Veneer lifts, glue joints open, doors bind and dials with wooden backs can cup. Movements suffer too: condensation on steel parts causes surface rust on pivots and springs.
Practical placement
Keep clocks off exterior walls in direct sun, away from HVAC returns and fireplaces. A stable interior wall is best. Aim to keep the room between 40% and 55% humidity.
Seasonal checks
Twice a year, check that the case door still closes flush, the clock is still level and no chime rod touches the case. Small corrections prevent expensive joinery work.
When to call a clockmaker
If a clock has stopped, is losing more than a few minutes a week, sounds wrong when it strikes, or has been stored and not run, stop experimenting and have it inspected. Forcing a dry movement is the most expensive mistake a clock owner can make. We are at (214) 779-9792.
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Have a clock question we did not cover?
Call (214) 779-9792 — we answer clock questions whether or not you become a customer.