Notes

5 Door Repair Lessons From The Pros
How to Avoid Door Repair Mistakes

Door frames are exposed to a lot of wear and tear. This can result in structural or cosmetic damage. If you experience structural damage, you could need to replace the entire frame.

Repairing your door is an easy task that will make your home look stylish and inviting. Here are some steps to help you get going:

Cracks and holes


A door's structural integrity is mostly determined by the materials it's made from. Wood doors are more durable than hollow core models however they may break or be damaged over time. If you notice cracks or holes in your door, it's crucial to fix it immediately to prevent it from worsening and potentially causing damage.

Many common stores for home improvement sell products which can be used to patch cracks or holes in your door. You can also apply a fiberglass auto-body filler (such as Bondo) to achieve a smoother, more resistant to cracks finish. Regardless of the type of product you select it is recommended to spread newspapers or a drop cloth beneath the area you're planning to work on to shield your flooring or carpet from spills or stains.

If the hole or crack is large, you might require a reinforcement using wood. This will prevent the material beneath from splitting or cracking more. You can cut a BBQ skewer into the desired length and then glue using wood glue. Once the glue is cured it is time to sand it down and paint it in a way that it matches the rest of the door.

If your door has a small crack or hole it is possible to make the repair with spackle or other drywall filler. It's important to sand the surface down to a smooth, level surface before painting to avoid any peeling or flaking in the future. Once the patch is sanded, it will appear nearly undetectable when covered with paint.

If you spot a crack in the middle of your door, a simple trick to fix it is to use a small amount of silicone molding and casting resin. It's available at most hardware stores and it works by filling the crack, then spraying it with the resin to create a durable texture that is resistant to further damage. This is a great solution for hollow core doors that have cracked over time, or are susceptible to chipping.

Structural damage

Damage to your home's structure can have severe consequences, especially if the damage occurs in walls that support your home's roof and other higher stories. These walls bear the weight of the roof and other higher stories, so structural damage in them shouldn't be something you take lightly. It's important to know the signs of structural damage so that you can call a professional for repairs before it gets any worse.

Some structural issues that affect your door frames are apparent and others are subtle. If you notice cracks across the top of your frame, it could be caused by wood rot and could require replacement. If you notice an opening in your door's frame, that could be caused by water leaks or termite infestation. These issues should be dealt with promptly by a professional to stop further damage.

Another indication of structural damage could be if you are unable to open and close your door than you normally. A sticky door is not only frustrating, but it could also be a sign of structural damage.

The best method to determine if the issue is the result of damage from water or a structural issue is to look at the entire surface of your door's frame, both inside and out. Check for discoloration, warping or other signs of water damage, and any areas that seem hollow or weak. Look for holes or dents which may indicate rot or insect infestations.

The majority of hairline cracks that aren't caused by structural damage can be repaired simply by applying a repair tape to the crack and pressing it into the correct position. However, if there are a number of broken and rotted areas it may be necessary to replace the entire door jamb instead. For this, you'll want to dry-fit the new item into your door frame prior to using any adhesives, and then sand the seams to ensure it is a good fit. The new piece can be primed and painted to match the existing frame.

Hardware Issues

Hardware for doors is among the most important elements of a door. If properly installed and not misused hardware and doors are properly maintained, they will outlast the life of the building. If doors don't move open and close smoothly or latch securely, this could be a problem for maintenance and affect the safety of those who use them.

A common problem with hardware is when a door fails to latch because the strike plate isn't aligned with the hole for the latch bolt. This issue can arise in new construction because of the house's moving and shifting the position of the framing, or it can happen when the strike plate is damaged or degrading. This is an easy fix that can be dealt with by using a wooden shim. The shim should be placed between the back of hinge and jamb. This will cause the hinges to be slightly pulled backwards, ensuring that the latch bolt will be correctly positioned in the strike plate hole.

Another common issue with hardware is when the door handle or deadbolt is rubbing against the frame. This can be due to seasonal changes or the presence of moisture in the air. If the rubbing is occurring on doors that are finished typically, it leaves marks on the surface of the frame or door that can be used to pinpoint the area of concern. The rubbing could be fixed by grinding or sanding edges of the mortise.

While these issues may seem minor, it is essential to fix these issues. Damage that is not treated can cause structural issues, and can make doors unsafe for use. These problems are usually easy and inexpensive to repair. This year, take some time to fix your doors and their hardware. It's well worth the effort. It is important to ensure that your doors are secure regardless of whether they're at home or in commercial premises.

Painting

A fresh coat of paint goes an enormous way in enhancing the appearance of an old door, however the quality of your work will have a significant impact on how the finished job looks. Preparing the surface and then work in a systematic manner will help you avoid issues such as streaks, lap marks and unattractive drips.

Paint peeling can be caused by moisture soaking into the surface, causing it to swell. This could cause the paint layers to split. This can result in an uneven finish, which may also require sanding and priming. Choose a water-resistant oil-based paint to protect your doors.

Before double glazing window repairs start painting, sand the exterior of your door to create an even surface for the paint to adhere to. Use a tackcloth for removing any dust or debris that has accumulated. Choose a primer that is compatible with the paint you have selected and ensure that it is leveled. Apply two coats of paint, lightly sanding each between them with 220-grit paper to eliminate any dust particles that may remain.

Painting a door can be messy work and you'll need to ensure the safety of your working space and surrounding walls. Before you begin, cover any areas that you don't want to paint with painter's tape or a liquid-based water-based masking product (such as Liquid Mask).

To avoid paint "gaps," paint the panels of your door while it is still on the hinges. This will give the panels a chance to expand and contract at different rates than the stiles and rails which will minimize the appearance of gaps that look ugly.

Painter's Pyramids help to raise the door when flipping it over to paint the opposite side. These tough plastic triangles which are attached to sawhorses through holes to raise the door two inches, decreasing the amount of freshly painted area that's in contact with the door when you flip it over.

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