Repairing Guides

how to repair exterior door

by Dr. Ralph Predovic Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  1. Slide the hinge pins out of the door’s hinges. Set the door on a flat work surface with the damaged side facing up.
  2. Scrape away any loose paint with a putty knife or paint scraper to make it easier to see where you need to make the repairs.
  3. Drill a series of 1/4-inch holes into, but not through, the door across the damaged area. Space the holes about 1 inch apart.
  4. Mix two-part wood hardener, according to package directions, in a small squeeze bottle that has a nozzle small enough to fit into the 1/4-inch holes.
  5. Put on chemical-resistant gloves. If you are working indoors, put on a face mask as well. Open the windows.
  6. Label two stirring sticks as A and B. Put stick A in the epoxy resin. Label the resin with a corresponding A. Put stick B in the epoxy hardener.
  7. Place a golf-ball sized piece of epoxy resin on a piece of scrap plywood with stick A. Put A back into the can.
  8. Push the epoxy wood filler into the holes you drilled into the door using a putty knife. Smooth additional wood filler into any open areas on the exterior door.
  9. Sand the exterior door by hand with medium-grit sandpaper to remove excess wood filler. ...
  10. Prime the door with a coat of exterior primer. Allow it to dry. Give the door two coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry thoroughly before proceeding.

Part of a video titled Door Maintenance : How to Repair an Exterior Door - YouTube
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We'll take a wood filler. And taking that wood filler either on a putty knife or on your finger.MoreWe'll take a wood filler. And taking that wood filler either on a putty knife or on your finger. Generously apply it over that garage or Nick in your door.

Full Answer

How to refinish an exterior door the easy way?

  • Penetrating finishes harden in the wood. The first option would be using a penetrating finish, such as Watco exterior stains. ...
  • Use varnish with compatible stain. A second choice would be a multicoat varnish system. ...
  • Follow instructions and do an annual inspection. ...

How to troubleshoot an exterior door?

How to Spot and Fix Common Door Problems

  • Door Hinge Problems. Some of the most common door problems start at the hinges. ...
  • Your Door Won’t Stay Latched. A door that won’t stay latched is a big problem because that’s one of the main purposes of a door – to stay closed.
  • A Drafty Door. ...
  • Your Door Is Sticking. ...
  • End Your Door Problems with a New Door From Feldco. ...

How to repair these 4 common exterior door woes?

To fix a door that sticks or rubs in the frame, you can try one of these fixes:

  • Tighten screws
  • Add longer screws
  • Add a shim behind a lower hinge

How do you replace an exterior door of a home?

Step 1, Hammer the hinge pins loose with a chisel. Hold the chisel or a punch underneath the hinge. Tap it into the hinge with a hammer. It'll raise the pin in the hinge, which you can remove and set aside.[1] X Research source [2] X Expert Source Gino Colucci Home Improvement Specialist Expert Interview. 14 January 2021.Step 2, Swing and lift the door to remove it. Swing the door inwards, then lift it off the frame. It'll be heavy, so it helps to have someone else hold onto 1 end. Lay a ...

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How do you repair an exterior door frame?

0:129:51Fix Rotted Door Frame (Brickmold) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI will set up the cut by. Creating good straight line here. And then I'll cut the lower portion offMoreI will set up the cut by. Creating good straight line here. And then I'll cut the lower portion off and that'll make room for the repair. So I've gone ahead and mark my cut here.

How do you repair an exterior metal door?

Fixing surface damage on a metal doorStep 1: Sand the damaged area. Use sandpaper or a sanding block to remove any existing rust or paint from the damaged area. ... Step 2: Fill the damaged area. Use a putty knife to fill the damaged area with auto body filler putty. ... Step 3: Sand the patch. ... Step 4: Paint the patch.

How do you repair wood rot on an exterior door frame?

0:4011:32How To Repair Rotted Door Jambs - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd I used a combination square tomorrow a good perpendicular line across the face perfectlyMoreAnd I used a combination square tomorrow a good perpendicular line across the face perfectly straight that way. And what I'm going to do is. Cut right at this control line with a multi oscillating.

How do you fix a rotted door?

How to Fix Door RotStart by removing the rot. ... Next, it's time to fill in the gap. ... Spread it into the recess so that it sits slightly flush from the surface.Allow the filler to dry.If necessary, apply another coat.Sand the filler down to a smooth surface.Using a damp cloth, wipe away any loose dust.More items...•

Can you patch a metal door?

You will have to use a bonding filler intended for metal to get this job done right. Auto body fillers are best for repairing metal doors because they are formulated to adhere to metal surfaces. Don't use wood filler for this repair, or you will spend more time repairing later.

Can you repair a steel door?

Fortunately, steel doors can often be repaired rather than replaced.

How do you fix rotten wood without replacing it?

0:033:30How to Fix Rotted Wood with Epoxy | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd uh the bottom of the mullion post was rotted so i cut out the rot i mixed up a two part epoxy.MoreAnd uh the bottom of the mullion post was rotted so i cut out the rot i mixed up a two part epoxy.

How do you fix a water damaged door?

1:332:24How to Save a Water Damaged Door - Building Maintenance TipsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd fill any gap you possibly can paint the door and then come back in a few months. And check up onMoreAnd fill any gap you possibly can paint the door and then come back in a few months. And check up on the door and see if any if there's any new gaps or cracks.

How do you fix rotted wood on the bottom of a door frame?

0:044:06Simple Door Frame Rot Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow what am I used to clean this is just some Elmer's damaged wood repair system it's a two-partMoreNow what am I used to clean this is just some Elmer's damaged wood repair system it's a two-part epoxy putty. It's kind of like play-doh.

Can a rotten door be repaired?

It's important to remove rotted wood on exterior doors as soon as you notice a problem, so you can protect the integrity of the door. Epoxy wood filler works well to repair a door with rotted wood. The epoxy is easy to mold to fit the damaged area and you can sand it to a finish that resembles that of the door.

How do you repair a wooden front door?

3:058:08Front Door Rehab - Cheap Fix For Old Wood - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUse your ppe. I was thinking of going for a lighter color on the front of the door you know to kindMoreUse your ppe. I was thinking of going for a lighter color on the front of the door you know to kind of lighten things up and make it more festive. But the back of the door which i'm not restoring.

Can I use wood filler on rotted wood?

Rotting wood can be repaired by first removing any rot from the original board or beam of wood. Once that has been done, you can fill the area with a wood-patch or polyester filler. This material will fill the area and harden to provide strength and durability.

How do you fill holes in metal without welding?

Epoxy or Tape Epoxy and tape are two common no-weld hole repair options. These do-it-yourself approaches are effective when repairing a small hole rather than a significant tear. Specialty epoxy and tape products are designed to patch steel and metal.

How do I fill a hole in a metal front door?

0:215:39How To Fix Holes And Dents In A Steel Door - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTo cover the hole for the deadlock I've cut a patch from thin sheet metal and to fasten that inMoreTo cover the hole for the deadlock I've cut a patch from thin sheet metal and to fasten that in place I'm gonna use self drilling screws.

How do you fix a rusted Security door?

0:071:08Quick Tip - Security Screen Door Repair by Realtor Kim WardYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd it's easy and fast and then a can of rust inhibiting spray paint and you just spray it make sureMoreAnd it's easy and fast and then a can of rust inhibiting spray paint and you just spray it make sure you cover up the knobs with some tape.

How do you resurface a metal door?

7 steps to painting a metal doorStep 1: Remove the door and hardware. To achieve the best results, remove the door from its frame. ... Step 2: Clean the door with a degreaser. ... Step 3: Remove any old paint. ... Step 4: Sand down the door. ... Step 5: Prime. ... Step 6: Apply your paint. ... Step 7: Replace hardware and rehang door.

How to make a wood hardener for a hole?

Mix two-part wood hardener, according to package directions, in a small squeeze bottle that has a nozzle small enough to fit into the 1/4-inch holes. Squeeze the wood hardener into the holes you drilled. Use a small paintbrush to spread the hardener across the damaged open areas .

How long does it take for wood to dry?

Allow the hardener to dry. This may take as long as seven days, depending on the product you select.

How long does epoxy take to harden?

Epoxy wood filler begins to harden within 30 minutes at 70 degrees Fahrenheit. After that time, it becomes difficult to shape. Only mix what you can work with in that period of time, then mix a second batch, if necessary.

How long does it take for wood filler to harden?

It’s better to have too much filler in the holes at this point than not enough. Allow the filler to harden four hours or overnight.

Can epoxy wood filler be used on exterior doors?

It’s important to remove rotted wood on exterior doors as soon as you notice a problem, so you can protect the integrity of the door. Epoxy wood filler works well to repair a door with rotted wood.

Can you use epoxy to repair a door?

Epoxy wood filler works well to repair a door with rotted wood. The epoxy is easy to mold to fit the damaged area and you can sand it to a finish that resembles that of the door. You can complete the repair process using basic tools you probably already own.

Where can I get prehung exterior doors?

Prehung exterior doors are available at home centers and lumberyards. If you can't find what you're looking for in stock, you can order it. Take along your measurements and a sketch showing which way the door swings. If you plan to install a new entry knob and deadbolt, pick them out before you order the door.

Where can I find drip caps for doors?

You'll find drip caps at home centers and lumber yards.

Do you need a different size door jamb?

But if, after measuring the jamb width and opening sizes for your existing door, you discover that you need a different size jamb or that your exterior trim is wider, then you'll save a lot of headaches by ordering a door to your exact specifications. There are three types of doors to choose from.

Can you put molding over a framed door?

The best solution is a door with wider, flat casing to fit the opening . You can always add a piece of decorative molding overtop to approximate the style of your existing exterior trim.

Do fiberglass doors warp?

Fiberglass doors won't warp or rot, and the more expensive models are hard to tell apart from real wood. You'll find the widest selection of styles in wood doors, but be prepared to spend extra time maintaining the finish. Prehung exterior doors are available at home centers and lumberyards.

Can I order a door the same size as the old door?

In most cases, simply order a new door the same size as the old one. If you alter the size or add sidelights, you'll have to reframe the opening and alter many details. This usually doubles or triples the size of the job. Here are the four sets of measurements you'll need to order a door (refer to Figure A for extra details):

Can you trim a door frame and casing?

Check to see how the casing fits against the siding. If the siding is so far out of plumb that the door frame and casing don't fit in, either cut back the siding or trim the casing. It looks better if you can cut the siding, but it's usually more practical and easier to trim the casing.

How to Fix a Warped Exterior Door

Exterior doors are one of the most used features of a structure. Exterior doors must endure temperature differences from one side to the other that can exceed eighty degrees or more. In addition, these doors must tolerate wind, rain, and snow, while maintaining an airtight seal against the door frame.

Why Does My Exterior Door Leak Air?

There are a number of reasons why an exterior door might leak air, including problems with the hinges, settling of the door frame, and moisture. Here we will describe the most common exterior door issues that might cause the door to drag, not latch, and leak air.

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