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How to Avoid Door Repair Mistakes
Door frames are subject to a lot wear and tear. This can lead to cosmetic or structural damage. If the frame is structurally damaged, it may be necessary to replace the whole frame.
Repairing your door is an easy task that can make your home look stylish and inviting. Here are some steps to get you started:
Cracks and holes
The materials used in the construction of the door determine its structural integrity. Wood doors tend to be more durable than hollow core doors, but even these may break or be damaged in time. It is essential to fix any cracks or holes in your door as soon as you can, to stop them from getting worse and causing damage to your home.
Many common home improvement stores sell products that can help you repair a hole or crack in your door. Make use of Bondo or fiberglass auto-body paint for an even, smoother and more resistant to cracks surface. Regardless of the type of product you select it is recommended to spread a drop cloth or newspaper under the area you intend to work on to protect your flooring or carpet from spills and stains.
If the hole or crack is large, you might have to strengthen it with wood. This will stop the underlying material from cracking or splitting further. If this is the case, simply cut a BBQ skewer to length, then fix it with wood glue. Once the glue is cured it is time to sand it and paint it in a way that it is in harmony with the rest of the door.
Repair a tiny crack or hole in your door with spackle, drywall filler or another type of drywall compound. It's important to sand the area to a smooth, flush surface prior to painting to prevent any flaking or peeling in the future. Once sanded, the patch will be nearly invisible under a coat of paint.
You can make use of small amounts of silicone molding and cast resin to repair a damaged area on your door. It is available at most hardware stores. It is done by filling in the crack and then spraying on the resin to create an extremely tough texture. It's a great option for hollow core doors that have sunk over time or are susceptible to chipping.
Structural damage
A structural issue can have grave consequences for your home, particularly when it occurs in load-bearing walls, such as those around your doors and windows. They bear the weight of the roof and other higher stories, so damage to the structural structure in them shouldn't be something you take lightly. It's crucial to be aware of the signs of structural damage to be able to contact a professional for repairs before it gets any worse.
Certain structural issues within your door frames might be obvious, while other issues can be less obvious. If you notice cracks across the top of your frame, this could be due to wood rot and could require replacement. In the same way, if you spot a hole in the door frame, that could be due to termite infestation or water leaks. These issues should be addressed as soon as possible by a professional to stop further damage.
Another sign of structural damage is when you have difficulty to open and close your door than usual. A sticky door is not just annoying, but it could also be a sign of structural damage.
Examining the entire surface of the door frame both outside and inside is a good method to determine if the problem is the result of structural or water damage. double glazing window repairs for warping, discoloration or other indications of moisture damage, as well as any areas that feel hollow or weakened. Also, look for holes or dents which could indicate rot insect infestations, or any other structural problems.
Most hairline cracks that don't appear to be caused by structural damage can be repaired simply by applying a repair tape for drywall over the crack and pressing it in the correct position. If, however, there are many damaged and cracked sections that are rotten and cracked, you may need to replace the entire door jamb. You'll need to dry-fit the new piece into the door frame before you use any adhesive. Also sand the seams, so that it fits correctly. You can then prime and paint the new piece to match your existing frame.
Hardware Issues
The door hardware is an important component of the front door. When installed properly and not abused, doors and hardware should last the lifetime of the building. If doors don't move open and close smoothly or latch securely, this can cause problems for maintenance and affect the safety of those who use them.
A common problem with hardware is when doors fail to latch due to the strike plate is not aligned with the bolt hole. This issue can arise when a house settles and changes the frame's position or it can occur when the strike plate wears out or is damaged. A wooden shim may be used to address this problem. This shim needs to be placed between the back of hinge and jamb. This will cause the hinges to be slightly moved backwards, making sure that the latch bolt will be positioned correctly in the strike plate hole.
Another common hardware issue is when the door handle or deadbolt hits the frame. This could be caused by changes in the seasons or moisture in the air. If the rubbing is happening on finished doors, it will usually leave marks on the surface of the door or frame which can be used to pinpoint the area of concern. The rubbing could be fixed by sanding or grinding the edges of the mortise.
Although these issues might seem minor, it is vital to correct these issues. If left untreated, the damage can cause structural issues and even cause doors to be unsafe for people to use. The good news is that these problems are usually straightforward and affordable to repair. This year, take the time to fix your doors and their hardware. It will be worth the effort. If they're your own doors or those in commercial premises, it is important to make sure they are safe for everyone within your building.
Painting
The quality of your painting will make a big difference in the final appearance. Preparing the surface and work methodically will ensure that you do not face issues like streaks, lap marks and ugly drips.
Paint peeling can be caused by moisture getting into the surface and causing it to expand. This could cause the paint layers to separate. This can result in an uneven finish that may also require priming and sanding. Choose a moisture resistant oil-based paint to protect your doors.
Sand the surface of the door prior to when you begin painting to create rough surfaces that let the paint adhere. Then use a tack-cloth to wipe away any dust and debris that has accumulated. Choose a primer compatible with the paint you've selected and ensure it is level. Apply two coats of primer, gently sanding them with 220-grit sandpaper to remove any dust nubs that may remain.
Painting a door is messy, so you'll want to ensure the safety of your workspace and walls. Cover the areas you're not planning to paint before you start using painter tape or a liquid mask (such as Liquid Mask).
Paint the panels of the door while it's still on hinges to avoid "gaps". This will give the panels the chance to expand and contract at a different rate than the stiles and rails which will minimize the appearance of ugly gaps.
When you're ready to flip the door over to paint the other side, elevate it with painter's pyramids. These sturdy plastic pyramids connected to sawhorses with easy holes, will raise your door by 2 inches and reduce the amount of the surface that is in contact with freshly painted surfaces when you flip the door over.