Door Repair Basics
Door repair can be a straightforward and affordable project, or it can be more involved depending on the extent of damage the door has suffered. The most common places for damage to doors are hinges and locks.
Do some research prior to choosing a company for your door repair. Find references, services offered, licenses and insurance.
Repairing Cracks
It is alarming to see hairline cracks in the door frames. This is because it may be the first indication of potential structural problems, or you could be at risk of losing a door to the elements. There are easy fixes that can assist in preventing cracks from growing and getting worse.
The first thing you should do is clean the crack and the surrounding area thoroughly. This will ensure that the crack is free of dirt and dust which could cause problems for future repairs. The crack should then be allowed to completely dry. It usually takes 30 minutes.
There are several ways to repair cracks in your door frame. Wood putty or filler are the best choices for small cracks. These materials are easy to use and are relatively cheap. The most effective method of repairing cracks in a door is to use real wood. This is because the result will be a more durable, stronger and durable repair that is less likely to break down over time.
After you have picked the right material to use then apply it to each of the cracks in the door frame. Use a putty knife to spread the compound over each of the inside ridges of the crack. Apply a small amount of compound at a time, and make sure that you cover the surface area of the cracks. After allowing the filler to dry then smooth it out until it is smooth and even with the rest of the door frame.
Repair My Windows And Doors over the repaired cracks to hide them if you wish. However, this is not always a necessity, especially when the cracks aren't too large. The most important thing to remember when repairing cracks on your doors is that the result will be invisibly. The goal is to achieve an impeccable finish that isn't noticeable, even when viewed from close up.
You should be able to locate a product in your local hardware store to repair the cracks on your door frame. If the cracks are extensive they may require you to use wood glue or wood splines in order to fully repair them.
Patching Hollow Core Doors
Hollow-core doors are more affordable than solid wood doors and are a common feature in homes. However, they are fragile and susceptible to damage. Whether it's from a heavy punch or a stray knock, a hole in a door is a serious problem that should be fixed as soon as possible. Not only is it unsightly but it could be detrimental on the effectiveness of your home. It's easy to patch a hole in a hollow-core door using standard tools and materials.
To start you must gather the following materials:
Utility knife
A utility knife is needed to scrub the edges of the hole to allow the patching material to adhere. Cut a small bevel using the knife around the hole's edge. This will give the patching materials more area on which to adhere and prevent them from peeling later on.
Refinishing a door
Even the best-crafted wooden doors can show signs of wear as they age. The sun's UV rays and fluctuating temperatures and humidity can damage a door finish. Refinishing wood doors is recommended when the finish begins to peel or blister. But, before you finish your door, you will have to remove all hardware and store it somewhere safe.
After removing the old finish, you'll have to sand down the wood in order to make it ready for staining. For flat surfaces, you can use either a palm or orbital sander. However, you will need to be careful when scraping the moldings and other details. It is recommended to sand with the grain and apply gentle, steady pressure to avoid damaging the wood. After sanding, wipe off any dust with an tack or microfiber cloth to ensure that the surface is clean enough for the new stain coat.
When refinishing your door, it's essential to choose the correct color. Some people opt for gel stain as a quick fix to hide imperfections, but this type stain is not able to stick well to exterior wood and tends to flake within the first year.
After you have selected your stain, it is important to allow the door to dry overnight. Sand the surface between coats of varnish to get rid of any residue or oil and to smooth it out. Additionally, you should employ a natural-bristle brush apply the spar urethane varnish to achieve an even, smooth coat.
After the varnish has dried, you are able to install any hardware you removed. Once the door is reinstalled you can polish it with a polyurethane- or wax-based polish. This will protect the wood from damage caused by water and harsh weather conditions. If you polish it frequently your door will remain gorgeous for a long time to be.
Replacing Hinges
Door hinges are among the most important parts of a door, but they can also be the source of sagging and other issues. If your door has sagged or is difficult to open it is possible to replace the hinges to help. You can replace the hinges without taking the door from the frame. Simply remove the hinges that were in use and replace them with the new ones.
Start by taking the screws off the hinges on the door jambs as well as hinge leaves. Then employ a hammer as well as a the chisel to make a mortise shape in the wood in which the hinges will fit. The depth of the mortise should be approximately the same as the thickness of the hinge leaf. Test the hinges following the creation of the mortise to make sure they fit comfortably and securely. If the hinges don't fit, re-chisel them until the hole is the proper size.
Once you've got the hole ready to accept the hinges you've chosen, mark the locations of their screw holes on the jamb as well as the door using a pencil. You can also employ a screw guide to keep the screws straight as they are driven in. Then, drill pilot holes through these marks. Then, you can insert the new hinges and secure them with either a screwdriver or drill.
It's not essential that the screw holes on the new hinges match exactly with those on the jambs of the door, but they should be close enough to match. If the holes don't line up exactly, it won't really matter since they'll be concealed by the hinge plate.
Slide the hinge pins into the hinges to connect the door. Use wood blocks as support while working on the door in case it's fragile. Then, take the blocks off, and test the door again to make sure it shuts and opens correctly. If it does, you're done!