Door Repair Basics
Repairing the door can be a simple, low-cost project or more complicated depending on the extent of damage to the door. The most commonly affected areas of damage to doors are hinges, locks and hardware.
Do some research prior to choosing a company for your door repair. Look for references, services offered as well as licenses and insurance.
Repairing Cracks
If you notice hairline cracks appearing in the door frame, it could be alarming. This is because it may be the first indication of structural issues or that you're in danger of losing a door to the elements. Luckily, there are simple fixes that can aid in stopping the cracks from expanding 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 dust and dirt which could cause problems for future repairs. The crack should be allowed to dry completely. This usually takes about 30 minutes.
There are a few different options for fixing cracks in your door frame. For small cracks filler or wood putty is the easiest solution to choose. These materials are simple to work with and are fairly inexpensive. The best way to repair cracks in a door is to use real wood. This is because the result will be a stronger, more durable repair that is less likely to break in time.
Once you've chosen the right material then apply it to the cracks on the door frame. Spread the compound using a putty blade over the inside ridges. Use a small amount of compound at a given time and make sure to cover all the surface area of the cracks. After drying the filler then grind it until it is smooth and even with the rest of the door frame.
You can paint over the repaired cracks to conceal them if you prefer. However, this is not always a necessity, especially if the cracks are small. When you repair cracks in your doors the most important thing you should keep in your mind is that you want the final result to be invisible. The aim is to create a an unmistakable finish that will not be visible even up close.
You should be able to locate the product at your local hardware store that can fix the cracks on your door frame. If the cracks are very large, you may have to make use of wood glue and splines to repair the cracks.
Patching Hollow Core Doors
Hollow-core doors cost less than solid-wood doors and are much more popular in homes. However, they can be extremely fragile and prone to damage. Whether it's from a heavy punch or a stray knock, a hole in an entrance is a serious problem that must be repaired as soon as is possible. It's not just unsightly and can hinder the performance of a house. Fortunately, patching a hole in hollow-core doors is simple and can be accomplished using common tools and materials.
To begin to begin, gather the following items:
Utility knife
A utility knife is required to remove the edges of the hole and make it easier for the patching material to stick. Cut a small bevel with the knife along the edge of the hole. This gives the patching materials a larger surface area on which to adhere and will prevent them from peeling later on.
Refinishing the door
The aging process can cause even the most well-made wooden doors to show signs of wear. The exposure to fluctuating temperatures and humidity, the UV rays of the sun, and other environmental elements can all damage the door's finish. Refinishing wood doors is a good idea in the event that the finish begins to crack or peel. However, before you refinish your door, you will be required to remove any hardware and keep it safe.
Once the old finish is removed, you will need to sand your wood to prepare it for staining. You can use a palm sander or an orbital sander for flat surfaces, but you will be required to scrape the wood carefully moldings and details. It is best to sand along the grain and apply light steady pressure to avoid causing damage to the wood. After you sand, wipe off any dust using either a microfiber or tack cloth to ensure that the surface is clean and ready for the new stain coat.
When you want to refinish your door, it's important to select the right color. Some people use gel stain as an easy fix to hide imperfections, but this kind stain is not able to stick well to exterior wood and can begin to flake within the first year.
After you have selected the stain, it's essential to allow the door to dry for at least a night. Sand the surface between coats of varnish to get rid of any oil or residue and smooth it out. To achieve upvc windows repairs near me and even finish apply a natural bristle brush to apply spar urethane.
Once the varnish has dried, you can put in the hardware that you have removed. When the door is installed you can polish it with wax-based or polyurethane polish to protect the wood and prevent water damage caused by harsh weather conditions. Your door will look gorgeous for a long time when you polish it regularly.
Replacing Hinges
The hinges on doors are an essential part, but they can cause sagging or other issues. Replace the hinges in case your door is creaking or is difficult to open. You can replace the hinges without taking the door from the frame. Simply unscrew the old ones and use the new ones.
To begin, take out the screws that are currently attached to the hinges on the door jamb and the leaf of the hinge. Make use of a hammer in order to create a mortise in the wooden structure where the hinges will be installed. The depth of the mortise should be the same as the thickness of the hinge leaf. Check the hinges after forming the mortise to ensure they fit comfortably and securely. If the hinges do not fit then re-chisel the hole until it's the correct size.
Mark the screw holes of the hinges that are new on the jambs and doors with a pencil once you have prepared the hole. You can also use a screw guide to keep the screws straight when they are driven into. Then, drill small pilot holes through the markings. Insert the new hinges, and secure them using a screwdriver or drill.
It's not necessary that the screw holes on the new hinges line up exactly with those on the door jamb but they should be close enough to match. The hinge plate will cover any holes that don't match precisely.
When you're finished then put the door back in place and connect it to the hinges by sliding it into the hinge pins. Use wooden blocks for support when working on the door if it's fragile. After that, remove the blocks and check the door to make sure it opens and closes correctly. If it does, you're done!