Door Repair Basics
Door repair can either be a straightforward, affordable project or more complicated depending on the extent of damage to the door. The most common places for damage to the door are hinges and locks.
When selecting a company to do your door repair ensure you conduct some research. Review references, services offered as well as licenses, insurance, and references.
Repairing Cracks
When you see hairline cracks appearing in the door frame, it can be alarming. It could be a sign of structural problems or that your door is at risk of being lost to the elements. There are easy fixes that can aid in stopping the cracks from expanding and getting worse.
It is important to first thoroughly clean the crack. This will help to ensure that there is no dirt or dust inside the crack which could interfere with repairs later. After that, allow the crack to completely dry. It usually takes 30 minutes.
There are several options to fix cracks within the door frame. For small cracks filler or wood putty is the most effective choice to make. These materials are simple to work with and are fairly inexpensive. However, the most effective method to repair a crack in a door is actually to use real wood. This is because it will result in a stronger and more durable repair that is less likely break down over the course of time.
After you have selected the appropriate material, apply it to each crack in the door frame. Spread the compound with a putty blade around the inside ridges. Use a small amount compound at a given time and make sure that you cover the surface area of the cracks. After drying the filler then smooth it out until it is smooth and level with the rest of the door frame.
Paint over the repaired cracks to hide them if you prefer. It is not always necessary if the cracks on your door aren't that big. The most important thing to consider when fixing cracks in your doors is that the results will be invisibly. The aim is to create an impeccable finish that will not be evident, even if you look at it from a distance.
You will likely find a good product at your local hardware store to repair the cracks in your door's frame. If the cracks are very large, you might need to apply wood glue and splines to repair them.
Patching Hollow Core Doors
Hollow-core doors are cheaper than solid-wood doors, and are more popular in homes. They can, however, be quite fragile and easy to damage. Whether it's from a heavy hit or an accidental smack, a hole in an entrance is a serious problem that should be fixed as soon as possible. Not only is it ugly, it can be detrimental on the effectiveness of your home. It's good to know that patching holes in hollow-core doors is simple and can be accomplished using typical tools and materials.
To start, gather the following materials:
Utility knife
A utility knife is required to scrub the edges of the hole and make it easier for the patching material to adhere. Cut a small bevel using the knife along the edge of the hole. This will give the patching materials more surface area on which to adhere and stop them from peeling in the future.
Refinishing a Door
The ageing process can cause the most durable wooden doors to show signs of wear. The sun's UV rays as well as fluctuating temperatures and humidity can harm the finish of a door. If a wood door's finish starts to crack or peel, it may be an ideal time to consider refinishing the door. Before you can refinish the door, you'll need remove all hardware and store it in a safe place.
After removing the finish, you'll need to sand the wood in order to prepare it for staining. For flat surfaces you can choose to use a palm or orbital sander. But, you'll need to take care to scrape off moldings and other details. To avoid causing damage to wood, it is best to sand in the direction of the grain. Apply light, steady pressure. After sanding, use the tackcloth or microfiber to remove any dust. This will ensure that your wood is ready for the stain you want to apply.
It is important to choose the right color when finishing doors. Some people use gel stains to cover imperfections. However, this kind of stain will flake off the exterior wood in an entire year.
After you have decided on the stain you want to use, it is essential to let the door dry for a few hours. Sand the surface between coats of varnish in order to remove any oil or residue and smooth it out. To achieve a smooth and even finish make use of a natural bristle brush to apply spar urethane.
Once the varnish has dried, you can put in the hardware that you have removed. After the door has been reinstalled you can polish it with an oil-based or polyurethane polish. This will shield the wood from damage caused by water and harsh weather conditions. Your door will be beautiful for many years if you polish it regularly.
Replacing Hinges
The hinges on doors are an essential component, but they could cause sagging and other problems. Replace the hinges if your door is creaking or is difficult to open. You can replace the hinges without removing the door from the frame. Simply remove the hinges you have been using and replace them with the new hinges.
To get started, remove the screws that are currently attached to the hinges on the door jamb and hinge leaf. Then employ a hammer as well as a an chisel, to create a mortise shape within the wood into which the hinges will be able to fit. The depth of the mortise should be approximately the same as the thickness of the leaf of the hinge. Test the hinges following the creation of the mortise to make sure they are secure and comfortable. If the hinges don't fit, re-chisel the hole until it's the correct size.
Once you've made the hole for the new hinges mark the locations of their screw holes on the jamb and the door using a pencil. You can also use a screw guide to keep the screws straight when they are driven into. Then, you can drill pilot holes in the form of small holes through the marks. Finally, insert the hinges that you have made and secure them using the help of a screwdriver or drill.
The screw holes on the new hinges do not have to be identical as those in the jamb of the door, but they should be close enough. The hinge plate will cover any holes that aren't exactly the same.
Slide window weatherstripping into the hinges to connect the door. Use wood blocks as support while working on the door if it's shaky. Then remove the blocks, and then test the door to make sure it shuts and opens correctly. If it does, you're done!