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Last updated: 10 February 2025
The best way to repair your damaged front door
A damaged front door is both a security risk and unsightly. In this post, we outline how to repair a front door that's been impacted by the harsh elements.
A damaged front door not only impacts your property's curb appeal, but it compromises the security of your home.
In this post, we'll guide you through how to repair front door damage to create the right first impression and keep intruders out.
We include repairing front door damage caused by the sun, water damage, and how to tackle rotting wood.
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How to repair a sun-damaged front door
While a sunny aspect is a prime position for a front door, it can cause damage over time.
Prolonged exposure to the sun's powerful rays will cause fading, cracking, and warping. Moisture can also penetrate the cracks, giving mould a chance to develop.
There'll come a time when you need to repair your sun-damaged front door, and here's how:
1. Remove the hardware, clean, and prep
Some people work with the door in situ, while others prefer to remove the door from its hinges and lay it across a pair of sawhorses.
Either way, remove all hardware from the door and protect the surrounding surfaces with dust sheets
Using a gentle detergent, warm water, and a sponge or cloth, remove any dirt or debris from the surface of the door
Allow the door to dry completely
2. Sand and fill
It's essential to sand your sun-damaged front door to get a good end result.
Use coarse-grit sandpaper to address any peeling paint and damaged areas
Next, go over the whole surface with fine-grit sandpaper to ensure a smooth surface
Fill any cracks, scratches, holes, or dents with an appropriate wood filler, following the manufacturer's instructions
Once the filler is dry, sand it down to a smooth, even finish
3. Prime and apply your topcoat
Once you've repaired the underlying damage caused by the sun, you're then ready to prime and paint.
Apply a primer first. This will help the paint to adhere to the surface properly and create a long-lasting finish
Once dry, apply the topcoat of paint, checking the manufacturer's instructions for the recommended number of coats and drying times
An extra layer of UV protection can be added to help all your hard work last for as long as possible
4. Reassemble
Replace your door hardware, rehang the door if you removed it before painting, and admire your work!
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How to repair a front door with rotting wood
Wooden front doors make for an attractive entry way to your home. However, being a natural material, wood is susceptible to various elements that can lead to it rotting over time.
Moisture, microscopic organisms, lack of maintenance, and inadequate ventilation can all lead to rot.
In this section, we'll guide you through how to repair a front door with rotting wood to keep it looking its best for years to come.
1. Assess the damage
Inspect the door carefully to identify all areas of rotten wood.
Rotten wood will have a spongy texture and may be a darker colour than the rest of the timber. Of course, crumbling areas are a clear sign of rot.
2. Remove the rotten wood
Using a chisel or similar tool, carefully remove the decayed section of the door.
It's recommended to go slightly beyond the visible signs of rot to ensure a solid base for repair.
3. Treat with wood preserver
Treat the exposed healthy wood with a wood preserver to prevent further decay through moisture damage.
4. Fill the gap
Using an appropriate polyester-based wood filler, fill the void left by the removed wood.
For a natural-grain door, go for a wood-coloured filler. For a white door, opt for a white filler.
Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for application and drying times.
5. Sand and smooth
Once the filler is dry, sand until smooth. If necessary, repeat steps 4 and 5.
6. Clean, prime, and paint
Using a slightly damp cloth, wipe away any dust or debris.
Apply a high-quality primer to the repaired area, followed by a weather-resistant paint or stain.
To prolong the life of your wooden door, check your doors regularly to identify any cracks in the paintwork.
Using the steps above, you can target any areas of weakness before moisture is able to penetrate.
Proper ventilation around the door will also help to prevent rot.
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How to deal with water damage under your front door
Water damage under your front door should be dealt with as a priority to prevent further problems such as rot, mould growth, and structural issues.
1. Identify the source
To understand how to deal with the problem effectively, you need to know where it's coming from.
It could be due to poor drainage, a leaking pipe, or rainwater seeping through gaps in the door or threshold.
Clear any debris from the surrounding gutters and drains and assess the need for a threshold drain or door sweep to help redirect water away from the door in the future.
2. Dry it out
Mop up any pooled water using towels. Then use fans or dehumidifiers to help the surface dry out.
3. Inspect and repair the door and threshold
Examine the door and surrounding area for any visible damage or gaps that could be allowing water to enter.
Seal any cracks or openings with caulk designed for external use. Replace any damaged weather stripping with new to create a tight seal.
Scroll up to find out how to tackle a wooden front door that's rotted due to water damage.
If the integrity of the sub-flooring has been affected by the standing water, we recommend you contact a qualified tradesperson to assess the extent of the damage.
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