Repairing a rotting door frame
The strength and security that your door brings will only remain as solid as the frame it is in.
One of the most common causes for an entrance requiring a new frame or even a door replacement, is due to long term wear and tear, which can happen toward the end of the door frames lifespan, leading to rotten wood (especially after a period of ongoing wet weather or humidity like this years winter).
This rotting occurs when a frame is subjected to ongoing contact with water and damp conditions, and it tends to most frequently begin at the bottom of the frame. It might also occur because drain pipes are poorly directed (need an upgrade) or when the door and frame are regularly subject to water overflow, and the other areas of the frame are constantly damp or wet; all contributing to the problem of the rotten door frame.
If your frame is beginning to rot, you need to establish is a replacement is needed or not.
Many people believe that once a door frame has begun to rot it should be replaced in its entirety, but if the rot is caught early enough this isn't necessarily the case, and it may be possible to replace the damaged section. So it essential you make this check annually.
If you find that you have a rotten door frame where the from rot is in small patches then we have a step by step guide to help remove the rot.
Rotten door frame repair
Things you will need: hammer, screwdriver, suitable replacement wood, sandpaper, nails or screws, tape measure, wood primer, chosen exterior wood coating to match frame, wood putty, pencil.
Step 1: Identify the source of the water or damp
When repairing the rotten door frame it's important you also address the issues causing the water to affect the door in the first place. Be mindful that, if the door frame is over ten years old then the rot may be due to a lack of maintenance, and has become worn, rather than a specific drainage problem.
Step 2: Inspect the frame
Carefully assess how much of the frame has been affected. Press into the wood to look for 'give' which will show problems deeper inside the wood that are not apparent on the surface.
Draw a pencil line two inches above the top of the rot (if addressing rot at the base of the frame which is most common). This ensures all rotten wood will be removed from affected area plus a small 'safety barrier' of healthy door frame.
Step 3: Remove rotten wood
After removing the door, if you find the affected area is on the hinge side, carefully cut along the line previously marked.
If further rotten wood is discovered when cutting the frame then repeat steps 3 and 4 until all rotten wood has been removed plus a further 2 inches of frame from the rot. Carefully pry out the cut section and measure the size of the gap with the tape measure. Then mark out the exact size on the replacement frame material and cut out precisely. Then treat the replacement frame part with wood primer and also the exposed wood on the frame where the old rotten part was removed.
Step 4: Fit the new frame part
Depending on the thickness of the original frame use either wood glue to stick the new frame part in place or screws. Wood glue should be applied to the old frame on the lower face that comes in to contact with the upper face of the new frame part (basically where old and new parts meet). In order to seal up any gaps you can use wood putty and then finish the job by applying the matching paint or waxes or oils to suit the original look of the frame. Sand down and retreat areas to help get a better match between old and new sections of frame.
Hopefully this step by step guide will allow you to prolong the life of your frame and save you some money. However, if you find that your frame it is past saving (or if DIY really isn't your thing) then consider purchasing a solid oak door frame as a replacement that is sure to last for a very long time if cared for.
Tip: It is paramount that the door and door frame are properly treated and maintained correctly. We offer products such as Hardwax Oils from Treatex or Impranol treatments for external doors.
Note: Information is accurate at time of publishing, however, may be subject to change. For specific door maintenance advice always ask an installation expert.