How to Repair Cracks in Exterior Wood Doors
Cracks in exterior wood doors are not signs that it is time for a new door. Often, choosing to repair a door that is otherwise still in usable condition is an option. Doing so normally requires only a little time and effort and can save a lot of money, when compared to the cost of replacing the front or back door of your residence.
Exterior wood doors can sometimes develop small cracks that not only mar the appearance of the door, but also can weaken the integrity of the door over time. In order to preserve the door, taking the time to employ a few basic steps and make repairs will not only mean the main entries into your home look great, but also will hold up well for several more years.
Things You Need:
- Two sawhorses
- Screwdriver
- Cleaning agent
- Liquid wood filler
- Safety gloves
- Stain marker
- Sealant
- Remove the door from the doorframe. Use the screwdriver to remove the screws holding the hinges to the frame. Undo the bottom hinge first, then the top, in order to minimize the chance of bending the hinges during this process.
- Lay the exterior wood door on the two sawhorses. Make sure you have clearance to get around the door with ease and that the work area has plenty of light. This will make it easier to inspect the door facing thoroughly and locate even small hairline cracks that need attention.
- Clean the surface of the door thoroughly. This will further enhance your ability to see all cracks with ease, plus make is possible to remove any dust or grime that may be residing in the cracks. With many doors, a wood cleaning product and a clean cloth will be sufficient for this task.
- Fill the cracks with the wood filler. While there are products that must be mixed, wood filler is also available in a tube with an applicator that makes filling in cracks quick and easy. Always wear gloves during this process as a means of protecting your hands from contact with the filler.
- Allow the liquid wood filler to set. Depending on the product, this may take only a few hours.
- Blend in to color of the filler. This is accomplished by using a stain marker with ink that is as close to the color of the door stain as possible. If the exterior wood door is painted rather than stained, use a small brush to apply a matching coat over the filled crack.
- Seal the surface of the exterior wood door. Use a sealant to cover over the entire surface. This will help minimize further cracking due to humidity and other factors, as well as make it easier to clean the door.
Once the cracks are filled and the door surface is sealed, position the door in the door frame once again, and attach the top hinge to the frame with the aid of the screws and screwdriver. Follow by moving down the door and attaching the remaining hinges. Always check the door by opening and closing to make sure it is swinging on the hinges properly.