How to Repair Exterior Door Trim
Repairing exterior door trim is one way to give your old exterior doors new life. Since trim can begin to weather and show age over time, choosing to replace sections that have deterioriated with replacements is usually a much easier approach. With only a few materials and a little time, you can have that old door looking new again in no time.
Exterior door trim sees a lot of wear and tear over the years. Exposure to changes in weather conditions combined with time itself can slowly cause even the most well-constructed door trim to deteriorate. By making a few simple repairs, it is possible to bring your old door back to life and help to enhance the look of the main entry into your home.
Things You Need
- Hammer
- Finishing Nails
- Flat Head Screwdriver
- Measuring Tape
- Cleaning Agent
- Clean Cloths
- Replacement trim, cut to size
- Caulking
- Painters tape
- Paint and Paintbrush
1. Identify the sections of trim that have deteriorated to the point they need replacing. Measure those sections and gently use the flathead screwdriver and the hammer to severe those sections from the door facing. Once the sections are cut away from the rest of the trim, insert the screwdriver under the deteriorated trim to gently pry it up from the facing.
2. Buy replacement trim. Using a sample of the door trim removed, visit a lumber yard or home supply store to obtain replacement sections. Taking along a sample will make it easier to obtain an exact match. Don’t forget to take along the measurements so you can have the sections of trim cut to specific lengths while at the store.
3. Clean the door thoroughly. Before attaching the replacement trim, take some time to wash down the door using a cleaning agent. Dry with clean cloths. This will provide a clean work surface for the trim replacement.
4. Attach the replacement trim to the door facing. Line the sections up with the remaining trim, making sure the fit is as close to perfect as possible. Secure the trim at each end by pounding in a finishing nail. Make sure the hammer strikes squarely on the nail heads and not on the trim itself. This will avoid any damage to the trim itself.
5. Apply caulking at the seams round the replacement trim. Once the trim is in position, use a small bead of caulking at the junctions where the new trim meets the old trim. Using your finger, make sure the caulk works into any tiny space that may be present, and then use a clean cloth to remove any excess. Allow the caulk to set before proceeding.
6. Paint the new door trim. Apply painters tape around the new sections of trim, and then use the brush to apply paint to the trim in even strokes. Remove the tape once the job is complete.
If desired, skip painting only the new exterior door trim use this as an opportunity to paint the entire door facing. Doing so will not only ensure the new door trim blends in with the rest but also give the entire door a facelift.