Replace Rotted Door Panel

Dewalt 20v oscillating multitool my new one.

Replace rotted door panel.

The goal for this project was to find a solution to replace the rotted panels without having to replace the whole bottom section of the door frame included. What makes the front door so vulnerable to wood rot. The bottom row of panels on a garage door had rotted due to ground moisture penetrating in the cracks. Wood rot occurs when there is a high level of water and a food source wood.

If the door will be painted there are more options. Rotten moldings or panels 1. Then coat the rotted door frame area with wood hardener as shown. Fortunately rotted trim is generally easy to repair.

When the bottom of the door clears the track at the bottom lower. Mix polyester wood filler or bondo wood filler and press it into the recess with a putty knife. With screwdriver or awl in hand scrutinize areas that are nearly horizontal and don t drain well such as windowsills drip caps and water tables. Rot infested framing or mudsills pose a much bigger problem but before you can fix it you have to find it.

Lift the door up and tilt it toward you. I may replace an entire component such as a rail or stile or splice in a new section of a component using a strong splice joint such as a scarf or half lap which also can be doweled if desired. Pull out any remaining nails. How to use epoxy on wood for repairs.

Older garage doors are made from wood which will decay over time when exposed long enough to the elements. Affiliate tool links for this video. If decay is confined to a small non structural area you can treat it with a wood consolidant such as a. To repair rotted door frame first remove rotted wood with a 5 in 1 or other sharp tool.

For damage that s less likely to affect the door s structural strength i may simply replace the damaged area with a dutchman patch. Insert a putty knife between the molding and the side of the door frame where it is attached to the door. Remove the door from the opening by grasping it with both hands on either side of the door. Video tutorial to show how to fix and replace the common entrance door jamb frame that rots away.

That s why it s important to inspect your front door every year and repair rotted wood door bottom as quickly as possible. The door threshold the kick plate below the door and the door jambs wrapping an exterior door. Remove the door from the hinges using a drill driver. Pry the molding off using the chisel.

It s a fairly inexpensive job with around 50 for parts.