Wooden door frames are susceptible to rot damage.
Rot is caused primarily by water or moisture that accumulates on wood.
In turn, moisture creates ideal conditions for the development of mildew and molds that causes the rot.
So, How Can You Prevent Door Frames From Rotting?
Preventing contact between water and the door is the surest way to keep rot off the wooden door frame. There are many ways to accomplish this. Sealing the door, and installing door protectors are some of the best ways to prevent water from getting to the door frames.
There is more. Keep reading this article to explore these methods in deep detail. We have also added other ideas on how to protect and repair wooden doors that have been damaged by rot.
Three Signs That Your Door Frames Are Rotting
Let’s start here: how do you know that there is rot on your wooden door frames?
There are critical signs that indicate that your door is rotting.
This is where you determine whether your door frames are rotting or perhaps there is another problem altogether.
The main contributors to wood rot are water and mold.
You must understand these signs and note the problem earlier. From there, you can proceed to provide solutions before the situation gets any worse.
Here are 3 keys signs that your door frames are rotting:
1. Crumbling Wood
By gently poking the wood, you can tell whether it is getting weaker or not. If you take a closer look, you will realize that some parts of the wood are rotting.
Use a screwdriver to poke the frame. You should feel the softness of the wood and know if it is splintering or crumbling.
If it is so, that indicates the wood is rotting and needs utter attention before matters get out of hand.
2. Dark Areas
Dark spots on the wooden door frames could indicate a possibility of rot.
It means mildew or mold has found its way into the wood and is seriously growing its invasion on the frames.
Often, this could mean there is water damage. More susceptible to this damage are the parts of the door close to the ground.
Usually, splashing raindrops are the root cause of wood-rotting on the door frames.
3. A Draft Or An Improperly Closing Door
If your door does not close properly, it means a rot has taken root in its frames. A rotten wood frame makes the door unstable on the plumb.
They also allow potential seepage of air and moisture into the room.
Consequently, your HVAC systems are strained to overwork because it is apparent your door is failing in its energy efficiency.
How Can You Prevent Wood Rot On Your Door Frames?
It is all-consuming to take care of different parts of the house.
Often, we tend to ignore “smaller problems”.
We only get to worry when the damage has become colossal.
It’s best to curb the problem in its onset stages.
Here are two important considerations:
1. The Type Of Door
Prevention methods depend on the type of door that you have in place.
Each door material has its own merits and drawbacks. Some door manufacturers put quality first. Aluminum, fiberglass, and vinyl are more durable.
They can withstand hostile weather conditions. You can choose to install such frames to solve the problem once and for all.
A formidable steel door can also help you prevent wood rot. The point is that you need to invest in quality materials from a reputable manufacturer.
This only applies if you can purchase such materials.
But if you are going to stick around to wooden doors as most people do- we have better solutions for you. Keep reading.
2. Invest In A Door With Rot Resistant Door Jamb
Door jambs are designed to be rot-resistant. It is more sturdy and durable. It helps withstand potential rot damage on your wood.
Composite materials are some of the best materials you can use to quell rot. Doors with frame savers are ideal for wooden doors.
So, if you love wooden doors and want to deal with rot, Frame savers are the go-to materials.
How to Prevent Wood Rot in Wooden Frames: Four Methods
1. Build a Entry Door Cover
As we mentioned earlier on, water is the primary cause of wood rot, mildew and mold.
So, once you block the way of water into the door frame, you curb potential rot.
Covering the door is the best thing you want to do.
Of course, you need a professional to do this for you.
Your door should still look impressive even after a cover installation. This is the most efficient method. Once you keep the eater at bay, your wooden door frames are secured.
2. Repaint Peeling And Cracked Wood
Paint prevents contact between the wood and water. So, if you want to seal any pathways where water can seep through into the wood, painting is the big deal.
Remove any weird-looking peelings from the door and execute a thorough re-painting of the wall. Repainting should be done more often.
As soon as you spot any peelings or cracks on the parts, bring in a new coat of paint.
3. Clear Any Debris Of Leaves Around The Door
This debris and leaves could be having some moisture in them.
They could potentially bring water close to the vulnerable wood. A cascade of events unfold- mold will start developing on the debris and spread onto the wood causing massive destruction.
Any dirt close to the door area should be swept away. Always keep the area near the door and the entire compound pretty clear and clean.
4. Seal The Doors
Wooden doors should be sealed ASAP!
Suitable door frame sealants can be obtained in stores supplying building materials. The sealants help to keep off moisture from percolating into the wooden frames.
How Can You Repair Rotted Wood On Your Door Frame?
If by, any chance, the rot starts developing on your wooden door frames, they are probably threatening the integrity of your door.
You need to counter this scenario as soon as possible. Do not underestimate what rot can do to not only your door frames but the entire building.
Here are three rot repair options:
1. Replace The Door Entirely
You can opt to replace the entire door. This is advisable if the damage has gone beyond the repair point.
In such cases, replacement is the only choice. Make sure that the new door is made up of formidable materials that can withstand threats of water damage.
You should not do the replacement yourself unless you are sure you can trust your skills.
Instead, look for professional door installation services near you and get the job done accurately.
2. Hire Professional Door Repair Services
Alternatively, you can hire professional door replacement services.
This is only feasible if the damage has not gone too far. A professional will get to the bottom of the matter and remove the rot.
3. Repair It Yourself
If you trust your DIY capabilities, then what is preventing you from getting your tools and starting working.
But before you do this, make sure that are aware of the warranties of your door products and materials. Or you risk nullifying the existing contracts.
Otherwise, if you can get this right, you will save a lot of cash that would have otherwise gone into procuring materials and hiring an expert.
Wrapping Up
Rot can deteriorate the door frames and even threaten the integrity of your home.
Ensure that there is no way water can get onto the door frames.
Proper repairing techniques are also prerequisites to combating wooden rot.
Keenly apply the procedures highlighted in this article to master the art of protecting your doors from rot damage.
References
https://brennancorp.com/blog/how-do-you-prevent-wood-rot-on-doors/
https://www.angi.com/articles/beware-wood-rot-exterior-door-frames.htm
