The most prevalent material to use on door jambs is wood. That is why knowing how to repair water damaged door jambs would be helpful knowledge to have on your arsenal. Fortunately, the repairing process takes only a few simple steps to follow!
Aside from going through the repairing process, knowing about tell-tale signs and prevention tips can also help you in taking care of your door jambs! Read through this article to learn more!
The Process On Repairing Door Jambs Damaged By Water
Door jambs are the vertical components or sides on a door frame, the very one that supports the weight of the door and keeps it stable. With wooden door jambs, you might have to start worrying about water damage and rot, especially if you live in a cold or flood-prone area.
The bottom part of your door jamb is the most likely victim of water damage. It gets the most exposure to water, wet surface, moisture, and fungi. You can expect wood rot to settle in after a few days.
If you encounter a water-damaged door jamb, you can follow these steps to repair it!
Step #1. Measure the area
Foremost, you must inspect and measure the damaged area. It is to assess how much damage there is.
Step #2. Remove damaged area
Using a chisel, knife, saw, or any other preferred tool, carefully remove the damaged or rotted areas. After that, reconfirm the damaged area’s measurement.
Step #3. Restore
In restoring the water-damaged area, you can either use a replacement piece or wood filler. If the area is less than 8 inches, a replacement piece might be better to save you a headache or two.
When using a wood filler, you must coat the damaged frame area with some wood hardener first. Then mix up wood filler and apply it. Carve and smooth it out using a chisel or putty knife.
Add in an extra layer if necessary. The process and steps apply whether you are using epoxy or polyester filler. Depending on the outdoor temperature, you might have to wait for 10-15 minutes for it to dry completely.
Step #4. Finishing touches
Sand the seam to create a seamless unit. Finally, prime and paint it to match your door.
Signs That A Door Jamb Is Water Damaged
Water damaged and rotten door jambs usually are easy to spot. The tell-tale dark and soggy patches that form on the wood are mainly caused by fungi growth that feeds on wood’s moisture.
A few other signs to look for when checking for water damage are:
- Trouble closing and opening the door without it jamming
- Drafts around the door’s exterior
- Gaps between the door frame and door
It is necessary to note the condition of exterior door frames. On top of that damage, leaving it on its own can potentially increase utility bills because of drafts and structural damage due to the mold.
When To Replace Or Repair Door Jambs?
There is a fine line between repairing only the damaged portion and replacing the entire door jamb. Knowing and planning which to do would be better as it could help you save money and effort. You can repair the door jambs if the damage is only contained in one area or if the wood is soft once you prod it with a knife, screwdriver, or any of your preferred tools.
Replacing the entire door jamb might be needed if the mold spreads throughout the jamb that leads it to crumble or bend. You will also need to replace it if the damage spreads on the surrounding structure of your home.
Call up professionals if you are uncertain or unsure of how to fix your door jambs. It could save you money that you might need for extra repairs if you make a costly mistake. You can call up your lawyer to see if water-damaged door jambs are part of your insurance coverage.
How To Prevent Your Door Jambs From Getting Water Damaged?
As the popular and somewhat overused saying goes, prevention is always better than cure—repair in this case! Preventing your door jambs from getting water damaged can save you not just money and time but also the effort of needing to check your insurance if it is covered!
It would be best if you occasionally inspected your doors at least once or twice a year. Go around and look for cracks, mold, and flaws. If you see cracks, sand and refinish it immediately to prevent moisture from entering.
You can also stop mold development and reduce the chances of wood rot after water damage by regularly waterproofing and sealing the exterior door frames. Routinely touch up or repaint the seal to protect the door frames.
Conclusion
Door jambs are typically made of wood. They could fall victim to water damage, leading to almost permanent damage and potential destruction.
It is why you should know how to repair water damaged door jambs. With a few simple steps above, you can repair your door jambs and even prevent them from getting water damaged in the future!