We have some rotting wood at the bottom of our front door frame.
by
Nikki
+11
How much do you think we should expect to pay to have the repair done? Seems to me that the bad part can be cut out and replaced, sanded and painted. Or am I missing something more difficult and expensive?
14 answers
-
Nikki, There was a discussion regarding this recently here on Hometalk, It was interesting how professionals had different views to share about wood rot and how it can e fixed - http://www.hometalk.com/activity/94184
Yamini LEED AP at Urbanmotifs
on Nov 02, 2011
-
Check out the post by Peace Painting on this exact topic. http://www.hometalk.com/member/5sqj8l56y0
Teresa D
on Nov 02, 2011
-
The condition you have is very common. The wood used to manufacture these off the shelf type doors and frames oftentimes are poorly sealed where they need it the most. Where the wood touches the sill. The end grain of the wood has drawn up moisture over the past years causing decay from the inside to the outside. Its not until some damage has occurred does the owner see this. As Teresa said, Peace Painting has provided information on how to fix this. As far as cost. After repairs and paint, expect to pay somewhere around $150 with material and labor to do the job right. My bet the other side even though you cannot see it, has the same damage. If you took a screw driver and pushed it in on the bottom of the other side you will see it go right in.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Nov 02, 2011
-
If it is possible to do, I would suggest replacing the whole run of board there instead of trying to patch in just that spot. In the end it will look better as one whole piece rather than it looking like a repair. You can get the repair to blend in great, but with the extra time that takes you could have just done the entire board to begin with and not have the added hassle.
Dan's of Central Florida, Inc.
on Nov 02, 2011
-
Patching that with epoxy wood filler is complicated by the weather stripping groove. With that large of an integrated area, it would be better to replace that whole piece of wood trim. Also, unless other work needs done around the house, wood filler means 3-4 trips (with driving time and gas). Please don't splice in a piece on the end. Woodbridge is right on mentioning it all started from a lack of caulking at the bottom. We use a solvent base caulking there for extra waterproofing in this problematic area. This area with all it's trim always benefits from a stoop 'portico' covering. Best, CPeace
Peace Painting Co., Inc.
on Nov 02, 2011
-
I agree with Dan. A patch is a patch and always will be Thats my experience anyway
Harold M
on Nov 02, 2011
-
As mentioned in other posts, I would not use any kind of filler here. This is a center repair that we do all the time at HandyANDY. It can be repaired with an angle cut piece of wood, custom cut to match the dimensions of the original...no need to replace the whole piece.
HandyANDY - Handyman & All Repairs, LLC
on Nov 02, 2011
-
andy, would the west system work for this ? used it in my sailboat - just wondering
Its Really Concrete, Inc.
on Nov 02, 2011
-
As a side note, I'd really love to see a pic of the door. It looks great from the little I can see in these pics.
Teresa D
on Nov 03, 2011
-
The west system is a pretty strong epoxy...I've never used it but as a patch its probably better than most as it's made for water proofing boats. However, the real issue with putty or epoxy on exterior repairs is that it's unlikely you will be able to remove all of the fungi in the wood that produces the rot. If any is left, covering fungi over with anything gives them a perfect hotel and the wood will continue to rot. Besides, to go through all the hassle of trying to scrape out as much rot/fungi as possible...you'd be better served to made a good cut and piece it in. Just make sure the bottom edge of the angle cut is at the outer edge of the trim pieces. Otherwise, the cut is backwards and will direct moisture into the jamb. Find what's causing the rot first....on doors...it's usually a combination and not just lack of caulk at the base of the threshold, jamb and trim. On 8 out of 10 of the doors we repair, it's either the flashing at the top was cut too short...or is non-existent; failed caulk along the edges....or poor painting...along with no caulk at the base. All of these contribute to the rot. A really good epoxy may continue to look decent to the outside face....but behind it, if the cause was water entering from the top or sides...you'll be looking at more rot...maybe even into the frame. When in doubt....cut it out! I like that.
HandyANDY - Handyman & All Repairs, LLC
on Nov 03, 2011
-
I think the epoxy is a viable option...as stated above. BTW...thats a nice looking front door.
KMS Woodworks
on Nov 03, 2011
-
Having been a contractor before retirement I would never patch that repair. It is the first thing seen when coming to your home. A patch is just that, a band aid that will always require work. The wood it is attached to is not of a good quality.
Fred G
on Jan 29, 2012
-
Ive seen this problem before. Does any one know what this piece is called? what is it a 3x3 or a type of trim.
Alf1287705
on Feb 16, 2015
-
That is normally called the casement trim. Varies in size depending upon the door style and the design.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Feb 16, 2015
Sign Up to Answer
