Is there any way to save water damaged doors?

Melinda
by Melinda
We are recovering from hurricane Irma and have quite a few doors that soaked up water due to 2ft of water in our garage. Can we fill, shave, etc the doors or do they all need to be replaced?
Door due to Irma...
  5 answers
  • Fiddledd224 Fiddledd224 on Oct 14, 2017

    I worked on Superstorm Sandy recovery in NJ and NY and I am strongly suggesting that you get rid of them since they may develop mold in the future. Even if there is no evidence of it now. Mold can be deadly. Also, the doors may start to stink soon since they were sitting in water that was most likely contaminated. I would definitely get rid of them, even if your insurance company won't pay for it.

  • Nancy Turner Nancy Turner on Oct 14, 2017

    I agree with Fiddledd224. I would replace them, there is no reason to risk your health on wood that has soaked up a lot of water. There is a chance also that they may start deteriorating once they fully dry even if they don't get mold. Wood can get really weird once wet, warp, swell, then you will have trouble opening and closing the doors. The one in the picture already looks like it is splitting.

  • She11495311 She11495311 on Oct 14, 2017

    I have noticed people making tables, etc with cut doors..cute idea

  • Melinda Melinda on Oct 14, 2017

    Thank you all so much!

  • Cori Widen Cori Widen on Oct 15, 2017

    I think that you'll likely have to replace them, but you can do a lot with them! I love the table idea!