Can I repair French doors' water damage while they're still hanging?

I have french doors that open to outside. The doors swing in- Notice what looks like water damage at bottom of jam. Can this be repaired while doors are still hanging?

  3 answers
  • Ken Ken on Apr 23, 2018

    You did not mention what the threshold is made of. You also didn't say how much damage there is. This is all important. If wood and the damage is cosmetic, I would do a light sanding to remove the old finish and as much of the discoloration as you can then use a Danish Oil wipe on finish. Use several coats following the directions on the can.


    If there is actual rot in the wood, replacement is the usually best choice. You should be able to replace it without removing the doors, but this is very dependent on your skill level.

    • Brian P. Phillips Brian P. Phillips on Apr 23, 2018

      The threshold is aluminum on concrete and there is wood rot. I was hoping to replace the wood that is damaged, I'm an old elevatorman and not a carpenter and was weighing the options of hiring someone or trying to save the money and try to tackle it myself. Thanks for your reply.

  • William William on Apr 23, 2018

    You can do a repair with Bondo, auto body filler. Dig out/remove any rotted wood. Over f ill with auto body filler. As it gets to a rubbery stage you can trim and form it with a knife or razor blade. Let fully harden. Sand, prime, and paint.

  • Shoshana Shoshana on Apr 24, 2018

    Best of luck on this!