Warning Signs That Call For a Door Frame Repair

Door Frame Repair

Door Frame Repair

By Don Kennedy, President, ProMaster Home Repair & Handyman of Cincinnati

Requests for door frame repair are one of the most common calls we receive at ProMaster Home Repair & Handyman of Cincinnati.  The following article and video will help you determine if your door frame is in need of a repair.  I will also share a few common causes of door frame damage and simple rot prevention tips you can do yourself.

You can either read this blog, or view the video embedded above.

First, let’s take a look at some of the warning signs.  When it comes to door frame damage, the indications of a problem aren’t always prominent.  These problems may manifest as discoloration, missing pieces or trim, or bubbling and peeling paint.

Warning Signs That Your Door Frame Needs Repair

The first picture shows the common damage done to a door frame from objects being moved through the doorway or animals chewing or clawing at the door frame.  One might think that this damage is merely cosmetic—calling for a simple repair using wood filler.

Door Jamb Damage

However, upon further inspection, the entire trim piece was rotted and therefore replaced.

Door Trim Repair

Next, we see what appears to be a small chunk of trim missing from the upper left hand corner of an exterior door frame.  Again, we might conclude that this is mere cosmetic damage.

Door Frame Corner Damage

However, notice the two nail heads as indicated by the red arrows.  This is an example of poor installation, where the installer failed to properly caulk, seal and paint the nail heads after installing the trim.  This failure allowed water to enter the interior of the trim pieces and rot the wood out.  Simply patching this trim area would neither be appropriate nor effective as the underlying wood is completely decayed.

Finally, take a look at the corner of this door frame.  Just above that corner is a place where water can collect.  Eventually, this standing water found its way into the frame, causing the unprotected wood underneath to absorb the moisture and rot.  Consequently, the paint started to peel, as seen here:

Door Frame Rot

Inexperienced or lazy painters tend to simply paint over such a wound.  Such shortcuts hide the larger problem for a time, but will typically exacerbate the condition causing the need for more extensive repairs in the future.

Gentle prodding at this door frame resulted in disintegration of the corner—revealing that the scope of damage was far greater than one could tell by just looking at the surface.

Door Frame Trim Rot

Prevention of Door Frame Damage

The two most important things a homeowner can do to prevent expensive door frame repairs is to avoid cheap door installers and periodically maintain their door frame to eliminate sources of water intrusion.  Look for any nail heads that are uncovered, seams or cracks developing in the wood, or any bare wood that is exposed to a potential moisture source.  Seal these potential water intrusion points with a paintable exterior caulk and then finish with some matching touch up paint.

What If I Need an Extensive Door Frame Repair?

Don’t worry, there is no need to panic.  Many times, door frame rot can be repaired without replacing the entire door.  If you are still happy with the look of door and the rest of the frame is in serviceable condition, this option is often the most cost-effective solution.  Here is a great before and after picture of one such successful door frame repair by one of my fine craftsmen:

Door Frame Repairs

However, if you have significant door frame rot as seen in the picture below, you will most likely wish to invest in a new door to match the new framing and trim.

Door Frame Wood Rot

Let ProMaster Do My Door Frame Repair

ProMaster Home Repair & Handyman of Cincinnati is a great choice for those who don’t have the time or inclination to perform their own door frame repairs.  Whether you notice peeling paint or damaged wood, ProMaster has a skilled team of professionals who understand that attention to detail, artistry and precise craftsmanship are the keys to success in any door frame repair project.

Our Master Craftsmen are professionals who have honed their carpentry skills by experience and a quest for perfection. Keep in mind that these craftsmen aren’t just carpenters; they are skilled at other home repair tasks like drywall repair, concrete & masonry, drywall & paint, electrical, flooring & tile, plumbing and roofing. Our multi-skilled craftsmen represent a distinct advantage over other repair contractors due to their ability to perform numerous tasks associated with a door frame repair project.

Click here to watch another video by Don Kennedy that discusses the two main differences between ProMaster and every other home repair & handyman company.

Tagged as: Doors