How to Restore a Composite Door
Composite doors are constructed of 17 layers of laminated wood and a solid core. They are designed to keep you warm and safe. However, these doors can be damaged by breaking-ins and the forces that are imposed on them.
Cracks, misalignment, and gaps around the frame are typical problems. The majority of these issues are easily fixable!
Cracks
Composite doors are famous for their strength, but like all doors, they may develop cracks and splits over time. These cracks and splits can be caused by wear and tear or even an unnoticed impact or knock.
You can repair a minor fracture or split using an injection of plastic at your local hardware store. Follow the instructions on the package and use a putty blade to apply the compound evenly over the crack. The compound will then become solid and will be barely visible upon close examination. If the crack is extensive a professional assessment might be required.
A fluctuation in temperature or humidity can cause cracks and splits, especially if the door is exposed to direct sun for a long period of time. You can prevent this by ensuring that your home is well-ventilated and reducing humidity. You can also use an exterior paint that is specifically designed for the door made of composite to protect it from weather damage and reduce the exposure to sunlight.
Another issue with composite doors is that they tend to stick or squeak when being opened or closed. This could be due the high humidity level, misaligned hinges or uneven ones, or a swollen door. A door that is stuck can be a frustrating and embarrassing problem, particularly in the vicinity of the door lock of your front.
You can usually resolve a sticking door by applying lubrication to the hinges to decrease friction and the requirement for manual force. Alternately, adding longer hinge screws or loosening them could help lift the door and close it smoothly. You can also sand down the surface of your composite doors to minimize any scraping or sticking. However, it is important not to scratch the finish of the GRP.
If your door is creaking, it might mean that the mechanism for locking is damaged or dirty, making it difficult to turn the key or open and close the door. You can try using a silicone-based lubricant to the cylinder or grease lubricant to the mechanism to to make this process easier. If this doesn't solve the issue, it may be necessary to replace the lock components.
Loose Seals
While composite doors are able to last longer than uPVC and timber doors, they remain vulnerable to damage. Like any exterior door they may fade over time because of exposure to sunlight and other weather conditions. This can look ugly and make your home look less attractive. There are many ways to restore your composite door to its original beauty.
Leaks are a typical issue with composite doors, and they often occur due to of deteriorated weather seals. This may cause water to seep into your house, which is an extremely risky security issue and something you'll need to address quickly to avoid further damage.
You must replace the weather seals and gaskets of your composite door as fast as you can if they are leaky. This is a simple process that takes only few minutes. First, remove the old seal by loosening the screws and then prying it out. After the old seal has been removed, just place a new rubber seal over the gap, making sure it's properly slotted into place. Alternatively, you can use a silicone- or graphite-based oil to help your gaskets and door seals remain in place.
The hinges of a composite door can be misaligned, or swell because of temperature changes. This is typically caused by the building's settling or changes in temperature. This can lead to gaps around the frame of the door and make it difficult to open or close the door.
Also, it's essential to examine the drainage holes in your composite doors on a regular basis to ensure they're not blocked. This is especially important in winter, when the threshold of the door could be flooded if it's not kept properly. It's recommended to clean the drainage holes regularly to keep them clean and to prevent water from pooling in areas that could cause structural damage.
While composite doors are a great choice for any home, they can be susceptible to issues with wear and tear. Use these simple repair strategies to keep your doors in good shape for many years.
Dropped Hinges
While composite doors are extremely durable and require minimal maintenance, hinges can fall if subjected to constant use. Fortunately it's a simple issue that can be resolved with some simple door adjustment. First, you'll need to assess the door hinges to determine the cause of the problem. This will help you determine the correct adjustments to make and the best tools to use. It is also important to clean out the hinge area and remove any dirt or dust that could be causing trouble.
With the help of a screwdriver, or hex key remove the plastic caps (if applicable) that cover the tops and bottoms of each hinge. The screws that secure the hinges will be exposed making it easier to adjust them. After tightening the screws you can then apply the necessary pressure to the hinges to make sure they're flush with the frame and operating smoothly.
You should also check your latches and hinges on a regular basis for signs of damage or misalignment. This will ensure that your door is in good order and help to stop any security issues from forming. It is also important to make sure the bottom hinge is carrying the majority of the load, since this will decrease the chance of it becoming sagging with time.
If you are having difficulty locking your composite door it could be because of a misalignment with the hinges or a problem with the multi-point lock. If the lock is not adjusted, it can become sticky or difficult to use.
Our experts can align your door and reinstall locks to provide an economical solution. We can also fit new handles and letterboxes to give your composite doors a new appearance and feel.
Blocked Drainage Holes
Composite doors are an increasingly popular choice for homeowners due to their durability, design and low maintenance feel. Like all exterior doors they are prone to wear and tear triggered by the weather. Although composite doors can't be painted or polished as wood doors, you can take some steps to correct common problems and make your door look like new.
One of the most frequent issues with composite doors is that they may begin to let water in. This is typically due to gaskets or weather seals that have worn out that leave gaps, which let rainwater infiltrate your home. To address this issue, flush the drainage holes in the thresholds with water to ensure they are working properly and free of obstructions.
The locking mechanism of composite doors could also become stuck. This is usually caused by grease or dirt build-up in the door handle or lock. To resolve this issue clean the cylinder using a cleaning product that's safe for use on composite doors and then use a grease lubricant to help it return to operation.
Drainage holes that are blocked are another common issue with composite doors, and can be easily solved by flushing them with water to make sure they're working properly. By taking the time to clean these drainage holes every six months, you will stop them from becoming blocked or dirty and avoid water getting into your home.
Staining can be an integral regular part of life and can be difficult to get rid of. For most exterior doors, this can be treated by wiping the affected area with a damp cloth and then using a mild detergent to remove any dirt that remains. Alternatively, replacement lock for composite door can also consider using a chemical-based stripping agent to remove any stubborn staining on your composite doors.
Even though composite doors are made of a variety materials, they will get old and brittle due to exposure to harsh elements and sunlight. Your composite doors might appear damaged and worn-out because of this. However there are a few simple steps you can take to improve the appearance and keep them in great condition for a long time to come.