How to Restore a Composite Door
Composite doors are constructed with 17 laminated layers that are paired with a solid wood core that keeps you safe and warm. However, these doors can suffer from damage due to breaking-ins and the forces that are imposed on them.
Common issues include cracks, misalignment of the door and gaps in the frame. The majority of these issues are easily fixable!
Cracks
Composite doors are known for their strength, but like any other door, they are susceptible to cracks and splits over the course of time. These can be caused by wear and tear or an impact that goes unnoticed or a change in temperature or humidity.
If the fracture or split is small it is possible to repair it using an adhesive from your local hardware store. Follow the directions on the package and apply the filler to the crack, using a putty knife to spread it evenly across the surface. The compound will set and become barely visible upon closer inspection. If the crack is extensive an assessment by a professional may be required.
Cracks and splits could be caused by the change in humidity or temperature particularly when the door is exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods of time. You can help prevent this by making sure your home is adequately ventilated and reducing the humidity levels. You can also paint your composite door with a special exterior door paint to shield against weather damage and reduce exposure to sunlight.
A composite door may also rattle or stick when it is opened or closed. This can be caused by the expansion of humidity due to high humidity, misaligned hinges, or an uneven frame. A stuck door can be an annoyance and embarrassing issue, especially if it's near the door lock of your front.
Lubricating hinges reduces friction, thus reducing the need to apply manual force. Alternately, loosening the hinge screws and putting in longer ones can help to raise the door back to its original position and close smoothly. You may also consider sanding down the surface of your composite door to help lessen scraping or sticking however, you must be careful not to damage the GRP coating.
If your door is squeaking, it could be because the locking mechanism is dirty, damaged or malfunctioning and making it difficult to open and close it, or turn the key. To make the door operate better, you can use the lubricant made of silicone on the cylinder. If this doesn't fix the issue, you might have to replace the lock components or have them replaced by a professional.
Loose Seals
While composite doors tend to last longer than uPVC and timber doors, they are still vulnerable to damage. Like any exterior door they can fade as time passes due to exposure to sunlight and other weather conditions. This can be unattractive and make your house look less attractive. There are several ways to bring your composite door back to its original beauty.
A common issue that affects composite doors is leaks, which usually occur due to damaged weather seals. This can cause water to leak into your house, which is a significant security risk and something you'll need to take care of immediately to avoid further damage.
If your composite door is leaking, you'll need to replace the weather seals or gaskets as soon as possible. This is a simple task that will take only few minutes. Remove the old seal first by loosening screws and prying out. Once the old seal has been removed, simply place a new rubber seal over the gap, ensuring it's properly inserted. You can also use graphite or a lubricant made of silicone for keeping your gaskets and seals in place.
The hinges of a composite door can also become misaligned or swell due to changes in temperature. This is often caused by the building's settlement or changes in temperature. This can lead to gaps in the door's frame and make it difficult to shut or open the door.
It's also important to periodically check your drainage holes for your composite doors to ensure they're not blocked. This is especially true in winter when the threshold of the door is susceptible to flooding if not maintained properly. composite door panel replacement is recommended to clean the drainage holes on a regular basis to keep them clear and prevent water from pooling in places that could cause structural damage.
Composite doors are great for any home, but they are susceptible to problems due to tear and wear. Use these easy repair methods to keep your doors in good shape for a long time.
Dropped Hinges
Although composite doors are extremely durable and require little maintenance, hinges can fall if subjected to constant use. Fortunately it's a simple problem that can be solved by making a simple adjustment to the door. First, you'll need to assess the door hinges to identify the source of the issue. This will allow you to determine the correct adjustments to make and what tools to use. You will also want to clean out the hinge area, to remove any dirt or dust that could be causing a problem.
With a screwdriver or hex key Remove the plastic caps (if necessary) that cover the tops and bottoms of each hinge. The screws that hold the hinges in place will be exposed, making it easier to adjust them. You can apply pressure to the hinges after tightening the screws, to ensure that they are in line with the frame.
It is also recommended to check your latches and hinges regularly for signs of wear or misalignment. This will not only keep your door in great shape but also prevent any security issues from developing. It is also important to make sure the hinge at the bottom is carrying the bulk of the load, as 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 an issue with the hinges or a problem with the multi-point lock. If not adjusted, the lock could become hard to use or even difficult to operate.
Our professional installers can help you to align your door and replace the locks for a cost-effective solution. We can also install and supply new handles and letterboxes that give your composite door a fresh look and feel.
Blocked Drainage Holes
Composite doors are a popular choice for homeowners due to their durability, style and low-maintenance appearance. Like all doors that are exterior, they are susceptible to wear and tear triggered by weather conditions. While composite doors cannot be polished or painted like timber doors, you can still take a few steps to fix common problems and make your door look as good as new.
One of the most common issues with composite doors is that they could start to let water in. This is often due to worn out gaskets and weather seals, which create gaps that let rainwater in your home. To fix this problem flush the drainage holes located in the thresholds with water to make sure they're working correctly and are free of blockages.
Another common issue with composite doors is that the locking mechanism can begin to become stuck. This is usually due to dirt or grease that has built up in the door handle or lock cylinder. To resolve this issue, clean the cylinder with a cleaning product that's safe for use on doors made of composite and use an oil lubricant for grease to allow it to return to operation.
By flushing the drainage holes with water, you can easily fix this problem. You can stop water from entering your home by cleaning these drainage holes every six months.
Staining can be an integral part of daily life and can be difficult to get rid of. For most doors that are exterior, this can be treated by wiping the affected area with a damp, clean cloth and then using a mild detergent to scrub away any remaining dirt. You can also try using a chemical-based stripping agent to remove any stubborn stains on your composite doors.
Although composite doors are made out of a variety materials but they are still subject to weathering and fading in the course of time as a result of exposure to sunlight and other elements that can be harsh. This can leave your composite doors looking tired and damaged, however there are a few easy steps that you can take to improve their appearance and ensure they remain in good condition for the years to come.