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How to Repair a Composite Door Frame Composite doors are popular in homes due to their durability as well as their low-maintenance appearance and fashionable designs. Like grays composite door handle replacements , composite doors can develop problems in time. Most of these issues can be solved with just a few steps. If your door is stuck, lubricating the hinges will lessen friction and allow it to open and close easily. Cracks The popularity of composite doors has increased in recent years due their durability, security and energy efficiency. But, just like any other door is susceptible to issues over time and use that require fixing, such as cracks, lack of weather seals or misaligned hinges. A lot of these issues are easy to fix, and so you will save money if you do the repairs yourself instead of calling an installer. Cracks on a composite door are often caused by expansion and contraction of the plastic door panel as temperatures change. In summer, the heat will cause the door to expand, which could make it difficult to open and close. As temperatures drop the door will shrink and contract, which can cause cracks on the edges of the frame. If this happens an easy fix is to fill the cracks with epoxy and sand them away once they have been set. You can do this by scooping a small amount the compound onto a blade and filling in the cracks. Make sure you leave enough compound on top of the cracked area to cover any gaps. Once the compound is fully set, sand the surface using sandpaper to make it smooth. In some instances cracks on the composite door are too severe to be repaired. If this is the case it might be worthwhile to invest in a replacement door to ensure your property is secure and safe. Tea staining is a different issue that can affect uPVC and composite doors. However, this usually results from environmental factors, like exposure to sunlight and high levels of humidity. If your door is stained you can get rid of it by cleaning it with a specialized uPVC cleanser such as Polytrol. This will help remove the stain and restore the appearance of your door. It is a good practice to regularly grease the moving components of your composite door. This will reduce wear and friction. You can purchase products that are specifically designed for uPVC and composite doors, which are typically recommended by manufacturers. These products will help to ensure that your composite door will continue to function smoothly and efficiently for many years to be. Warping Although composite doors are more resilient to moisture than timber or uPVC doors, extreme fluctuations in humidity or temperature can cause them to swell and warp. This could make it difficult to open or close your door. It could lead to gaps between the frame and door. This is one of the most straightforward problems with composite doors to resolve. The addition or replacement of weather stripping will help seal any gaps and stop rainwater or draughts from entering your home. It is also recommended to lubricate the hinges and lock mechanism to decrease friction. This will stop your door from squeezing. A misalignment issue is another frequent problem that can cause your door to stick. Fortunately, this problem is easy to resolve by adjusting the hinges. If your locks aren't easy to operate, it might be a sign of an alignment issue or a problem with the mechanism that locks them. A lubricant specially designed for doors and locks can reduce tension on the mechanism. Tea stains are another problem that can be found on composite doors. This can be caused by prolonged exposure to heat or sunlight or due to scratches or dents that have occurred on the surface of your door. If your door is suffering from this, you must clean it regularly to prevent the accumulation of dust and moisture that can lead to warping. Cracks on your composite door could be a sign that there is structural damage. It is recommended to have the door checked by a qualified professional for security reasons. If the crack isn't deep, it can be repaired by filling it with plastic. After the plastic filler has dried, you can repaint it to improve its appearance. Composite doors are generally more resistant to moisture than timber or uPVC and require only occasional washing with soapy water to keep them looking as good as new. However, this could cause a slight discoloration. To prevent this from happening it is important to wash your composite door regularly and to employ a non-abrasive cleaning product to protect the surface. Regular cleaning can also help reduce the likelihood of mildew or mould build-up that may be caused by humid or damp environments. Gaps Composite doors are known to be tough, but they can still be damaged by sunlight and weather conditions. If you've noticed that your door frame is starting to weaken and the hinges are getting loose, it's important to repair them before they start damaging your home. It's a difficult job, but it's one that most people are able to manage without the assistance of experts. The gaps between the frame and the door allow air to pass through them, affecting the temperature of your home and reducing the efficiency of its energy. A gap in the frame of your door can also lead to water leaking through the door or beneath it, which could cause additional issues and cost you money. You'll need a sander to smooth out the gap and make it even. You should then paint the area to ensure it is smooth and blends with the rest of the door frame. If you are unsure about the task, or the issue is more severe, then it may be better to let a professional handle the work for you. Use shims that are specifically made for doors and windows to fill in gaps. They can be bought from your local hardware store. The shims are positioned behind the hinges to shift them upwards, which in turn adjust the clearances around the door. Simply take off the hinge screws, and then put in the shim. Make sure to use a small amount of shims, so that they're not too visible. Another way to repair gaps is to utilize expanding foam insulation. It's a simple and quick fix for gaps in the door frame however, you'll need cautious to ensure that it doesn't overflow and get in the paintwork. You can also use wooden dowels. They are usually used for structural reinforcement but they can also be used to fill holes in composite doors. Leaks The most frequent issue with composite doors is that they start to leak, causing damage to the frame. This can be caused by weather, wear and tear or physical injuries. In most instances, a temporary solution can be used until the issue is repaired more permanent. This can be accomplished by using caulking, rags, or other materials. Make sure the door frame is properly installed. It might be advisable to seek assistance from a professional in the event that the door frame was not properly installed. In the event of leaks, it is essential to identify the source of the problem. The first step is to clean out any blocked drainage holes. This can be accomplished by using a screwdriver or other long thin tool to move the drainage hole to unblock it. After that the drainage system needs to be checked to ensure that it is working properly. If it's not the drainage holes have to be cleaned out again and then retested. A common cause of leaks in doors is the weather seal becoming dislodged. This can be caused by regular use or changes in temperature, but it is easily repaired. The weather seal is easily removed from the frame of the door and pushed into position. A silicone lubricant may be added to ensure that the seal moves smoothly. The last thing to do is you should check that the hinges have been aligned correctly. It's often an easy task to adjust the screws and latches to ensure they stay in the correct position. It is also a good idea to lubricate the moving parts of these doors and locks by using a lock and door lubricant. Avoid using oil-based lubricants for lubricating the locking cylinder as this could cause additional damage. It is natural for a door made of composite to split or crack as time passes, particularly if it has been exposed to constant pressure and movement. Cracks like these are easy to repair and won't alter the structural integrity of your home. With a little attention your front door made of composite will look brand new for a long time.