How to Restore a Composite Door

Composite doors are built with 17 laminated layers alongside an unbreakable timber core that helps keep your home warm and secure. However, these doors may suffer from damage due to breaking-ins and the forces that are imposed on them.

Common issues include cracks, misalignment or misalignment of the door and gaps around the frame. Most of these problems are fixable!

Cracks

Composite doors are renowned for their toughness. However, they could develop cracks or splits over time. These can result from general wear and tear, a knock or impact that is not noticed, or changes in temperature or humidity.

If the crack or split isn't too large you can usually fix it using a plastic filler from your local hardware store. Follow the instructions on your package and use a putty blade to apply the compound evenly over the crack. The compound will then set and should be barely noticeable upon close inspection. If the crack is severe, an assessment by a professional may be needed.

A fluctuation in temperature or humidity can also cause cracks and splits, especially if the door is exposed to direct sun for a long time. You can stop this by making sure your home is well ventilated and by reducing humidity levels. You can also paint your composite door with a special exterior door paint to guard against weather damage and limit exposure to sunlight.

A composite door can also rattle or even stick when closed or opened. This could be due to an excessive humidity level, misaligned hinges or uneven ones or a swollen door. A door that is stuck could be a snarling and frustrating issue, especially when it is located near the lock on your front door.

Lubricating hinges with oil can decrease friction, reducing the need to apply manual force. Additionally loosening the hinge screws and adding longer ones can help to lift the door back up and then close it smoothly. You can also sand the surface of your composite doors to lessen the chance of any sticking or scraping. However, it is important not to scratch the GRP finish.

If your door is creaking, it could mean that the mechanism for locking is damaged or dirty and it is difficult to turn the key or open and close the door. To make the door function better, you can use an oil-based grease that is based on silicone to lubricate the cylinder. If this doesn't fix the issue, you might require replacing the lock's components, or have them replaced professionally.


Loose Seals

Composite doors are prone to damage, even though they last longer than uPVC or timber doors. Like any exterior door they can fade as time passes due to exposure to sunlight and other weather conditions. It can be ugly and make your home appear less appealing. Thankfully, there are a number of ways you can restore your composite door to its original glory.

One common problem that affects composite doors is leaks, which usually occur because of worn weather seals. The water could seep into your home, posing an extremely risk to your security. You'll want to address this issue as soon as you can to avoid further damage.

You should replace the gaskets and weather seals of your composite door as soon as you can if it is leaky. This is a simple task that takes only few minutes. First, remove the old seal by loosening the screws and prying it out. Once the old seal has been removed, just put a new seal over the gap, ensuring it's properly inserted. You can also use graphite or a lubricant made of silicone for keeping your seals and gaskets in place.

Another issue that may arise with composite doors is swelling or misalignment of the hinges, typically caused by changes in temperature or the building's settling. This can result in gaps around the frame of the door and make it difficult to close or open the door.

It's also important to periodically examine your drainage holes for your composite doors to make sure they are not blocked. This is especially true in winter when the threshold of the door is susceptible to flooding if not cleaned correctly. Cleaning the drainage holes regularly will keep them free of debris and prevent water from accumulating in areas that could cause structural damage.

While composite doors are an excellent option for any home, they can be susceptible to issues with wear and tear. By following these simple repair tips, you can keep your doors in good condition for many years to come.

Dropped Hinges

Composite doors are extremely durable and require very little maintenance, but the hinges may drop if they are exposed to continuous use. Fortunately it's a simple problem that can be solved by adjusting the door a few times. First, you'll need to look at the hinges of your door to determine the root of the problem. This will help you determine which adjustments to make, and the best tools to use. You should also clean the hinge area to remove any dust or dirt that may be causing the issue.

Utilizing a screwdriver or hex key, loosen the plastic caps that protect the top and bottom of each hinge (if necessary). This will expose the screws that hold them in place and make it easier to adjust the hinges. You can apply pressure to the hinges after tightening the screws to make sure that they are flush with the frame.

You should also check your latches and hinges regularly for signs of wear or misalignment. This will not only help keep your door in great shape but also prevent any security issues from arising. You should make sure that the hinge at the bottom is bearing the majority of the load, since this will decrease the risk of your door sagging.

If you're having trouble locking your composite door, it could be due to a misalignment with the hinges or an issue with the multi-point lock. If left unadjusted, this could lead to the lock becoming spongy or difficult to operate.

Our team of professional installers can help you to realign your door and install the locks for a cost-effective solution. We can also fit new letterboxes and handles to give your composite doors a new look and feel.

Blocked Drainage Holes

Composite doors are a favorite choice for homeowners due to their durability, style, and low-maintenance appearance. Like composite door panel replacement are prone to wear and tear that is caused by the weather. However, since composite doors aren't painted or polished as timber doors, there are a few simple steps that can be taken to fix common issues and keep your door looking good as new.

Water can seep into composite doors due to worn weather seals or gaskets. This is often due to worn out gaskets and weather seals that create gaps that allow rainwater to enter your home. To remedy this, simply flush the drainage holes that are on the thresholds of the door with water to ensure that they're working properly and free of blockages.

The locking mechanism of composite doors can also become stuck. This is typically due to grease or dirt that builds up in the lock cylinder or door handle. To solve this clean the cylinder using a cleaning product that's safe for use on doors made of composite and use a grease lubricant to allow it to return to operation.

By flushing the drainage holes using water, you can quickly fix this problem. You can prevent water from getting into your home by cleaning the drainage holes every six months.

Staining is a normal regular part of life and is difficult to remove. For most doors that are exterior you can treat it by wiping the affected area with a damp, clean cloth and then using a mild detergent to wash away any remaining dirt. You can also consider using an agent that is chemical-based to help remove any stubborn staining that has accumulated on your composite doors.

Although composite doors are made from a variety of materials, they are still prone 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 result in your composite doors looking tired and damaged, however there are a few easy steps that you can take to restore their appearance and keep them in good shape for many years to be.