Help Around the House host Henry Harrison shows a homeowner how to repair cracks that have formed in one of the panels of his frame-and-panel front door (
figure A). On his elbow grease scale of one to four, Harrison gives this job a two.
Tools:
piece of cardboard
caulking gun
120-grit sandpaper
small stick for stirring
probing tool
window saw
rags
rubber gloves and safety glasses
wood filler
spray primer
silicone caulk
Steps:
1. Use a small probing tool (figure B) to find out how deep the crack is and to remove as much debris as possible (figure C).
2. Fold a piece of 120-grit sandpaper and work it into the opening, sanding away even more debris. Brush away any residual dust.
3. Mix wood filler compound according to instructions and work into the seam with your fingers (figure D). Be sure to wear protective rubber gloves when working with the compound.
4. Scrape away any excess wood filler before it hardens. Sand down the excess wood filler until the repair is smooth and undetectable to the touch.
5. To reduce the likelihood of the panel swelling and cracking again, cut away the paint seal around the border of the panel and replace it with caulk. Use a window saw to cut the paint out of the seams around the panel where it meets the frame ( figure E). Sand away any debris.
6. Repeat the process on the opposite side of the door.
7. Pipe in a bead of caulk and smooth it out with your finger. The caulk will provide a weatherproof seal and is more flexible than the dried paint that was in the seam before.
8. Spray primer on the repair and on the entire panel. Use a piece of cardboard to mask the seams so they don't get painted over again. Apply a topcoat of paint once the primer dries.
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