How do I repair the wood rot of my door frame or door?

 In our changeable climate, wood has a hard time. Abundant precipitation makes it vulnerable and promotes the development of wood rot. Fortunately, you can remedy this ailment yourself.

• Recognize wood rot Wood rot occurs on all wooden parts, such as window frames, support beams and doors, and is caused by the growth of mold after prolonged humidity of the wood. You recognize wood rot by the black to rust-brown color and the soft structure. Other symptoms include moisture saturation of the wood, swelling and shrinking effects, distorted paint and the breaking down, loosening or crumbling of affected parts. You can repair minor damage yourself. If the wood rot has expanded further, a complete replacement is necessary.  

• Clean affected area Carefully scratch away the area affected by wood rot. Better take away too much than too little wood. Because if some wood rot is left behind, the rot process continues after the treatment. Lightly sand the affected surface with sandpaper.  

• Treat affected area Spread the wood rot stopping agent on the healthy wood under the affected area with a brush and let it dry. Do this in dry weather, because the stopping agent has a long drying time. Now mix the wood rot filler according to the instructions, and apply the paste over the damaged area with a putty knife. Smooth out the damaged surface and remove excess filler immediately. Sand the surface now until you get a seamless transition between the other healthy wood and the wood filler.  

• Treat affected corners Apply a layer of wood rot stopping agent over the damaged surface. Attach a board to the wall with nails, press the filler against it and smooth the repaired surface nicely. Allow the filler to harden and attach the shelf to the adjacent wall. Repair the affected area on the other side. Remove the plank from the wall and close the holes of the nails with filler. Sand the surface here too until you get a seamless transition between filler and healthy wood.