Rotted threshold, sill and jamb: what repair involves
Water gathers at the bottom of an exterior door. Fixing the wood without fixing the water means doing it twice.
AFinding the rot
Probe the bottom of the jambs, the threshold and the bottom of the door with a screwdriver tip. Sound wood resists; rotted wood is soft and crumbles. Check the wall around the frame inside for stains, which show a leak above or beside the door, not only at the bottom.
BCommon repairs
| Damage | Typical repair | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small soft patch | Consolidant and epoxy fill | Needs dry wood and a sealed finish |
| Rotted bottom of jamb | Cut out and splice in new wood | Match species and profile |
| Rotted threshold | Replace the threshold | Tilt it to shed water away from the door |
| Rotted door bottom | Splice a new section or replace the door | Seal every edge |
CWhere the water comes from
Stoops and steps
Front stoops are often stone or concrete. If they pitch toward the door or have failed joints, water sits at the threshold.
Missing drip cap
A drip cap over the door or a missing sill pan lets rain run behind the frame.
Gutters and downspouts
Water from a roof or a shared gutter can land on the door. Fix those first.
Storm doors
A storm door can trap water against the main door. Keep the bottom vent open and the door clean.
DPhiladelphia permits and review
Replacing parts of a frame on a property on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places can be reviewed by the Philadelphia Historical Commission if the visible appearance changes, so keep the profile and material matching. Ordinary repair seldom needs a building permit, but changing the door opening does. Ask L&I when in doubt.
EKeep reading on this site
Sticking and binding doors
Hinges, humidity and out-of-square frames.
Hinges, strike plates and security
Longer screws, reinforced strikes and weatherstripping.
Door repair in Center City
Townhouse entries, transoms and historic review.
Door repair in East Falls
Hillside houses, porch entries and wet thresholds.
?Questions people ask
Can rot be repaired or must the frame be replaced?
Small and medium rot is often repaired. If the rot is widespread or in structural parts, replacement of the frame becomes the better choice.
How do I stop rot from returning?
Fix the water source, prime and paint every edge, and keep the bottom free of debris.
Is epoxy repair permanent?
It is durable when applied to dry wood and sealed, but it is not a cure for an ongoing leak.