How to Repair a Cracked Composite Door

Although composite doors are incredibly sturdy, they may suffer from cracks caused by general wear and tear. Thankfully cracks caused by these are usually easily repaired.

All you need is the plastic filler, a uPVC friendly cleaning agent (HG uPVC Powerful Cleaner is ideal) and a few medium-to-fine grit Sandpaper. The first step is to clean the crack.

Identifying the Crack

Composite doors are one of the most popular kinds of front doors available that are available due to their design and durability. Like any other door, composite door panel replacement doors can develop issues over time. Luckily, most of these issues can be resolved without the need to call experts.

If you hear a crackling sound each when you open or shut your composite door, there could be a problem with the frame. This is particularly evident if the crack appears visible along the edges of the frame. In this situation it could be because the door and frame were not properly installed at first. It is recommended to contact the person who installed your composite door to resolve this problem.

The misalignment of latches and hinges is another issue that can be found in composite doors. This can be caused by excessive wear and tear or over use, but can also be caused from variations in humidity and temperature. This is another issue that can be easily fixed by simply changing screws.

You may also find that the frame of your composite door lock replacement door is too small. This could occur if the frame was not correctly installed by an experienced professional installer. If the frame is too small it will not be able to support the weight of the door. This can cause cracks, warping and creaking.

Weather damage is a different cause of a cracked composite door. Weather damage is usually caused by a damaged or missing weather seal. This can allow cold air to enter the home, as well as debris and rain. A damaged or missing weather seal can be easily repaired by replacing it with a new one specifically made for composite doors.

The most important thing to consider when maintaining a composite door is the regular cleaning. This will eliminate any scratches or marks from the surface, and also keeping out staining. Clean your composite door replacement door with warm soapy-water every week at a minimum to prevent hardware pitting. Also, you should regularly lubricate hinges.

Cleaning the Crack

Composite doors are a favorite choice for home owners thanks to their durability and low maintenance. However, they can experience a number of common problems in time, such as cracks and warping. Most of these problems can be resolved without the assistance of a professional.

A composite door is made from a solid timber core to provide the strength and stability needed and uPVC to weatherproof it against the elements. The outer skin is made of glass reinforced plastic (GRP) that is available in a variety of styles and finishes, such as woodgrain or a sleek contemporary finish. The combination of these two materials ensures that composite doors are extremely robust and resistant to moisture and abrasions.

Keep your composite door dry and clean to keep its attractive appearance. Regular cleaning using an mild cleaner and cloth should suffice to keep it looking nice however, you should clean it off after rain or prolonged exposure to sunlight. Avoid using abrasive cleaning products as they could cause damage to the surface of the door. Additionally, always make sure that you make use of clean water to wash it off once you're done.

Another method to keep your composite door looking good is to oil its hinges and locks on a regular basis. A lubricant specially designed specifically for uPVC doors and locks can be used however, be cautious not to overdo it as too much grease could cause the lock to stick or stop working altogether.

Examine the weather stripping on your composite door to ensure it's in good condition and working properly. This will reduce drafts and save you money on heating costs.

Although composite doors of today are highly durable and resistant to a range of common problems, they may still be damaged by sudden temperature fluctuations or by general wear and tear. Even the most severe cracks can be repaired using a plastic filler, sandpaper, and a little more sandpaper.

Filling in the Crack

Although composite doors are extremely durable, they are also prone to cracking as a result of physical damage, such as scratches or impacts, or even variations in humidity and temperature. These cracks can often be easily repaired using an easy DIY repair procedure.

It is important to determine the cause of the crack. It may be as simple a crackling sound that you hear when you shut or open the door. Alternatively, it could be more significant such as visible cracks or damage to the exterior glass panel. If the problem is more serious then you should seek help from a professional.

The next step is applying filler to the damaged area. Fillers made of plastic are available and are specifically designed to be used on uPVC or composite materials. These will usually be composed of liquid and powder that need to be mixed together and then applied immediately, since they set very quickly. Make use of a putty knife to apply the filler, and ensure that you get it all way to the other side.

After the filler has been applied and dried, you'll have to sand the surface to give it a smooth finish. To do this, you can use an electric sander or a light sanding device. After sanding the surface you'll need to apply a clear layer of varnish or polyurethane in order to protect your door and filler.

If the sound of the hinges on your doors is making you hear cracking sounds, you should lubricate the hinges to stop them from slipping or becoming stiff with time. This will help maintain the hinges' strength and extend their lifespan.

You can keep your composite door looking like new by regularly sanding it, using a touch-up pen to fix any scratches, and reapplying a paint of the same color for a consistent appearance. Regular lubrication of any moving parts will ensure that they function smoothly and increase the durability of your composite door. This is a simple task that is often overlooked but can make all the difference to your door's functionality and appearance.

Sanding the Crack

A composite door is strong and durable, but it's immune to the odd crack or creak. It's likely to encounter these issues with the frame, which can occur due to a number of reasons, such as wear and tear. If you're concerned that your composite doors may be showing signs of age, you can take some simple steps to correct the issue.

The first thing you need to do is clean the area of the crack and the surrounding surface. This will help to keep dirt from accumulating with the repair work you will be doing later. To clean any grime or grit, use a uPVC friendly, fragrance-free cleaner such as HG uPVC Powerful Cleaning Agent, available on Amazon. Let the area dry completely before moving on.

Once the crack is clean after which you can begin the composite door crack repair. Depending on whether or not your door is painted, you can select between filler and putty for this step. If your door is painted, choose an option that is wood-based and can be sanded following its setting. Once you've applied your preferred filler, let it set. Sanding the compound down will smooth the surface and make it appear more natural.

You'll also want to take into consideration the size of the crack before you start sanding. If the crack is larger it will require more than just putty or filler to fix it. If you notice evidence of this on your door, you may need to install a wooden spline to provide a longer-lasting solution.

The best way to stop the formation of a split is to ensure that the door frame and hinges are properly set. It is also essential to ensure that all moving parts are lubricated including hinges using the lubricant specifically designed for uPVC or composite materials. This will reduce friction, and keep your composite door running smoothly for many years.