No matter how tough the wood your door is made from, chances are it will deteriorate sooner than you think when overexposed to water. Apart from making them susceptible to rot, mildew and a host of other problems, waterlogged doors can also mean eventually spending a few hundred bucks for impending repairs and replacements.
There’s really no need to worry just yet if your door has recently been waterlogged. Make sure you read on to learn a few tips and tricks that won’t just prevent any major issues with your waterlogged door but also make it as durable as can be for years to come.
Start by Removing Any Excess Moisture
Your very first priority after your door has been waterlogged is getting rid of any excess moisture as much as you can. It is also a good idea to completely remove the door from its frame to check the extent of the water’s penetration.
Keep in mind to wait until the surface has dried a bit since wood tends to expand when getting in contact with a lot of moisture. Immediately removing a door after being drenched in water can easily damage it.
Get Some Elbow Grease in the Mix
Wipe off the surface and the sides of your waterlogged door systematically with a clean cloth, ensuring that you cover all areas in the process. Sure that patch of moisture may not look a lot to you but water can do a lot of damage if neglected.
Keep in mind to use a fresh piece of cloth when the one you’re using gets too damp or else you will just spread the unwanted moisture even more. Plus, use a worktable or some other even surface when doing this to avoid inadvertently scratching or gouging your door while at it.
Show Some Love to the Frames
Remember to give the same careful treatment to the frames as well since they can easily suffer from the same problems that your door does when submerged in water. If left unattended, your door frames could warp out of shape and even cause hinges and other mechanical parts to rust unexpectedly.
Now that you’ve got that all covered, make sure you inspect your waterlogged door for traces of rot, mold, mildew and similar structural issues. Call a reliable professional to take care of them as soon as possible so you won’t have to replace your door in the long run. While wood can be weakened by overexposure to water, it can easily hold up to other inconveniences quite well.
