How do I repair door frame please?

[Mutley56]

Hi all,

1935 house. Door frame split at site if hinges. How do I repair this please? Do remove the split part or try to,glue it down again? The original door is very heavy.

Thanks for all useful advice.

Mutley56

 

[accelerator]

Because the hinge area is so badly damaged, I would completely replace the whole vertical section of the frame.

Will you be putting the heavy door back again?

 

[Mutley56]

Yes, intend to reuse the door. Do you reckon removing the damaged vertical section will be easy without damaging the remaining frame?

Mutley56

 

[accelerator]

It won't be particularly easy. I would take a look at a few "How to Remove a Door Frame" videos on YouTube, like this one:

It could become a case of replacing the whole frame if it doesn't come out easily. I just think you need to go for replacement of at least the bit of wood that takes the hinges, because otherwise you won't have a solid attachment point for your door.

I haven't tried removing a door frame myself, but I'm sure more will be along to comment soonish.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Yes, intend to reuse the door. Do you reckon removing the damaged vertical section will be easy without damaging the remaining frame?

Likely, there will be some sort of joint at the top, maybe a half-tenon. Probably best, to expect to just replace the entire frame, as one, but be aware - it might be providing some support to the brickwork above, if it is brick above - so needs to be removed gently.

The usual way to remove a frame, is to saw horizontally, across the vertical frame, but at an angle, so the bottom halves can be removed first. Then tackle to upper parts and horizontal. The vertical frame, will be fixed to the brickwork, using timber wedges, and recessed screws or nails. A metal detector, or a strong magnet will help find, and mark them, before you start.

 

[RrogerD]

Removing and replacing a frame is extremely messy and can open up a whole host of issues. Not least loosening brickwork and making good plaster etc.
How about, you cut out the damaged section square, above and below. And then scarf in a new, planed timber piece? It can be glued and screwed at multiple places up the vertical. Countersink the heads and fill with wood-filler. Be sure obviously, to measure your new piece to suit the existing wood and not the thickness of the layers of paint etc.

 

[Mutley56]

Thanks all for your views.

Sounds tricky for sure.

Maybe I’ll chop out the damaged vertical and affix a new section in its place. At least that won’t create too much of a problem, if my attempt doesn’t work, for a chippy to put right when I call one in.

Many thanks again.

Mutley56

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

If it were me, I would have chopped out a rectangular chunk of the offending frame with a multi saw and replaced it with a like for like chunk of timber fixed with some decent screws and some suitable filler to fill any gaps/hide any sins. then use some hefty screws for the hinge. Ronseal two pack filler will be fine.

 

[Mutley56]

Thanks FMT,

It’s a job for tomorrow.

Mutley56

 

[Munroast]

A cheap easy alternative that might work

Providing that crack /split will close up quite well with some heavy clamps
Remove the face from the frame, plenty PVA glue deep into the crack, clamp and also put some heavy screws thrugh

When this is done reposition the bottom hinge near the bottom away from the repair, and may be put another hinge in the middle.
Taking the whole frame out and putting a new one in is a biggish job

 

[Mutley56]

Thanks Munroast

 

[opps]

I would be tempted to glue the crack and drive some screws through, then go for bigger hinges, and 3 of them, offsetting them so that the screw holes do not line up with the crack.

Edit- I hadn't noticed that @Munroast had recommended the same thing.

 

[RrogerD]

A cheap easy alternative that might work

Providing that crack /split will close up quite well with some heavy clamps
Remove the face from the frame, plenty PVA glue deep into the crack, clamp and also put some heavy screws thrugh

When this is done reposition the bottom hinge near the bottom away from the repair, and may be put another hinge in the middle.
Taking the whole frame out and putting a new one in is a biggish job

I think this is your best bet and the easiest. It's plenty easy to move a hinge on both the door and the frame and then simply fill as suggested.

 

[Munroast]

I would be tempted to glue the crack and drive some screws through, then go for bigger hinges, and 3 of them, offsetting them so that the screw holes do not line up with the crack.

Edit- I hadn't noticed that @Munroast had recommended the same thing.

Aye - fools seldom differ (or is it great minds think a like)

 

[johnny2007]

A cheap easy alternative that might work

Providing that crack /split will close up quite well with some heavy clamps
Remove the face from the frame, plenty PVA glue deep into the crack, clamp and also put some heavy screws thrugh

When this is done reposition the bottom hinge near the bottom away from the repair, and may be put another hinge in the middle.
Taking the whole frame out and putting a new one in is a biggish job

+1 for this.
Only I would use polyurethane or D4 resin based glue to make the joint permanent and as strong as the wood.
Taking old frames off is always a massive job.
99% of the times doors have been sliced to be adapted to wonky frames banged in by the dozen.
Avoid that, unless you are prepared to fit new door and frame which is a lot easier than adapting a new frame to an old door.