How To Fix a Hole in a Door
A hole in a door is a common problem for homeowners to encounter. Hollow doors in particular are vulnerable and may easily get damaged or dented. This is usually a result of not having a proper door stop, causing the door to bump into hard objects – and voilà, an ugly hole appears.
2 minute read
Replacing the entire door may not be practical, so here are the steps you can follow to resolve the situation. The process involved is not that difficult and by carefully following the instructions listed below, your door should be as good as new in no time.
Examine and prepare the damaged door
Start by checking the extent of the hole or damage. If you can see loose pieces or splinters around the edges, use a sharp utility knife to remove them. The goal is to achieve a solid edge to help ensure the foaming patch attaches firmly.
Stuff the hole
Fill the hole with paper towels or newspaper. The paper will serve as a support for the foam insulation that you will need to spray in the hole. Without the stuffing, the foam will simply fall down to the bottom of the damaged door and you’ll have to fill the entire cavity, which is wildly impractical.
Spray the foam insulation
Spray a generous amount of foam insulation; enough to fill the entire hole. Let the foam dry overnight. Foam insulation can be bought at most local DIY or home improvement shops. They are often used to fill in cavities in the wall and to seal gaps.
Eliminate the protruding foam
Once the foam insulation has dried out, expect to see excess that may protrude as a result of the foam expansion. Scrape the excess foam using a utility knife or a blade. Remember to ensure that the foam has dried completely before you trim.
Apply the auto body filler
Take about a teaspoon of auto body filler and mix it with half a teaspoon of wood filler hardener. The recommended ratio is 2:1. Blend the mixture in a container using a stick.
Once blended, apply the mixture on the dried foam insulation. You can use the same stick to apply the filler. Be aware that the mixture will dry out quickly, which means you need to work fast. When complete, use a putty knife to smooth the filler and remove any excess, then wait for it to dry.
Using sandpaper, sand the filler and any rough edges until you can achieve a smooth surface. Make sure the mixture is flush with your door, then take a small amount of auto body filler and apply it to the uneven areas. Let it dry completely. Take another sheet of sandpaper and sand the filler again until it is even and smooth.
The finishing process
Once the filler has been sanded, you can finish the repair by applying paint. Now you’ll never have to complain about a hole in your door again.
*How To articles are intended as advice only. Please refer to your completion documents for specific information on lease and covenant restrictions and maintenance of your home.*
