How to Repair Water Damage Near an Exterior Door

Diagnosing the Problem

• When you notice water damage near an exterior door, the first thing you need to do is determine the source and extent of the problem. Remove any wall or floor coverings, such as area rugs and wallpaper. Check around the door frame and nearby window frames for visible moisture, cracked weatherstripping or peeling paint. Poor construction or improper installation can cause any opening in your home to let water in, but repairing the wrong site won't help you avoid future problems.

Replacing Damaged Material

• Much of the material around an exterior door will need replacement following water damage. For example, the drywall inside your home readily absorbs water and needs to be replaced rather than simply repaired. Wood molding such as baseboards and chair rails may be reusable if they are only discolored, not warped. While vinyl and slate flooring will likely survive water damage, hardwood and carpeting may need replacement. In cases of severe water damage, you may need to replace plywood flooring and floor joists directly inside the door.

Refinishing

• Once you've replaced the water-damaged material around your door, you can move on to refinishing. This involves applying new paint to the drywall to conceal the seams you've created and refinishing surviving molding with stain or varnish. You may need to repaint the entire entryway if you can't match the color of existing walls in the area affected by the damage. Use the opportunity to consider a new look for the space.

Sealing and Prevention

• An exterior door that allows water into your home's envelope is a problem waiting to happen. Besides repairing existing water damage you should address the source of the problem to ensure that your door serves the purpose of sealing your home. New flashing around the door jamb and a sill pan to collect water at the base of the doorway will help keep water out. If water tends to enter during storms, seal around the door jamb with weatherstripping or caulk to keep wind-blown water from entering your home.