How to fix water damage on door frame?

Question

Hi Everyone

So I recently bought a house and only noticed this damage in the ensuite during the pre-settlement inspection on the architrave/door:

The water seems to be coming from the shower (or when the shower is used) as it is one of those shower sections where it is just a glass wall (similar to how it is in some hotel rooms)

There doesn't seem to be a lot/any swelling (compared to other images i've seen online) so I was thinking perhaps just a sandown of the areas + some paint would be sufficient to fix this?

Just wanted some opinions before committing to replacing the entire door or replacing the architrave

Thanks

D

EricL · Accepted Answer

Hello @dachewy

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us and thanks for sharing your question about your door and architrave.

I suggest doing a quick test on the rigidity of the timber architrave. Press the surface of the timber all around and see if any of it sinks deeply or just currently soft and spongy. If it has rotted from within your finger should sink very deep, but if the timber fights back and is still stiff, then there might be a chance to repair it. If it is rotted from within, it will need to removed and replaced. But if it is just surface damage, I suggest sanding the surface and using Earl's 250ml Wood Hardener. Once the wood has regained its strength, I recommend filling the damaged sections with Turbo 175ml Builders Bog Flexipack.

When the builder's bog cures, sand it down to shape and use Crommelin 1L Flat Aquablock Waterproof Primer Undercoat. For the topcoat I suggest using Dulux 1L White Aquanamel High Gloss Enamel Paint. My best advice is to silicone seal all the edges of the architrave that is exposed to the shower splash. You can apply the same repair technique to the door.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric