Bathroom door turning blackish from bottom

[Gardenboy]

Hello everyone!

The bottom of my wooden bathroom door is turning blackish, likely due to water exposure. What type of coating would help prevent it from rotting?

[FatimaandAhmed]

Hi Gardenboy!

I see you're dealing with that annoying black discoloration at the bottom of your bathroom door - it's a super common problem that happens when wood meets bathroom moisture.

Here's a straightforward way to tackle that black water damage on your bathroom door:

1. Dry it out first - can't fix wet wood!
2. Give it a quick sand to smooth out the rough spots.
3. Best protection? Marine-grade polyurethane - it's like a raincoat for your door. Any hardware store should have it.
4. Put up a door sweep if you can - stops water from creeping under.
5. Simple habit change: run that bathroom fan while showering and for a bit after.

That's really all there is to it! Start with these basics and you should be good to go.

[Gardenboy]

The inside of the door is even worse. What about attaching a metal sheet to the bottom part of the door on both sides?

[FatimaandAhmed]

Ah I see, if the interior of the door is in particularly rough shape from all the water exposure, attaching a metal sheet to both the exterior and interior sides is a smart solution to consider.

The key would be to start by thoroughly drying out the door completely - you want to make sure there's no excess moisture lurking before you apply anything. Once it's good and dry, you can lightly sand the areas that will be covered by the metal to help the adhesive bond properly.

For the metal itself, stainless steel or aluminum sheeting would work well, just make sure to get pieces that are tall enough to cover a few inches up from the bottom of the door. Then use a heavy-duty construction adhesive to attach the metal sheets securely to both the front and back of the door, applying it liberally along the edges and any seams.

For extra stability, you can also strategically place a few screws through the metal and into the wood door frame - just be sure to pre-drill the holes to avoid splitting the wood. And don't forget to seal all the edges of the metal with a waterproof silicone caulk to create a complete barrier against moisture.

This double-sided metal protection will essentially create an impenetrable shield against any future water damage on that troublesome bottom section of the door. Just be mindful of any sharp edges and consider rounding them off for safety. Let me know if you have any other questions!

[Gardenboy]

Thanks, but before applying the metal sheet, I want to fix the discoloration. Is the wood rotting, and how should I go about fixing it?

[FatimaandAhmed]

We'll need to assess the condition of the wood. Run your hand along the bottom and see if the wood feels soft, spongy, or crumbly. That would indicate the wood is starting to rot. If it's just surface-level discoloration and the wood still feels solid, then we may be able to restore it without too much trouble.

From the picture it does not seem that bad from the outside, but please check the door from both inside and outside. If it does not look that bad, follow the steps below before applying the metal sheet:

• Lightly sand the discolored area to remove any loose or flaky material. Be gentle here.
• Clean the surface thoroughly with a wood cleaner or mild detergent. This will help remove any dirt, mold, or mildew.
• Once dry, apply a wood preservative or borate solution. This will help kill off any underlying issues causing the discoloration.
• If there are any small cracks or holes, you can fill those with a wood filler or epoxy before moving on.

Please check and update if you feel the wood have started rotting.

[Gardenboy]

Update: Hi, I just found out some part of the door from the inside is coming off. I am not sure if it is rotting, it looks like a thick sheet coming off from the door may be due to exposure to water.

[FatimaandAhmed]

Ah, it sounds like you might be dealing with a veneer or laminate layer on the door that’s starting to peel due to moisture exposure. Often, this is a thin, durable sheet on the door’s surface that can loosen or bubble up if water seeps in over time. This type of damage is common, especially if the door is frequently exposed to humidity or rain, like in a bathroom or an exterior door without sufficient sealing.

If the door isn’t rotting and it’s just the surface layer peeling, you may be able to repair it without replacing the entire door. Here’s a quick approach to fix it:

1. Dry It Out: Start by making sure the area is completely dry. If it’s damp, let it dry out naturally or use a fan to speed up the process.
2. Adhesive Repair: For areas where the veneer or laminate has lifted, you can apply wood glue or a strong adhesive specifically for wood surfaces. Use a thin layer, press the veneer back down, and hold it in place. Clamps can be helpful, or even just weighting it down with something heavy until the glue dries.
3. Seal and Protect: Once it’s adhered and the glue is dry, consider applying a water-resistant sealant over the repaired area, especially if the door is exposed to moisture regularly. This can help prevent future issues.

If the damage is more extensive and you see signs of rot (like soft, crumbly wood), it might be time to replace the door or have it professionally repaired.

[Gardenboy]

Hmm yes it seems some part of the layering on the door is rotting. Is this layer replaceable?

[FatimaandAhmed]

If the outer layer of your wooden door is rotting, it’s usually possible to replace just that part without needing to replace the whole door. Start by assessing the damage to see if it’s just the outer veneer that’s affected. If the wood beneath seems intact, you can go ahead and remove the rotting veneer by carefully scraping it off. Once that’s done, treat the remaining wood with a wood hardener to prevent any further damage. Next, you can replace the damaged veneer with a new one, using a strong wood glue to attach it, and make sure to clamp it down until it dries. Finally, to protect the door from future moisture exposure, it’s important to seal the entire door with a protective finish or paint. If the rot has spread deeper and the door’s structural integrity is compromised, you might need to replace the entire door. But if it’s just the surface layer, this approach should restore it pretty well!

[Gardenboy]

Thank you for explaining this in detail!