How to Repair Water Damage to the Bottom of a Wood Door With Water Sealant

Wood exterior doors have to put up with a lot of abuse from the elements. If they're not properly sealed when they're installed, the wood will eventually rot. But a door can often be repaired without replacing the entire door, depending on the extent of the damage. If the water damage is slight, the area can be fixed with sealant. However, if the damage is severe, and extends into the core of the door, the affected area will have to be cut away and replaced.

Step 1

Remove any dirt from the bottom the door with a chisel. Ground-in dirt will create a problem if you seal it into the wood. Scrape any dirt or debris off the door until the surface is clean.

Step 2

Sand the area with a medium-grit sandpaper. This will give the sealant a better surface on which to grip, and help smooth out any damage caused by the water.

Step 3

Apply one coat of wood sealant to the wood with a paintbrush. Brush on a thin, even coat of sealant. Let it dry according to manufacturer's directions, typically two to four hours.

Step 4

Sand the area lightly and apply a second coat of sealant. This will form a strong, protective layer over the wood.

Step 5

Paint the door with exterior latex paint. If your wood door was previously painted, or if the sanding changed the color of the wood too much, paint over the entire door. Use a high quality paint that will help repel additional water.