How to Fix Slats in Louvered Doors

Step 1

Trim away any splinters or broken edges of the door slat.

Step 2

Clean the slat with trisodium phosphate on a rag. Work the cleaner between the slats using a ruler or other narrow object. Rinse the cleaner off the slat using a rag. Let it dry thoroughly before proceeding.

Step 3

Mix a two-part wood epoxy according to the package instructions. Many epoxies mix themselves when you depress their plunger. If this is the case, you can skip this step.

Step 4

Apply a thin line of epoxy along the broken part of the slat and press the edges together.

Step 5

Tape around the broken slat with painter's tape to hold the edges together as the epoxy dries. Feed the tape back and forth through the door as you wrap it around the slat.

Step 6

Allow the epoxy to cure for at least 12 hours, or according to package instructions, before removing the tape.

References

• Old-House Journal; The Art of Epoxies
• Real Estate Home Inspection: Mastering the Profession; Russell W. Burgess
• 25 Woodworking Projects for Small and Large Boats; Peter H. Spectre

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Tips

Use a slow-curing epoxy for the best results. Adhesives that dry quickly become brittle and don't last as long.

Choose a wood epoxy that is tinted to match the color of your wood.

Use epoxy that comes in a small tube so the nozzle fits between the slats.

Reinforce the slat's edges using the two-part epoxy. If the joint where the slat is connected to the door is broken, you can repair it in the same manner using the epoxy.

If the door isn't made from wood, use an epoxy designed for the material. For example, use fiberglass epoxy for fiberglass doors.

Use a pair of tweezers or needle-nose pliers if you can't reach between the slats.

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Photo Credits

Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

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