Front wooden door cracks

jvjack

Have taken off winter cover of front house door. Needs a clean and probably paint job.

All the inner panels have cracks in their middles all the way through. Pictures not very clear but the cracks go all the way through to see light on other side.

Will I eventually need a new door or are there remedies. All seem strong so not an immediate project.

And any tips on making it look nicer.

FreeBear

When I replaced an aging half glazed wooden door, immediately noticed a huge difference in warmth in the hallway. I would suspect you'd also notice a big improvement too - No more cold draughts, and a slight reduction in heating bills.

stuart45

As well as a big heat loss, that's not the most secure front door I've seen.

jvjack

Yes , covering of thick curtain makes a big difference so new door would be even better.
Yes , got pushed in few years ago and burgled. Got new better lock and police sent someone for free to put in some reinforcement in the top of door to strengthen it.

Mr.Generous

The panels have cracked due to expansion and contraction from moisture movement. The top edge of the door and probably the lock cut out, letter box cut and maybe an edge or two will be bare or thinly coated wood. The thick timbers absorb more moisture than the thin panels and swell, although not fixed, the panels once painted can split and let daylight in as they try and move with the expanding frames. This door is beyond saving. Any fix will just be a stop gap, it is weakened and can never be as intended - a secure and weatherproof entrance.

The timber will absorb moisture from the air if exposed, it won't matter if it's behind a porch or under a canopy.

jvjack

I see. No early retirement for me. Just looked up price of new doors, Shame as looks like nice solid door from front (apart for slim cracks if one is looking.

FreeBear

6, may be 8mm thick panels even without the cracks plus single glazed "windows" really doesn't come close in thermal performance of modern uPVC/composite doors. A new door would also be a step up in security too - Might even reduce your insurance premiums.

Albermarle

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82027863#Comment_82027863

You are not wrong, but although I worked in that PVC / Composite industry, we still have a traditional wooden front door out of aesthetic preference. In fact we replaced a very ugly metal door with it .

Although it is a more solid looking than the OP’s !

We do not have any other wooden doors or windows though, just the front door.