Rotted Garage Door Jamb Repair: Costs, Solutions, and Prevention Tips

A rotted garage door jamb is a common headache for homeowners, especially in San Antonio. As you know, the climate here is humid which allows moisture to wreak havoc on wood. Whether you’ve noticed soft, crumbling wood or unsightly paint and wood damage at the base of your garage’s frames, addressing a rotted garage door jamb promptly can save you from costly replacements. In this guide, we break down the garage door jamb repair cost, explore effective solutions, and share prevention tips to keep your garage in top shape. Let’s dive into how you can restore your jamb and protect your home!

Why Do Garage Door Jambs Rot?

San Antonio’s high humidity (70–80% on average) and frequent rain create a perfect storm for wood rot. Garage door jambs, the vertical frames supporting your door, are particularly vulnerable because:

• Water Exposure: Rain splashes or poor drainage near the garage soaks the wood.
• Lack of Sealing: Unsealed or weathered wood absorbs moisture, fostering fungal growth.
• Ground Contact: Jambs touching soil or concrete wick up moisture, accelerating rot. As such, best practices is to either rase base of jamb by either a quarter to half inch, and/or cut the base of the boards at a 45 degree angle.

Left unchecked, rot can spread, compromising your garage’s structural integrity and curb appeal. Fortunately, repairing a rotted garage door jamb is often straightforward, and our wood rot repair expertise can help you tackle it.

How Much Does Rotted Garage Door Jamb Repair Cost?

The cost to repair a rotted garage door jamb in San Antonio ranges from $100 to $500, depending on the damage and approach. Here’s a breakdown based on 2025 local pricing:

• Minor Repairs (Epoxy or Filler): $100–$200
  For small rotted areas (e.g., 6–12 inches), epoxy fillers (like System Three) or borate treatments stabilize the wood. Materials cost $20–$50, with labor at $25–$35/hour (1–2 hours).
• Partial Replacement: $200–$350
  Replacing a section of the jamb (e.g., bottom 2 feet) with cedar or pressure-treated wood costs $50–$100 for materials and 2–3 hours of labor.
• Full Jamb Replacement: $350–$500
  Severe rot may require a new jamb, as such garage door jamb replacement cost roughly $100–$150 for wood (cedar preferred for durability) and 3–5 hours of labor. Additional sealing will add an extra $50.

Factors Affecting Cost:

• Wood Type: Cedar ($10–$15/linear foot) is pricier but rot-resistant compared to pine ($5–$8/linear foot).
• Damage Extent: Surface rot is cheaper to fix than structural decay.
• Professional vs. DIY: Hiring pros ensures precision, but DIY can save 50–70% on labor if you’re skilled.

Related: Wood Rot Costs

Solutions for Rotted Garage Door Jamb Repair

Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or prefer professional help, here are three effective solutions to fix a rotted garage door jamb:

1. Epoxy Repair for Minor Rot

For small, localized rot:

• Steps: Scrape out soft wood, apply a borate treatment (e.g., Bora-Care, $20/pint) to kill fungi, and fill with epoxy (e.g., Wood Epoxy Repair, $30–$50). Sand and paint to seal.
• Tools: Putty knife, drill, sander, DeWalt DCN650B 15-gauge nailer (for securing loose sections).
• Time: 2–3 hours.
• Cost: $100–$200 (DIY: $50–$100).
• Best For: Early-stage rot without structural damage.

2. Partial Jamb Replacement

For rot confined to the lower jamb:

• Steps: Loosen or remove the side garage seals with a utility knife. Then, cut out the rotted section (e.g., bottom 2 feet), treat the remaining wood with borate, and install a new cedar or pressure-treated piece of lumber. Secure with a 15-gauge nailer, 2.5 inch nails, or GRK screws, and then seal with exterior caulk.
• Tools: Circular saw, nailer, hammer, nails, screw driver, screws, level, sealant gun.
• Time: 3–4 hours.
• Cost: $200–$350 (DIY: $100–$150).
• Best For: Moderate rot affecting up to 25% of the jamb.

Here’s an example of a partial jamb replacement:

3. Full Jamb Replacement

For extensive rot:

• Steps: Remove the entire jamb, inspect adjacent framing for rot, install a new cedar jamb, and secure with nails (e.g., 2” galvanized 15-gauge). Apply a high-quality sealant (e.g., Sherwin-Williams exterior stain).
• Tools: Pry bar, nailer, miter saw, sealant gun.
• Time: 5–7 hours.
• Cost: $350–$550 (DIY: $150–$250).
• Best For: Severe rot compromising the jamb’s integrity.

TT PRO TIP:

If you are looking for professional results, i.e. seamless transitions between old garage jambs and the newly replaced jambs, use wood filler and an orbital sander on the joints or hire a wood rot expert.

Prevention Tips to Avoid Future Rot

Protect your garage door jamb from San Antonio’s humidity with these tips:

1. Seal Regularly: Apply an exterior-grade sealant or stain (e.g., Stain & Seal Experts products) every 2–3 years to repel moisture. Cost: $50–$100.
2. Improve Drainage: Ensure water flows away from the garage with proper grading or gutters. A splash block costs $10–$20.
3. Use Rot-Resistant Wood: Choose cedar or pressure-treated lumber for replacements to resist San Antonio’s wet climate.
4. Inspect Annually: Check for soft spots or discoloration during routine maintenance to catch rot early.
5. Install Weatherstripping: Add a drip edge or weatherstripping ($20–$50) to shield the jamb from rain.
6. Ensure No Ground Contact: Try to leave a space between the base of the jamb and the ground to minimize the amount of water exposure to the wood.
7. Angle Jamb Cut: A good way to ensure water runs down and away from the boards is to cut the base of the jamb at a 45 degree angle, while also leaving a small quarter inch space between the ground and the end of the board.

Why Choose Professional Wood Rot Repair?

While DIY is tempting, professional repair for garage door frame wood rot
ensures lasting results, especially for complex rot or full replacements. Our team, skilled in restoration and wood rot repair, brings:

• Eco-Friendly Solutions: Non-toxic borate treatments and sustainable materials.
• Precision Tools: Like the DeWalt DCN650B nailer for secure installations, or DeWalt’s 20V Max impact driver if using GRK screws.
• Warranty: 2-year guarantee on repairs, giving you peace of mind.
• Local Expertise: We understand San Antonio’s climate and tailor solutions to prevent rot recurrence.

Restore Your Garage Door Jamb Today!

A rotted garage door jamb doesn’t have to derail your home’s functionality or appeal. With repair costs ranging from $110–$550, solutions like epoxy fixes or jamb replacements, and prevention tips, you can tackle rot effectively. Whether you DIY or hire pros, addressing rot now saves you from bigger headaches later.

Ready to fix your rotted garage door jamb? Contact our San Antonio wood rot repair experts for a free inspection and quote. Let us restore your garage door frame wood rot, just like we do for wood fences!

To learn more about our money saving wood rot repair services in the San Antonio and New Braunfels metro area, just click the button below: