Why It’s Important to Seal or Paint All Edges of Interior and Exterior Doors

When we inspect homes, one of the most common oversights we find is unfinished or unsealed door edges—especially on the top and bottom of interior and exterior doors.

You might not notice it, but this small detail can lead to big problems down the road.
We often find this issue during new construction inspections for buyers before they take ownership from the builder. It’s an easy detail to overlook during the finishing phase, but it can impact the longevity and performance of your doors.

So why does it matter?
🟠 Moisture Protection
Unsealed edges act like sponges. Wood and composite materials absorb moisture from the air, causing the door to swell, warp, or even delaminate. Sealing or painting all edges helps block moisture and keeps the door stable over time.
🟠 Dimensional Stability
When a door takes in moisture unevenly—say, from an unsealed top or bottom—it can expand more on one side than the other. This often leads to doors rubbing, sticking, or not closing properly.
🟠 Warranty Requirements
Most manufacturers clearly state that all six sides of the door must be finished—front, back, both edges, and the top and bottom. If the door isn’t sealed on every side, any resulting warping or damage will likely void the manufacturer’s warranty.
🟠 Mold and Rot Prevention
Moisture intrusion can also promote mold or rot, particularly on exterior doors or those exposed to humidity, such as in bathrooms or basements.
🟠 Professional Appearance
Finishing every surface creates a clean, uniform look. It prevents the raw wood or MDF from showing through and stops dirt and oils from being absorbed into the material.


​In the photo below, you can see a good example of what not to do. The top edge of this interior door was never sealed or painted. Over time, moisture from the room and attic area can cause the edge to swell and the paint on the face to crack or peel.
The fix is simple: Prime and paint all exposed edges with the same finish used on the rest of the door. This small step helps protect your investment and ensures your doors continue to operate smoothly and look great for years to come.

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Trace Inspections
Professional Home Inspections for Middle Tennessee
📞 615-302-1113 | 🌐 www.traceinspections.com