What is a Framesaver Door Jamb?

Wood is a super versatile building material used in all kinds of construction. It's affordable, strong, and environmentally friendly but it does have some downsides that are commonly visible in wooden door frames.

The biggest disadvantage wood door frames have is that they're vulnerable to rot. This is a problem that the Framesaver door jamb—and similar composite-reinforced doorframes—hopes to remedy. Let's take a closer look at Framesaver door jambs and determine whether the right solution for your home.

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What is a Framesaver Door Jamb?
What Causes Wood Rot?
Framesaver Alternatives

What is a Framesaver Door Jamb?

Framesaver↗ is a rot-proof door frame alternative that combines the best aspects of wood and composite door frames. Designed to extend the lifespan of the frame and prevent rot at the bottom of a door, Framesaver is a composite-reinforced door jamb that has a composite bottom connected to the wood frame through finger-jointed construction. The composite section finishes and paints just like wood, but has enhanced structural integrity, so it never warps, rots or molds.

Their strength and rot-resistance has made Framesaver an increasingly popular door frame option in recent years, and it's definitely worth considering. The Framesaver material is actually just located at the bottom portion of the door frame, the part that is most likely to be exposed to sitting or dripping water. Framesaver also comes backed by a fully-transferable lifetime limited warranty.

What Causes Wood Rot?

In the long run, just about any component of your home that is made of wood and exposed to the elements is susceptible to rot. Wood has a natural tendency to wick water, which can cause it to swell, mold and rot over time. Door frames are especially vulnerable along the bottom of the door, as moisture from rain slides down the door frame and settles at the bottom.

Sealing a wooden door frame can extend its lifespan significantly, and keeping up with maintenance may add years to its life. A well cared-for wood door frame should last a long time, but there are several potential problems that can accelerate rotting. If you have a wooden door frame, fixing these might help it last longer:

If there is no overhang over your entryway, installing one can protect your door from rain.
Drainage issues such as overflowing gutters may be responsible for wood door frame rot.
An improperly installed storm door can let water in and trap it between itself and the entry door.

Framesaver Alternatives

Framesaver door jambs are just one of the many door frame options you can choose from. Our friends at ProVia offer Framesaver door jambs and PermaTech Composite Frames.

Other possibilities include:

Full Composite Frames: While Framesaver door jambs use a small composite section to reinforce the bottom end of the frame, another option is a full-composite frame, which is made entirely of a composite material. Be aware that you'll find a wide variation in quality among full composite door frames. Some look cheap and wear out quickly, but higher quality options like ProVia's PermaTech Composite Frames are handsome and hard-wearing.
Metal Door Frames: Aluminum is among the metals most frequently used in door frames, and it's a relatively durable, budget-friendly option. Reinforced steel door frames are also available, and add an extra layer of security as well as longevity.
Vinyl Door Frames: One of the most popular door framing materials, vinyl is inexpensive and low maintenance. While it lacks the aesthetics of wood, it's energy efficient, and relatively durable. The vinyl used for door frames is typically PVC (polyvinyl chloride).

If you're shopping for new door units, remember to ask if it has a Framesaver jamb or something similar to extend the functional life of your door.