Installed or finished doors can pick up scratches and impact damage during fit-out or refurbishment. Temporary protection preserves their finish and minimises repair work or replacement costs before handover.
We’ve outlined which parts of the door need to be protected, along with the best ways to do so.
Door Leaf
The door leaf is the main opening panel of the door that opens and closes within the frame. It’s the largest visible surface and often takes the majority of knocks from the following:
Foot traffic
Material movements
Ladders
Mobile equipment
Scratches, dents, and surface marks are also particularly common as work progresses around the area.
A temporary door sleeve protector or protective film is suitable for decorating and other light works. Areas with regular deliveries, material movements, or heavy foot traffic require more robust protection. We recommend impact-resistant boards, including options from the Floorgard Corry Board range.
Tip: Tape the boards to the surface using low tack tape to prevent them from shifting.
Door Frame & Architrave
The frame surrounds the door opening and supports the leaf. Meanwhile, the architrave is the trim that covers the joint between the frame and the wall. Both can be tricky and costly to repair if damaged.
Access equipment, building materials, and oversized items being carried through finished areas can knock corners and exposed edges around the opening. Door jamb protectors or edge guards are best to protect these areas.
Fitted over the frame or trim, both create a cushion against accidental bumps and scuffs.
Door Glazing
Glass is one of the easiest finishes to mark, whether it’s a small vision panel or a fully glazed door. It can pick up scratches from tools and dust, as well as paint splashes, plaster contamination, and debris.
Products such as the STIXX Multi-Surface Protector can be applied directly to the glazing. Being residue-free helps avoid adhesive marks when it’s removed.
Alternatively, if full door protection is required, a corry board sheet can be used to cover the entire surface.
Handles and Ironmongery
Handles and ironmongery include all the fitted hardware attached to the door, such as:
Handles
Locks
Closers
Push plates
Kick plates
Temporary handle covers, foam wraps, or low-tack films can be used to protect these fittings. Cover the parts most likely to be touched or knocked, but leave locks, latches, and door closers clear. That way, the door can still be opened and closed as normal.
Thresholds and Door Sills
Although positioned at the base of the doorway, thresholds and door sills take the full force of foot traffic and wheeled equipment moving in and out of the room.
Corry board or purpose-made threshold covers can be fitted over the surface. They should be left in place until the area is no longer used as a main access route.
Tip: Corry board can be cut to size with a utility knife to fit around door frames, thresholds, and uneven edges for better coverage.
Removing Protection Without Causing Damage
Film and tape left on for too long or exposed to heat can leave adhesive residue or strip varnish, undoing the exact finish it was meant to protect.
To avoid this, use residue-free films and low-tack tape, especially on painted, laminated, or glazed surfaces. When removing, peel it back slowly and check for any adhesive transfer as you go.
How Often Should Door Protection Be Checked?
Protection should be inspected:
Before the start of construction
During routine site inspections
Before snagging and handover inspections
After nearby works with a higher risk of damage
After deliveries or material movements through the area
Replace any protection that becomes loose, damaged, or contaminated as soon as possible. Keeping a small supply of spare film, tape, and foam protectors can save you time. All products mentioned are available for bulk orders.
For availability and fast quotes, email our team at customercare@s-pgroup.com or call 028 9411 0032. SP Group is a temporary protection and scaffold supplier based in the UK and Ireland.
FAQ
What is the commonly damaged part of a door during a fit-out?
The door leaf and edges tend to take the most damage, since they absorb most of the foot traffic, material movement, and accidental knocks from equipment.
When should door protection be installed and removed?
Door protection is best installed as soon as the doors are fitted or finished and remove it once the area is no longer being used.
Can protective film damage paint or varnish when removed?
Poor-quality adhesive film (or when left on for long) can lift paint or leave residue. Choosing a residue-free film and removing it within the manufacturer’s recommended timeframe reduces this risk.
Can I reuse my door protection for my next project?
It depends on what you're using. Corry board and jamb protectors can be reused, provided they are still in good condition. Films and tapes are usually disposed of after removal.