Drafts and sticking at the bottom of the door:
- Adjusting the adjustable sill cap. Many installers never properly adjust the adjustable sill cap. The dollar bill test is best. Place a dollar bill on the sill cap and shut the door. Now pull the bill out, if it comes out very easily, the cap needs to be adjusted up. If it tears, or you think it will tear, adjust the sill down.
- Inspect door bottoms and weatherstrip. They do wear over time and are easily replaceable.
Why are the screws visible on the frame around the glass?
They are shipped uninstalled. The screws on the lite frames are meant to be HAND tightened by the installer, that’s why the screw plugs are shipped uninstalled. Be sure not to lose these caps when installing a door unit with glass.
My new door doesn’t open and close properly or sticks. Is the door defective?
Not necessarily. In a large majority of cases, the door is not the culprit. Some common installation errors include:
- Door frames must be installed plumb/level/square. Think of the unit as a square within a square. If the outer square (the frame) is installed plumb, level, and square, the inner square (the door slab) will follow.
- Proper shimming is critical. Frames must be made straight, square, and solid, with shims. A minimum of 3 shim locations on each side of the unit.
- Use the long screws that are provided on each unit. Install the into the top hinge, thru the jamb, into the jack stud. This will prevent the slab from sagging and rubbing on the sill.
- Install the provided corner pads. They are essential.
Water and moisture – Leaking around the door. Why?
- Flashing. The unit must be flashed correctly to stop water from getting behind the siding and into the door frame. The frames are not waterproof, and water will take the path of least resistance, making leaks sometimes difficult to pinpoint.
- Caulk. The brickmold must be caulked to the frame by the installer. This includes wood and vinyl frames/brickmold.
- Sill pans are highly recommended.
Finish:
Interior doors must be finished on all 6 sides to prevent moisture wicking. Exterior doors, 5 sides, because the bottom has a sweep. Think of the finish as the jacket you put on when it’s raining to prevent yourself from getting wet or cold. Paint/finish must be inspected/maintained on a yearly basis.