What To Do If Your Exterior Door Leaks When It Rains
Water damage can be a real nightmare for homeowners. Not only can it cause significant harm to your property, but it can also lead to structural damage, mold growth and other serious issues.
One common area where water can enter your home is through the exterior door frames. Whether it’s a small trickle or a major leak, water can seep through the smallest of gaps and cause significant damage over time.
At WindowPRO, we’re here to help our community protect their homes from leaks. In this blog article, we’ll discuss some common reasons why water is leaking through your door frame and what can be done to solve the problem.
The Importance Of Addressing Water Leaking From A Door Frame
If you notice that storms cause your interior door frame to start leaking water, this is a problem that should be addressed sooner rather than later.
Resolving the leak will protect your home from water damage over time. Additionally, leaks indicate a problem with your door, which can get worse when neglected and decrease your home’s efficiency.
Cause #1: Improper Installation Of Your Door
Even if you buy the most expensive door on the market, if it’s not installed correctly, it won’t function properly. Improper installation happens more often than you may think — which is just another reason why choosing a reputable exterior door contractor in Lansing is so important.
Signs Poor Installation Is Causing Leaks
Water puddling around the bottom of your door can indicate that possibly the threshold or sill pan was not installed correctly. Sometimes, contractors can even forget to install sill pans.
If water is coming in through the side of your door, there may not be enough caulking, or the flashing may not have been installed properly.
How To Solve The Problem
Depending on the severity of the issue, you may be able to have parts of your door reinstalled. The earlier you catch these issues, the better! After all, water leaks can eventually cause problems like wood rot and mold growth, which may require costly repairs.
Contact a reputable door replacement contractor in Lansing to assess the situation. At WindowPRO, we’d be happy to help you set up a consultation with our team.
Cause #2: Improper Installation Or Damage To Your Roof And Siding
Your roof and siding are crucial to protecting your home from the outside elements, water included. If your roofing or siding is damaged or was not installed correctly to begin with, your home becomes susceptible to water leaks.
How To Identify Roofing And Siding Trouble
Water coming through the tops or sides of your door can indicate that your roof or siding is the culprit. It’s a good idea to walk around your home and inspect your siding for cracks, tears or even chipping paint.
Similarly, walk around your home and check out your roof for missing shingles, sagging gutters or any other signs of obvious damage.
Resolving Exterior Home Issues
If you suspect your roofing or siding is to blame for your door leak, you’ll want to contact a professional to inspect it. Most roofing companies offer free roof inspections and would be able to look for any issues.
Also, a home remodeler, like a member of our WindowPRO team, can evaluate your door and analyze other possible causes for your door leak.
Cause #3: Your Door Has Become Warped Or Rotted
A very common cause of water leaking through your door is if the frame has become rotted or warped. Rotting is especially common in wood doors, and warping is more common for vinyl doors due to their reaction to changing temperatures.
How To Identify The Problem
Inspect the frame itself. Look for any cracks, gaps or holes that could allow water to seep through. If you have a vinyl door, take a step back and look at the frame. Does it look bent or slightly off?
Warping will create cracks and cause the seal of the door frame to open. Water can easily pass through this and get into your home.
If you have a wood door, check for visible rot on the sides or the bottom.
Solutions For Warping And Rotting
If your door is warped or rotted, our team can help you replace your current door. If you find any cracks or gaps, you may consider sealing them with caulk while you work on getting a replacement.
Cause #4: Has Your Door Has Become Old And Worn
A potential cause of a water leak in your exterior door is simply due to age. Over time, your door will become more worn down and issues will begin to happen, water leaks being one of them.
Tips For Assessing Damage
A way to check for water leaks is to perform a visual inspection of the exterior of your home. Look for any signs of damage or wear and tear around the door frame.
Check for cracked or missing caulking, gaps in the door frame or any other areas where water could potentially enter your home.
Addressing Leaks From Old Age
If your door lets in rain, you can be left wondering how to fix a leaky door. However, if your door is leaking because it’s old and worn, it’s time to think about scheduling a replacement. This should be done in a timely manner to avoid more damage to your home.
Just as important as choosing a new front door is choosing a qualified, reputable contractor to install it. Contact WindowPRO when you need a new door for your property.
We’ll Help You Find The Right Solution For Water Leaking Through Your Door Frame
Don’t let water damage wreak havoc on your home! By being vigilant and recognizing the signs of a water leak around your door frame, you can take action before it’s too late.
When your door is in trouble and needs replacing, call WindowPRO, the team that’s been serving Southeast Michigan homeowners since 1923.
Our experienced team of installers offers top-notch services to ensure your new front door looks amazing and functions well. Get in touch to schedule a consultation.
