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. This is why it’s important to know how to recognize the signs of a water leak before it becomes a major problem.
WindowPRO has helped Lansing homeowners navigate issues with their doors since 1923. We want you to have helpful information to find the solution to your door leak whether it’s caused by improper installation, a bad threshold or is coming from another area in your home. We give homeowners transparent, thorough information to help take care of their windows and doors on our Learning Center.
By knowing how to recognize the signs of a water leak, you can take action before the damage becomes too severe. In this blog article, we will provide you with some easy ways to determine if water is leaking through your door frame and what you can do to fix it.
Why Is Water Leaking Through My Exterior Door?
One of the most obvious signs of water damage around your door frame is water stains. These can appear on the walls or ceilings near the door frame and can be a clear indication that water is leaking through. Another sign to look out for is musty or damp odors. If you notice an unusual smell around your door frame, it could be a sign that there is water accumulating somewhere inside your home.
We’ll go more in depth about possible causes below.
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 will not function properly. Improper installation happens more often than you may think. That’s just another reason why choosing a reputable exterior door contractor in Lansing is so important.
What to look for:
Water puddling around the bottom of your door can indicate that possibly the threshold or sill pan was not installed correctly. Sometimes, contractors can 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.
Solution:
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! Leaving water leaks will inevitably cause wood rot which may require costly repairs. Contact a reputable door replacement contractor in Lansing to come assess the situation. The initial evaluation is typically free, and it can help you get a better idea of what you’re dealing with.
Cause #2: Improper Installation Or Damage To Your Roof Or 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.
What to look for:
Water coming through the tops or sides of your door can be an indication that your roof or siding is the culprit. It’s a good idea to walk around your home and inspect your siding for any 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.
Solution:
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 WindowPRO!) can come evaluate your door and analyze 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. This is especially common in wood doors, and warping is more common for vinyl doors due to changing temperatures.
What to look for:
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, see if you have any visible rot on the sides or the bottom.
Solution:
If your door is warped or rotted, your only option is to replace your door. If you find any cracks or gaps, you may consider sealing them with caulk while you work on getting a replacement door.
Cause #4: Has Your Door Become Old And Worn?
The fourth 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.
What to look for:
Another way to check for water leaks is to do 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. If you notice chipping paint, this is also a sign your door is possibly beyond its useful life.
Solution:
If your door is leaking because it’s old and worn, your only option is to replace it. You’ll want to do this sooner rather than later 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.
Finding The Right Solution For Your Leaky Exterior Door
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. Remember to check for water stains and musty odors, and inspect your door frame for any cracks or gaps.
Now that you know the causes and solutions to a leaky exterior door, don’t hesitate to take action if you find evidence of a water leak.
Window PRO has served Lansing and Southeast Michigan homeowners since 1923. We’re a top-rated Lansing door and window replacement company. We are proud of the accolades we’ve earned from our customers.
Whether you’re looking for high-quality entry doors, sliding glass doors, bifold doors or something else, we’ve got the solution for your home! We offer high-quality fiberglass, vinyl and clad doors from top-rated manufacturers like ProVia and Marvin. Our experienced team of installers offer top-notch installation services to ensure your new front door looks amazing, is leveled properly and will last a lifetime in your home. It’s important to understand that choosing the right installer is just as important as choosing the right door.
If you’re ready to replace your front door with something that looks great and will last a lifetime in your home, contact us today to set up your free, no-hassle consultation.
