Exterior Doors
Exterior doors are critical to maintaining the aesthetic appeal, security, and energy efficiency of a home. They include entry doors, patio doors, sliding glass doors, and garage entry doors. Exterior doors must be properly installed to ensure smooth operation, resistance to weather, and prevention of air or water infiltration.
Warrantability
Alberta New Home Warranty Standards:
- 1-Year Warranty: Exterior doors fall under the workmanship and materials warranty for one year.
- 5-Year Envelope Warranty: Air or water leaks related to the building envelope are covered for up to five years.
- Warranty does not include aesthetic wear and tear or damage caused by misuse.
Builder’s Warranty:
- 1-Year Warranty: Builders typically warrant door installation for one year, covering defects such as improper alignment, inadequate sealing, or poorly fitted weatherstripping.
- Exclusions apply to homeowner modifications or external damage.
Manufacturer’s Warranty:
- Manufacturer warranties for exterior doors vary by brand and material, often lasting 5–20 years. Coverage typically includes defects in door panels, glass inserts, hardware, and warping (e.g., steel or fiberglass).
- Exclusions include normal wear and tear, paint peeling, or mechanical damage caused by impact.
Maintenance
Inspect exterior doors twice a year, ideally before and after winter or extreme weather seasons.
Steps:
- Inspect Sealing: Check weatherstripping and seals for cracks, wear, or detachment. Replace as needed.
- Lubricate Hinges/Tracks: Use silicone-based lubricant to prevent squeaking and ensure smooth operation for hinged, sliding, or patio doors.
- Clean Glass and Frame: Wipe down glass with a glass-safe cleaner and wash the frame with mild detergent.
- Repaint or Refinish (Wood Doors Only): Reapply paint or varnish annually or as needed to protect against moisture or sun damage.
- Tighten Hardware: Check and tighten screws, hinges, and handles to ensure everything is secure.
Materials Needed:
- Weatherstripping
- Silicone lubricant
- Glass-safe cleaner
- Mild detergent
- Paint/varnish (for wood doors)
Common Issues, Warrantability, and Repair Solutions
1. Difficult to Open or Close
Warrantability:
- 1-Year Builder’s Warranty: Covered for one year if caused by improper alignment during installation.
- Manufacturer’s Warranty (varies): Excluded unless the issue is caused by a hardware defect or panel warping.
Repair Solution:
- If within warranty: Contact serviceQ to assess and realign the door or adjust the hinges/tracks.
- If outside warranty: Hire a professional to repair or make adjustments, such as planning a swollen wood door or realigning hardware.
2. Air Drafts Around the Door
Warrantability:
- 1-Year Builder’s Warranty: Covered for one year if due to poor sealing or improperly installed weatherstripping.
- 5-Year Envelope Warranty: Covered for up to five years if drafts result from installation deficiencies that compromise the building envelope.
- Manufacturer’s Warranty (varies): Covers defects in weatherstripping material during the warranty period.
Repair Solution:
- If within warranty: Report drafts to serviceQ for sealing adjustments or weatherstripping replacement.
- If outside warranty: Replace weatherstripping or caulk gaps along the frame.
3. Water Leaks Around Door Frame
Warrantability:
- 1-Year Builder’s Warranty: Covered for one year if leaks result from poor installation or missed caulking.
- 5-Year Envelope Warranty: Covered for up to five years if water leaks are linked to a building envelope defect.
- Manufacturer’s Warranty (varies): Excludes coverage unless caused by a product defect like improper glass seals.
Repair Solution:
- If within warranty: Contact serviceQ to address water leakage issues within 5 years, including resealing frames or correcting flashing installation.
- If outside warranty: Hire a contractor to reseal the doorframe with caulk, replace flashing, or adjust the fit of the door.
4. Warping of Door Panels
Warrantability:
- 1-Year Builder’s Warranty: Covered for one year if the issue results from improper installation.
- Manufacturer’s Warranty (varies): Covered if warping exceeds acceptable tolerances specified by the manufacturer. Wooden doors may come with limited warranty protection against warping.
Repair Solution:
- If within warranty: Contact serviceQ to determine if the panel warping is within acceptable specifications and arrange a replacement if needed.
- If outside warranty: Sand and reseal wooden doors or replace fiberglass/steel doors if the warping affects operation and weatherproofing.
5. Peeling Paint or Finish Damage
Warrantability:
- 1-Year Builder’s Warranty: Covers poorly applied finishes within one year (Excludes wear and tear).
- Manufacturer’s Warranty (varies): Limited coverage may apply if the paint or finish is part of the original pre-finished door and peels prematurely.
Repair Solution:
- If within warranty: Report finish issues to serviceQ for potential touch-up work within builder or manufacturer guidelines.
- If outside warranty: Sand and repaint/varnish the door. Use high-quality, weather-resistant paint or stain for long-term protection.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal, technical, or warranty advice and Qualico and its affiliated companies make no warranty whatsoever with respect to such information, including (but not limited to) for fitness for a particular purpose. Product warranties are governed by manufacturers’ terms and conditions, and proper maintenance is required to uphold functionality and coverage. Qualico and its affiliated companies are not liable for any injury (personal or otherwise), harm, personal damage, or property damage caused by (i) the use or misuse of, (ii) neglect related to, or (iii) unforeseen events related to, the information provided above. For specific warranty and maintenance details, please refer to the manufacturer’s documentation.
