Interior Doors
Interior doors play a vital role in a home, offering functionality through privacy, sound control, and enhancing the overall aesthetic design. They are available in various materials such as wood, composite, metal, or glass, and come in diverse styles such as traditional panel doors, flush doors, sliding doors, pocket doors, or French doors. Interior doors enhance the functionality and design of spaces and can be painted or finished to coordinate with your home's interior décor.
Warrantability
Alberta New Home Warranty Standards:
- Interior doors are typically covered under the 1-Year Warranty for materials and labor as part of the finishes in a home.
- Coverage applies to defects in installation, operation, or workmanship, such as misaligned hinges, sticking doors, or warping within the first year.
Builder's Warranty:
- Builders cover issues caused by improper installation, poor door framing, or incorrectly installed hardware during the first year.
Manufacturer's Warranty:
- Covers material defects such as cracking, splitting, or manufacturing defects in the door (usually for 1–5 years depending on the brand).
- Normal wear and tear, improper use, or insufficient maintenance are not covered.
Maintenance
To ensure your interior doors remain functional and visually appealing:
- Cleaning: Dust and clean the door surfaces regularly with a soft cloth and mild cleaning solution. Avoid harsh chemicals to prevent damage to finishes.
- Protect Hinges and Hardware: Lubricate hinges and moving parts annually to maintain a smooth operation and prevent corrosion.
- Inspect for Damage: Periodically check for dents or scratches. Minor issues can be touched up with paint or filler for wooden and composite doors.
- Avoid Moisture: Prevent exposure to high humidity or water, which can cause warping or swelling in wooden doors.
- Prevent Moisture Damage: Maintain 30-50% humidity indoors to prevent warping, swelling, and cracking in wooden doors. Use a dehumidifier in excessively humid rooms.
Common Issues, Causes, Warrantability, and Repair Solutions
1. Sticking Door (Hard to Open or Close)
Causes:
- House settling causing the frame to shift.
- Loose or improperly installed hinges.
- Swelling from moisture or improper air circulation around the doorframe.
Warrantability:
- Alberta New Home Warranty (1 Year): Covered under the 1-year workmanship warranty if caused by poor framing or improper installation.
- Builder's Warranty (1 Year): Covered if door alignment issues arise from settling within the first year.
- Manufacturer's Warranty: Excluded unless caused by defective material.
Repair Solution:
- If within warranty period: Contact serviceQ for assistance.
- If outside warranty: Tighten or adjust hinges. For swollen doors, sand the edge where the door sticks.Adjust or re-align the door strike plate to allow for smoother closure.
2. Warping or Twisting

Cause:
- High indoor humidity, poor ventilation, or improper sealing during installation.
- Exposure to water leaks or excessive moisture from condensation.
Warrantability:
- Alberta New Home Warranty: Covered under the 1-year workmanship warranty if due to improper installation or sealing.
- Builder's Warranty: Covered if caused by poor installation practices (e.g., lack of consideration for environmental conditions).
- Manufacturer's Warranty: Covered if caused by material defects (e.g., poor-quality wood or composites).
- Exceptions: Excluded if caused by high humidity, water spills, leaks, or homeowner neglect.
Repair Solution:
- If within warranty period: Reach out to serviceQ for assistance or replacement options.
- If outside warranty: Replace the door with a more moisture-resistant model if warping is severe. Minor warping in wooden doors may be temporarily fixed by using clamps and adjusting humidity levels.
3. Loose or Squeaky Hinges

Cause:
- Hinges drying out over time or accumulating rust/dirt.
- Improper hinge alignment or loose screws.
Warrantability:
- Builder's Warranty: Covered under the 1-Year Warranty if caused by poor installation.
- Manufacturer's Warranty: Not typically covered unless hinges are faulty.
Repair Solution:
- If within warranty period: Contact serviceQ to repair or replace faulty installation components.
- If outside warranty: Tighten screws or replace loose hinges. Use lubricant (such as WD-40) on squeaky hardware for smooth operation.
4. Cracks, Chips, or Scratches in the Door

Cause:
- Physical impact (e.g., slamming doors, hitting door edges with objects).
- Drastic changes in temperature or humidity causing material weakness.
- Poor-quality materials or lack of proper sealing.
Warrantability:
- Alberta New Home Warranty (1 Year): Not covered unless due to poor workmanship (e.g., improper sealing of wooden doors).
- Builder's Warranty (1 Year): Limited coverage if caused by poor installation practices in the first year.
- Manufacturer's Warranty: Covered if the door material is defective, leading to cracking or splitting under normal use.
Repair Solution:
- If within warranty period: Report the issue to serviceQ for repair or replacement options.
- If outside warranty: Wooden doors (Paint finished) can be repaired with wood filler and refinished, while composite doors may require patching with appropriate materials. Deep cracks may necessitate replacement.
5. Peeling Paint or Finish

Cause:
- Excess moisture, humidity, or temperature fluctuations.
- Use of abrasive cleaners or failure to maintain protective coatings.
- Low-quality finishes or defective production.
Warrantability:
- Alberta New Home Warranty (1 Year): Covered in the workmanship warranty period if caused by poor application or sealing.
- Builder's Warranty (1 Year): Covered if improper finishing or handling during installation caused peeling.
- Manufacturer's Warranty: Covered if peeling results from defects in finishing materials or processes.
Repair Solution:
- If within warranty period: Request repairs through serviceQ.
- If outside warranty: Sand the affected area, apply primer, and repaint or refinish for a seamless look. Choose moisture-resistant finishes to prevent recurrence, especially in humid areas.
6. Gaps between Door and Frame

Causes:
- Improper door installation, misaligned framing, or loose hinges.
- House settling over time causing door and frame to shift.
- Warping or shrinking of door materials due to humidity changes.
Warrantability:
- Alberta New Home Warranty (1 Year): Covered under the 1-year workmanship warranty if caused by poor installation or failure to align door to the frame.
- Builder's Warranty (1 Year): Builders will address gaps caused by installation or framing issues within the first year.
- Manufacturer's Warranty (1 Year): Covered if gaps are due to a manufacturing defect (e.g., incorrectly sized or improperly produced doors).
Repair Solution:
- If within warranty period: Contact serviceQ for assistance.
- If outside warranty: Adjust hinges or install weatherstripping to reduce the gap. If the gap is significant and improper installation is suspected, consult a carpenter for reinstallation options.
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.



