A door is probably the most used implement in a home. From taking the mail and throwing the trash out to letting your doggo in—almost everything goes through that entryway.
It’s only natural that, like many things, a door would become worn over time.
Perhaps you’ll notice light leaking out of your door’s corners. Or worse, moisture, seeping in through the uneven gaps of the frame.
Whichever the case, it’s an issue that can only grow and cost you more in the future. So, let me show you how to stop back door from leaking light or seeping moisture—their causes and best fixes.
Common Causes and Fixes of Gaps In Back Doors
They say home is where we can be our real selves behind closed doors. But what happens if the door no longer offers much security?
I bet you just thought, “Find the problem and fix it”.
So, to help you get started, here are some of the most common causes of door gaps causing light or moisture leaks and the best ways to fix them.
Faulty Installation
Ideally, the door slab should fit snugly on all corners of the frame. If it’s not, it can cause many problems, including leaks of light or moisture.
One common installation hitch is in the door’s weatherstripping adhesive. That’s the sealant placed around the frames of movable openings like windows, trunks, and doors to prevent water from seeping.
For older installations, weather seals can also tear or bend, which may be causing the leaking problem.
So, how do you fix it?
For starters, if it’s an installation issue of a newly fitted door, you can call your contractor and let them resolve the faulty problem.
Otherwise, you may try to repair your door by applying the weatherstripping yourself. Here’s a helpful guide from Lowe’s I found on how to install DIY weatherstripping on entrances.
Your Door Has Warped
Natural wear and tear is another common culprit for a leaking door. If your frame, threshold, or jambs are on the older side, they could be what’s causing your headache.
If your back door is exposed to the elements, then it’s more likely to deform, warping its fitting to the frame.
The door material can also contribute to how likely they are to bend.
Vinyl doors of lower quality, for instance, are known to flex over time, especially when exposed to frequent temperature changes. Even wooden doors can contort when vulnerable to high heat or invaded by moisture.
A misaligned door slab can be realigned by adjusting the hinges. However, if the door slab has warped so much it no longer fits the frame, you may need to replace it entirely.
When picking a replacement, it’s best to pick solid-core door slabs for the best insulation and sound dampening. Not to mention sleeker and more classy-looking.
Hollow-cored options are more budget-friendly, making them attractive to contractors. However, they’re also the most prone to damage and warping.
Heaving House Foundation
If your home is newly built, light or moisture leaks on doors or windows may indicate a shifting house foundation. It typically happens within a few weeks after construction.
Every house will experience some degree of heaving in its foundation settlement. In most cases they are harmless, causing mild inconveniences like a leaking door or minimal cracking on walls.
A simple adjustment on the frame’s hinges can solve the problem. However, for severe misalignments or damages, you may need to replace your entire doorway system.
Final Thoughts
That’s everything you need to know about the causes and how to stop your doors from leaking light or moisture!
Mind issues like these are best resolved promptly to avoid further damage and cost. Luckily, it only takes a little patience and diligence to enjoy a leak-free doorway again.
Ben has a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering. When not constructing or remodeling X-Ray Rooms, Cardiovascular Labs, and Pharmacies, you can find him at home with wife and two daughters. Outside of family, He loves grilling and barbequing on his Big Green Egg and Blackstone Griddle, as well as working on projects around the house.
--
If you want more backyard tips including recipes, how-tos and more, make sure you subscribe to my youtube channel