Understanding the maintenance of your doors and windows to keep them performing at their best.
Doors and Windows
Doors and windows in your home are designed for durability, energy efficiency, and smooth operation. Regular maintenance will help them perform at their best. Below, we outline what’s covered, what to expect, and how to care for these features.
Warranty Expectations
What’s Covered: Warping or sticking of interior and exterior doors beyond standard tolerances within the first year after settlement.
What to Expect: Doors should open and close smoothly. Some minor sticking may occur with seasonal humidity changes, and exterior doors may experience slight expansion or contraction with temperature shifts. Warping should not exceed 1/4 inch when measured vertically or diagonally.
How We’ll Help: We’ll adjust doors that exceed the performance standard or do not operate properly due to installation issues, one-time only during the first year. [Van Metre Life]
How You Can Help: Keep hinges lubricated for smooth operation. If a door sticks slightly during humid months, allow time for seasonal adjustments before making modifications.
Exterior Door Leak Prevention & Maintenance
Keeping your exterior doors in good condition helps protect your home from the elements and maintain energy efficiency. Here are a few simple things to look for:
- Water Around the Door: Check for any signs of water damage around the door frame, threshold, glass panes, or nearby drywall. Early signs might include staining, bubbling paint, or soft spots.
- Weatherstripping & Seals: Look closely at the rubber or foam strips around the door. If they’re cracked, missing, or if you can see daylight when the door is closed and locked, it may be time for a repair or replacement.
- Foggy Glass: If your door has glass panes, check for any cloudiness or condensation inside the glass. This could mean the seal between the panes has failed.
- Caulking: Caulk helps seal gaps around your door. Over time, it can crack, dry out, or peel away. A quick visual check can help you catch any spots that need a touch-up.
- Regular Inspections
- When to Inspect: Every 3–6 months and after major storms
- Water intrusion around frame, threshold, and drywall. [Drywall]
- Seal and weatherstrip integrity—look for cracks or missing sections.
- Glass pane seals—condensation or fogging between panes signals seal failure.
- Caulking condition—reapply if cracked, dry, or missing. [Exterior Caulking]
- Keep It Clean & Functional
- Clean Tracks & Drainage (Weep Holes)
- Remove debris to prevent water buildup.
- Test drainage by gently pouring water near weep holes.
- Lubricate Rollers & Hinges
- Use silicone-based lubricant twice a year.
- Avoid oil-based sprays, they attract dirt.
- Test Locks & Handles
- Ensure secure closure and easy operation.
- Adjust strike plates or tighten screws if misaligned.
- Avoid Common Mistakes
- Don’t ignore small leaks, address them early.
- Don’t paint over or seal off weep holes.
- Don’t use harsh chemicals on glass or frame.
- Don’t force the door open, check for blockages or adjust rollers.