Doors and Windows - door air leaks
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netmouse
09-22-08, 07:21 AM
My front door was replaced about 10 years ago. The door that was replaced was not standard size, it was larger. So the installer had to add wood to make the doorway smaller so a standard door would fit. I've noticed some black streaking by the door hinges on the inside and there is a strong draft in winter winds. I caulked around the door frame inside and that stopped any air leaks there. The installer was independent and is long gone.
I had two people look at this. One said the screw holes for the hinges is where the leak is from, and there is no insulation behide the wood added to the jams that made the door narrower. But he is not positive. It does make sense. Another person put some weather stripping around the door sides on the outside, but that does not work. I really think some insulation has to be put into the apparent cavity behind the wood or the door taken out and the wood taken out to insulate behind the hinge holes. In fact, I am even considering havig a company that does installation of the doors they manufacture actually replace the door and take care of the whole problem that way.
Your thoughts? What is the most cost efficient way to solve this. Last winter I began putting rope caulk around the hinges and that kept the air from leaking in, but I can't use the front door all winter.
I had two people look at this. One said the screw holes for the hinges is where the leak is from, and there is no insulation behide the wood added to the jams that made the door narrower. But he is not positive. It does make sense. Another person put some weather stripping around the door sides on the outside, but that does not work. I really think some insulation has to be put into the apparent cavity behind the wood or the door taken out and the wood taken out to insulate behind the hinge holes. In fact, I am even considering havig a company that does installation of the doors they manufacture actually replace the door and take care of the whole problem that way.
Your thoughts? What is the most cost efficient way to solve this. Last winter I began putting rope caulk around the hinges and that kept the air from leaking in, but I can't use the front door all winter.
Gunguy45
09-22-08, 08:24 AM
This should be simple, if I'm reading correctly.
Carefully take the interior trim off, use a can of DAP Tex window and door spray foam all around the area between the door frame and the house framing, top and sides. Caulk the exterior trim at any gaps.
Re-install interior trim. Probably won't even need re-caulking if the foam is put in correctly, but it won't hurt.
Spray foam,<$5
Best way I've found to easily check for leakage around a door is to use a flashlight at night and look for any slivers of light leaking past the weatherstrip. After 10 yrs, you may need the weatherstrip replaced in the frame, over time they can take a set and no longer seal tightly. Weatherstrip, normally<$20
Leaking thru the screw holes? There's screws in the holes, so how can they be leaking anything?
Carefully take the interior trim off, use a can of DAP Tex window and door spray foam all around the area between the door frame and the house framing, top and sides. Caulk the exterior trim at any gaps.
Re-install interior trim. Probably won't even need re-caulking if the foam is put in correctly, but it won't hurt.
Spray foam,<$5
Best way I've found to easily check for leakage around a door is to use a flashlight at night and look for any slivers of light leaking past the weatherstrip. After 10 yrs, you may need the weatherstrip replaced in the frame, over time they can take a set and no longer seal tightly. Weatherstrip, normally<$20
Leaking thru the screw holes? There's screws in the holes, so how can they be leaking anything?
Just Bill
09-22-08, 04:59 PM
What gunguy said. Seal the air gap between the door frame and house framing. DO NOT use expanding urethane foam!!! I like DAP Foam also. The black streaking at the hinges is likey rust/wear of the hinge pins, and just needs some oil.
netmouse
09-22-08, 05:45 PM
Thank you both ! I appreciate all you have to say with your experience.