I’m a carpenter and install doors for a living. Leaking doors are almost 100% install errors. Although some manufacturers do make garbage doors. Without looking in person I can see a few problems. Water should not run in any direction but out! 1 Your threshold is not level, causing water to run back into the house. 2 the door is not plumb, causing water to jump the seal and leak in the house 3 no sill pan ( that I can see) is installed under your door. Sill pans will trap and dump water back outside, from even the shittiest door. Call a pro to reset your door
A flooring guy just pulled up carpet to install new hardwood floor. Found dry rot (from previous leaks) at all 4 french doors where water came in. It was fixed before I moved in but they had a flood problem on their insurance report which was revealed upon me getting insurance. It still has to be replaced because the subfloor is uneven sheets of plywood that won't be good enough for hardwood flooring. It must be level and wood to nail down the flooring. The carpet pad looked great, but underneath is rotted wood. House is only 13 years old. Not real happy.
I'm having the same issue. When i sprayed the hose on the door it went right in the middle, but I agree looks like its running to the side as you said.
I had a similar issue. After sealing everything, even epoxy bottom jamb/bottom plate seam, it still leaked and it's actually the bottom seal under the door. I'm ordering the bottom door seal that requires no nails, just a rubber U-channel that squeezes around the bottom door and I'll seal the outside with silicone seal. I think exterior doors are sold with crap bottom seals because they think there's no direct rain, like they assume the door is under a large overhang, so direct rain actually funnels through cracks in the crap bottom door seal.
My French doors also leak. I'm thinking that they're just pretty-looking. French doors really look like they need an awning, or porch built just for them. (It's hard to seal them)
I know you likely won’t answer this, but what the hell, I’ll ask anyway. I’ve been dealing with this bullcrap leaking French doors for over a year. The builder has refused to deal with it. I suppose I could try and sue him? But anyway.... I’m on my own for now dealing with this ongoing vexing water intrusion issue. May I ask, did you solve your issue with your leaking French doors and if you did could please share some recommendations for someone dealing with the same persistent problem?
pull the seal out and silicon seal in u channel and make shore you get both ends where its leaking from front of door jam to inside house should fix problem
No way!!! I have nearly IDENTICAL style doors. Been dealing with the builder and door rep for over year. It still leaks!! Did you have to replace the door? The rep won’t cover it and stand behind the door; the builder refuses to pay for another one. They told ME to build a awning over it. I’m wondering if that style of door is just a terrible design!!! Ugh!!! I’m so pissed at having to deal with this shit for so long!!
I'm convinced that this is a terribly designed door. This looks exactly like the door I bought for my 16' x 20' shed office and I am having the EXACT same issue. Water leaks out the sides of the doors. I can't seem to find a resolution. But this door looks the same, with a short door sweep, as well.
How to stop rain from coming inside my living room; to foot of bed in bedroom from balcony doors .I can see the metal of the lock that should be inside the door. I know the doors aren’t hung right. But ; I asked for new weather stripping 2-3 times. That would of helped some . From my chair I can see the metal of the lock that should be inside the other door.
So I just had a french door installed in the fall and I am having the exact same issue. I am calling installer back out to address now that I know I am not going crazy.
Hi Brad, great video! Thanks for sharing. I m dealing with the same issue...these doors are so poorly constructed. My doors are flashed with grace underneath and have ruined my hardwood floors. Have you had any luck getting the problem fixed? I’m waiting to hear from the therma tru rep
That is not your problem if I could send you a picture you would be shocked at how mine is exactly like yours , it's getting into the window and filling up the bottom of door and coming out the tiny corner of door where metal meets wood I wish I could send you a picture
THE FIX: I have fixed the issue. This is due to the adjustable height threshold. The water leaks though the SCREWS on top and the FRONT RUBBER SEAL that runs across the front bottom of the adjustable height threshold. Which you see in the video. SOLUTION: Remove the height adjustable threshold and apply water proof silicone sealant around the threads of the screws and the threaded holes. Before installing the height adjustable threshold apply water proof silicone sealant under the FRONT RUBBER SEAL.
+Giselia Pereira Considering my nightmare custom french patio door install (defective door from Anderson factory and horrible install) and my front entry door with sidelights product and install issues that I purchased via one of the popular big box stores, I would not recommend buying through 'big box' stores. It has been incredibly stressful. Of all the doors installed in the U.S., I'm certain most don't leak. It's all been truly a nightmare for me (which is still going on with my the entry door/sidelights). Good luck.
Very unfortunate. I'm having windows and doors installed and I showed the company your video and they commented on the poor installation. There maybe some help for you, if you're interested in some info send me a private message. You have nothing to lose, knowledge is power. giselialegalshield@gmail.com
Good luck. We did confirm it was a Masonite door (rail cap) and sidelight problem. The door install was done perfectly (both times by different installers). I've noticed they all like to point fingers until you prove to them the facts. In my case, the original installer came to my home on his own time since Home Depot would not help. He directed me to submit a warranty with Masonite and after their inspector from Masonite's subcontractor, UTS, finally showed up and submitted his report, Masonite ordered a new door/sidelight unit which ended up having the same issue. But as least Masonite has been trying to resolve the issue and I'm grateful for that. The Home Depot is MIA/Radio Silent. Try to remember to get all paperwork from your installers ... which will include the specific warranty details. Read the warranty and keep notes. I'm sure all will be fine, but I'd keep a file just in case and am grateful I did.
Have same problem with 2 sets of French doors. Ruined our brand new hardwood in 2 rooms. Called company and complained about poor design and they said issue is with installation. Go figure. Plan on replacing with sliding doors instead. Does anyone know if these are better with water?
To all who have had this problem, (Beedle J Below) a pan seal would have helped however the wood jambs would still be sitting in the water that the pan caught and then jambs rot out. The manufacture of the door after they did finally came out determined it was not installed correctly. BUT if you watch all of the video you can see why IT is poor door design. Solution FIX was I built a porch roof over doorway that went out 3 feet and 2 feet wider on booth sides. I then installed glass on roof so the light still can come in. This added a nice cover to be under when it rains while getting in the door. Best to you all in the new year. Brad
@@bradgriffithsequim8778 We are thinking of doing something like this as well. But we just had our roof done with a metal roof and the doors go out to a $30,000 trex deck. We don't want to cut the new metal roof and would have to spend a significant amount of money to make it look like it belongs with the existing roof/deck. We think the cheapest solution would be to just replace the doors with waterproof ones. It seems like sliding doors would be more waterproof (just by how they open) but have found nothing concrete that says sliding doors would be more waterproof than french doors.
@@awilliam1 I'm general contractor and been known to think outside the box, can you send me a photo of the doors, deck and roof area. I might see a solution. text to 360-461-4684 happy to help. happy New Year.
@@bradgriffithsequim8778 I've had this issue with our French doors for years. Contractors come out and cost me more money with something that doesn't fix it. I can't fix the damaged hardwood floors until this leak is fixed. Do you have any recommendations for how to tackle this problem? It seems the only solution is a different door or putting in an awning at the entry to keep the water out...
I have this same dratted problem with my French doors facing into the prevailing wind/rain. I don't think my installer/builder will fix it. I'm hoping taking up the cill, puttin sealant in corners fully and reinstalling might fix it. Maybe sealling the outside edge? Really frustrated. It's ruining my floor.
@robgut70 Yes. I couldn't easily get the bottom metal cill plate up as the builders had clearly stuck sealant under it as well as screwing it on. So, I didn't take it up and just cleared out as much of the old gunk/failed sealant as I could on the side that was leaking. There was a fair gap/void between the end of the metal cill and the wooden frame where water could get in. It's in a new extension, and I think as the house expanded/contracted over the first year, the seal had cracked because it hadn't leaked to start with. Anyway, I cleared out all the old sealant I could on that side, then squirted in as much new stuff into the gap into/under the lower corner where the base metal didn't meet the frame edge, until it was overflowing. Also, on the inside corner of the door frame, in the junction where the metal cill met the wooden frame corner, put a line of sealant. I wiped away any excess that had got on any rubber seals and left it to dry. So far so good. No leaks. That door faces most of the driving rain direction, so it seems to have worked. We don't use those particular doors that much, so I have to see if it holds, or if the house flexes again in the summer, I suppose it might break the seal again.
Both need a much larger drip cap to shed water away from the closure; not a failsafe, but at least puts most of the water runoff, out to where the sloping threshold should direct it away from the entrance. Awful design, by, who, a 23 year old designer working on a computer screen with zero real world building experience?
I’m a carpenter and install doors for a living.
Leaking doors are almost 100% install errors.
Although some manufacturers do make garbage doors.
Without looking in person I can see a few problems.
Water should not run in any direction but out!
1 Your threshold is not level, causing water to run back into the house.
2 the door is not plumb, causing water to jump the seal and leak in the house
3 no sill pan ( that I can see) is installed under your door. Sill pans will trap and dump water back outside, from even the shittiest door.
Call a pro to reset your door
Awesome helpful response. I have the same problem. I may add the pan you suggested just to be sure it’s fixed.
I’m having the same exact issues. Can you let everyone know how you fixed it. Thanks
A flooring guy just pulled up carpet to install new hardwood floor. Found dry rot (from previous leaks) at all 4 french doors where water came in. It was fixed before I moved in but they had a flood problem on their insurance report which was revealed upon me getting insurance. It still has to be replaced because the subfloor is uneven sheets of plywood that won't be good enough for hardwood flooring. It must be level and wood to nail down the flooring. The carpet pad looked great, but underneath is rotted wood. House is only 13 years old. Not real happy.
I'm having the same issue. When i sprayed the hose on the door it went right in the middle, but I agree looks like its running to the side as you said.
I had a similar issue. After sealing everything, even epoxy bottom jamb/bottom plate seam, it still leaked and it's actually the bottom seal under the door. I'm ordering the bottom door seal that requires no nails, just a rubber U-channel that squeezes around the bottom door and I'll seal the outside with silicone seal. I think exterior doors are sold with crap bottom seals because they think there's no direct rain, like they assume the door is under a large overhang, so direct rain actually funnels through cracks in the crap bottom door seal.
Did it work better to seal out the rain with the U channel bottom seal?
My French doors also leak. I'm thinking that they're just pretty-looking. French doors really look like they need an awning, or porch built just for them. (It's hard to seal them)
I know you likely won’t answer this, but what the hell, I’ll ask anyway. I’ve been dealing with this bullcrap leaking French doors for over a year. The builder has refused to deal with it. I suppose I could try and sue him? But anyway.... I’m on my own for now dealing with this ongoing vexing water intrusion issue.
May I ask, did you solve your issue with your leaking French doors and if you did could please share some recommendations for someone dealing with the same persistent problem?
pull the seal out and silicon seal in u channel and make shore you get both ends where its leaking from front of door jam to inside house should fix problem
This comment needs pinned!
No way!!! I have nearly IDENTICAL style doors. Been dealing with the builder and door rep for over year. It still leaks!! Did you have to replace the door? The rep won’t cover it and stand behind the door; the builder refuses to pay for another one. They told ME to build a awning over it. I’m wondering if that style of door is just a terrible design!!! Ugh!!! I’m so pissed at having to deal with this shit for so long!!
i’m in the same boat right now. it’s a nightmare
I'm convinced that this is a terribly designed door. This looks exactly like the door I bought for my 16' x 20' shed office and I am having the EXACT same issue. Water leaks out the sides of the doors. I can't seem to find a resolution. But this door looks the same, with a short door sweep, as well.
@@WhisperRunner Same! Any resolution yet? I can't install flooring down until the leak is addressed.
How to stop rain from coming inside my living room; to foot of bed in bedroom from balcony doors .I can see the metal of the lock that should be inside the door. I know the doors aren’t hung right. But ; I asked for new weather stripping 2-3 times. That would of helped some . From my chair I can see the metal of the lock that should be inside the other door.
So I just had a french door installed in the fall and I am having the exact same issue. I am calling installer back out to address now that I know I am not going crazy.
Hi Brad, great video! Thanks for sharing. I m dealing with the same issue...these doors are so poorly constructed. My doors are flashed with grace underneath and have ruined my hardwood floors. Have you had any luck getting the problem fixed? I’m waiting to hear from the therma tru rep
Same.
I'm having the same problem with a door I just installed how did you fix this issue?
So what was the repair solution???
I have the same exact problems with my French doors. I have change the seals and still leaks
This is old post but for anyone watching those large philips head screws adjust the height of the threshold. Tighten to raise loosen to lower.,
So what was the resolution? I have the same issue
Hi
can you please let me know how you fixed the problem with the leaking Pella french doors
I have the same problem and have tried everything
Any luck? I have the same issue with the Pella
It's the installation. It has nothing to do with the door or door parts (threshold).
Same thing happened on my threshold and my new one
I have the same issue.... caused me a lot of money and problems!!! a few grand... junk design... I am thinking of patio door
There is no weatherstripping on those jambs or the T-astragal. They need weatherstripping.
That is not your problem if I could send you a picture you would be shocked at how mine is exactly like yours , it's getting into the window and filling up the bottom of door and coming out the tiny corner of door where metal meets wood I wish I could send you a picture
I have the same, problem, with my door.
I'll never buy a Thermatru door again, same issues I'm dealing with now.
No membrane pan seal. Incorrect installation.
Wouldn't make a difference to this issue, the water gets funneled between the door and the jamb. It's just a bad design oversight.
No sill pan.
THE FIX: I have fixed the issue. This is due to the adjustable height threshold. The water leaks though the SCREWS on top and the FRONT RUBBER SEAL that runs across the front bottom of the adjustable height threshold. Which you see in the video. SOLUTION: Remove the height adjustable threshold and apply water proof silicone sealant around the threads of the screws and the threaded holes. Before installing the height adjustable threshold apply water proof silicone sealant under the FRONT RUBBER SEAL.
Wow! That is so bad! I'm looking at getting French Patio Doors and now I'm not so sure.
+Giselia Pereira Considering my nightmare custom french patio door install (defective door from Anderson factory and horrible install) and my front entry door with sidelights product and install issues that I purchased via one of the popular big box stores, I would not recommend buying through 'big box' stores. It has been incredibly stressful. Of all the doors installed in the U.S., I'm certain most don't leak. It's all been truly a nightmare for me (which is still going on with my the entry door/sidelights). Good luck.
Very unfortunate. I'm having windows and doors installed and I showed the company your video and they commented on the poor installation. There maybe some help for you, if you're interested in some info send me a private message. You have nothing to lose, knowledge is power. giselialegalshield@gmail.com
Good luck. We did confirm it was a Masonite door (rail cap) and sidelight problem. The door install was done perfectly (both times by different installers). I've noticed they all like to point fingers until you prove to them the facts. In my case, the original installer came to my home on his own time since Home Depot would not help. He directed me to submit a warranty with Masonite and after their inspector from Masonite's subcontractor, UTS, finally showed up and submitted his report, Masonite ordered a new door/sidelight unit which ended up having the same issue. But as least Masonite has been trying to resolve the issue and I'm grateful for that. The Home Depot is MIA/Radio Silent.
Try to remember to get all paperwork from your installers ... which will include the specific warranty details. Read the warranty and keep notes. I'm sure all will be fine, but I'd keep a file just in case and am grateful I did.
Have same problem with 2 sets of French doors. Ruined our brand new hardwood in 2 rooms. Called company and complained about poor design and they said issue is with installation. Go figure. Plan on replacing with sliding doors instead. Does anyone know if these are better with water?
To all who have had this problem, (Beedle J Below) a pan seal would have helped however the wood jambs would still be sitting in the water that the pan caught and then jambs rot out. The manufacture of the door after they did finally came out determined it was not installed correctly. BUT if you watch all of the video you can see why IT is poor door design. Solution FIX was I built a porch roof over doorway that went out 3 feet and 2 feet wider on booth sides. I then installed glass on roof so the light still can come in. This added a nice cover to be under when it rains while getting in the door. Best to you all in the new year. Brad
@@bradgriffithsequim8778 We are thinking of doing something like this as well. But we just had our roof done with a metal roof and the doors go out to a $30,000 trex deck. We don't want to cut the new metal roof and would have to spend a significant amount of money to make it look like it belongs with the existing roof/deck. We think the cheapest solution would be to just replace the doors with waterproof ones. It seems like sliding doors would be more waterproof (just by how they open) but have found nothing concrete that says sliding doors would be more waterproof than french doors.
@@awilliam1 I'm general contractor and been known to think outside the box, can you send me a photo of the doors, deck and roof area. I might see a solution. text to 360-461-4684 happy to help. happy New Year.
@@bradgriffithsequim8778
I've had this issue with our French doors for years. Contractors come out and cost me more money with something that doesn't fix it. I can't fix the damaged hardwood floors until this leak is fixed.
Do you have any recommendations for how to tackle this problem? It seems the only solution is a different door or putting in an awning at the entry to keep the water out...
I'm having this same problem
I have the same problem
We get it already it's a channel some people
Anybody ever got an answer?
I have this same dratted problem with my French doors facing into the prevailing wind/rain. I don't think my installer/builder will fix it. I'm hoping taking up the cill, puttin sealant in corners fully and reinstalling might fix it. Maybe sealling the outside edge? Really frustrated. It's ruining my floor.
@@FionaSansom did your solution work? I’m having the same problem with my French doors. I really regret not installing a sliding door instead.
@robgut70 Yes. I couldn't easily get the bottom metal cill plate up as the builders had clearly stuck sealant under it as well as screwing it on. So, I didn't take it up and just cleared out as much of the old gunk/failed sealant as I could on the side that was leaking. There was a fair gap/void between the end of the metal cill and the wooden frame where water could get in. It's in a new extension, and I think as the house expanded/contracted over the first year, the seal had cracked because it hadn't leaked to start with. Anyway, I cleared out all the old sealant I could on that side, then squirted in as much new stuff into the gap into/under the lower corner where the base metal didn't meet the frame edge, until it was overflowing. Also, on the inside corner of the door frame, in the junction where the metal cill met the wooden frame corner, put a line of sealant. I wiped away any excess that had got on any rubber seals and left it to dry. So far so good. No leaks. That door faces most of the driving rain direction, so it seems to have worked. We don't use those particular doors that much, so I have to see if it holds, or if the house flexes again in the summer, I suppose it might break the seal again.
Both need a much larger drip cap to shed water away from the closure; not a failsafe, but at least puts most of the water runoff, out to where the sloping threshold should direct it away from the entrance. Awful design, by, who, a 23 year old designer working on a computer screen with zero real world building experience?
i hope there a class action lawsuit i have 3 that leak the same way. horrible design