Is your door driving you crazy with its incessant dripping and puddles of water on the floor? Don’t worry, fixing a leaky door is easier than you think with a little DIY know-how. In this step-by-step guide we will talk through the main things to look out for. These include:
- Check the drainage holes
- Check the door sweep
- Seal the gaps
- Adjust the door
- Install a drip cap
- Test for leaks
At Plan-it Windows, we have specialist knowledge of everything from doors and rooflines to windows and conservatories. If you’ve got specific questions about your home, get in touch and our friendly teams will be on hand to help.
1. Check the Drainage Holes
Doors tend to have three drainage holes at the bottom of the frame, you can find them in the middle and each corner. They are small slots that help direct rain water from the face to the outside of the frame. To check if these are blocked, use a small, thin object like a screwdriver or a skewer to see if any debris has built up. Still not sure? Pour a little water on them – if they are clean, the water should easily drain through. If they do need cleaning out, this can usually be done quickly and easily with a hoover.
2. Check the Door Sweep
The door sweep is the strip located at the bottom of the door. Over time, it can become worn out or damaged, allowing water to enter – this can especially happen if it’s an adhesive door sweep. Have a look for any signs of wear or tear. If it’s damaged, remove it using a screwdriver and replace it with a new one.
3. Seal the Gaps
Gaps around the frame can also contribute to leaks. Making sure there’s adequate caulking to seal any gaps you find can be an easy fix for some leaks, while weatherstripping provides a tight seal against water infiltration. Ensure that the weatherstripping or caulk is applied evenly and smoothly for maximum effectiveness.
4. Adjust the Door
Sometimes, leaks are simply the result of misalignment. Check if the door is properly aligned with the frame. If it’s not, you can adjust the hinges to bring it back into alignment. This can be a tricky process to get right, so if you’re unsure, give our team a call on 01204 373203 and we can take a look at it for you.
5. Install a Drip Cap
If the leak persists, consider installing a drip cap. A drip cap is a small metal or plastic strip that deflects water away from the entrance. It can be easily attached to the top of the frame using screws or adhesive. This additional layer of protection can prevent water from seeping through gaps and causing leaks.
6. Test for Leaks
After you’ve tried the above repairs, it’s time to test if your fixes have been successful. Use a hose or a bucket of water to simulate rain and check if any water enters through the problem areas. If everything remains dry, congratulations! You’ve successfully fixed your leaky door.
Let us handle it for you
Doors can leak for any number of reasons, from rotted or warped materials, to improper installation. Sometimes, if the leak carries on for too long, it can cause irreparable water damage. If you can’t figure out why yours is leaking, or if you’ve not been able to fix it yourself, our friendly teams are on hand to help.
Over the past 60 years, we have become experts on everything from composite doors to bifold and patio doors. So when it comes to leaky doors, we know our stuff and will provide you with honest, reliable advice every step of the way. Ready to get those puddles back outside? Give us a call and we’ll get it sorted.
