Doors and Windows
Exterior Passage Doors
All doors, especially exterior doors, are exposed to a variety of climatic conditions (including inside humidity variations from summer to winter) and are subject to dimensional variations and possible warping. Exterior doors are naturally subjected to more extreme conditions. They must withstand the differences of heat and moisture on the inside and cold dry air on the outside in winter, this situation may be reversed or equalized while in summer.
Doors tend to swell in summer and shrink in winter, so do not be hasty in adjusting your door by planning, shaving or cutting, as the condition will usually stabilize. It is possible to maintain a tight seal on these doors with the adjustable striker plates and thresholds. The operation of the exterior door may vary due to seasonal temperature changes.
Spring-loaded hinges are installed on the garage to house door to prevent carbon monoxide fumes from entering the house. With some types of wood doors, warping is to be expected. Variations of up to 1” out of plane in any direction of the door is considered normal.
Interior Passage Doors
Variations in grain pattern and colour on oak doors are normal in natural materials. Paint grade doors are very consistent in finish and are not susceptible to warping.
NOTE: Rubbing or binding of the door and frame is usually caused by settlement of the structure and should be reported immediately to avoid further damage. Periodic tightening and lubrication of hardware is recommended.
Pocket Doors
Pocket doors may require adjustments and lubrication during the first year of occupancy. If any problems arise, your Warranty Technician will adjust it at the 3 or 12 month Multi Checkpoint inspection.
Bi-Pass and Bi-Fold Doors
Keep clothing from between the door panels to avoid damage to the door and/or clothing.
Doors & Windows FAQs
Question: Frost forms on the metal striker plates of the doorframe when it’s extremely cold outside. Does this mean the door is leaking?
Answer: Not necessarily. Frost forming on metal striker plates in very cold conditions is often due to the metal conducting cold from the outside. When this cold surface comes into contact with the warm, moist indoor air, condensation forms and may freeze, creating frost. This is a normal occurrence and doesn’t necessarily indicate that the door is leaking. However, it’s always a good idea to check for drafts around the door to ensure it’s properly sealed.
Question: How do you use adjustable door strikes?
Answer: To adjust a door strike, first remove the two screws securing the strike plate. Then, shift the insert portion of the strike to the desired position, ensuring a snug fit against the jamb and weather-stripping. Once the adjustment is made, re-install the screws to secure the strike in place. Regularly maintaining this fit is important, as it helps prevent drafts, keeps outdoor elements from entering, and protects your home from potential weather-related damage.
Question: How do you adjust the exterior/entry door thresholds?
Answer: Exterior door thresholds are equipped with adjustment screws located on the top surface of the threshold. By turning these screws, you can raise or lower the threshold to ensure a tighter seal at the bottom of the door. This helps prevent drafts and improves energy efficiency. Seasonal adjustments may be necessary, as doors often close differently due to expansion in summer and contraction in winter. Regularly checking and adjusting the threshold ensures optimal performance throughout the year.
Question: Are any maintenance adjustments needed for passage doors?
Answer: Periodic tightening of the doorknobs may be necessary. Over time and with frequent use, doorknobs can gradually loosen. It’s important to regularly check and tighten them to prevent potential damage to the door or its finish. This simple maintenance helps keep the door functioning smoothly and extends its lifespan.
Question: Is door warping covered under the warranty?
Answer: Minor warping is generally considered acceptable and is a common occurrence due to changes in humidity and temperature. However, if a door warps beyond 1 inch, it is considered excessive and may require attention under the warranty.
Question: What should be used to lubricate the door and window hardware in the home?
Answer: While most household lubricants will work, a clear silicone-based spray is recommended for the best results. When applying to door hinges, be cautious to avoid drips on carpets or flooring. It’s a good idea to keep a cloth handy to wipe up any excess lubricant and prevent staining.
Question: Are there any adjustments that may be required on bi-pass doors?
Answer: Periodic adjustments may be necessary for bi-pass doors. If you notice the doors aren’t aligned properly, you can use the screw mechanism located on the inside corners of the doors. By turning these screws, you can raise or lower the corners of the door, ensuring that the side margin is parallel to the door jamb for smooth operation.
Question: Why does it feel like there is a draft coming from the windows during winter?
Answer: Even when windows are properly glazed, fitted, and weather-stripped, it can sometimes feel like there’s a draft during cold weather. In most cases, this sensation is due to vertical air movement, or convection, where warm air rises and cooler air falls over the window’s surface. Another common cause is the feeling of cold when sitting or standing near a window, which occurs as your body’s heat radiates towards the cooler surface of the glass. In extreme wind conditions, actual drafts may occur, but typically, these effects are more about air movement and temperature differences rather than window performance.
Question: Why does water collect in the bottom track of the window during rain?
Answer: It’s normal for water to enter the bottom track of the window during rain or when watering the grass, as water can pass through the window screen. The window is designed to handle this by directing any water that enters the lower track towards the corners, where it drains through slots and exits via drain holes on the outside. To ensure the window functions properly, it’s important to keep these drainage slots and exit holes clear of debris.
Question: What should I do if the window is not sealing properly?
Answer: If a window isn’t sealing correctly, first ensure that the window lock, located on the side of the interior window, is in the fully locked position. Locking the window pulls the inside and outside panes tightly together, creating a proper seal. If the window still isn’t sealing properly after locking, check for any obstructions or debris in the frame that could be preventing it from closing completely.
Windows
Condensation and frost on double-glazed windows will occur if high relative humilities are maintained inside the house during periods of very cold weather. Air circulation is very important in maintaining proper humidity levels. It is imperative that you use your discretion in setting the gauge as each home produces its own levels of added humidity. Running furnace fan continuously may help minimize frost on windows during very cold weather.
A silicone lubricant is recommended for use on weather-stripping and tracks of windows. If your windows are the horizontal sliding type, and that particular design includes weep hole to the outside (at the bottom of the track or frame), they must be kept clean to allow for drainage. A piece of wire should regularly be used to remove dust, debris or insects, as part of the homeowner(s)’s maintenance program or when washing windows.
NOTE: Also refer to the Condensation section.
Exterior Windows
The exterior windows are built using high quality materials and standards. Seasonal cleaning of the slider tracks and lubrication of locks, tracks and mechanisms should be the only maintenance required.
Weather Stripping
Annually check the weather-stripping around doors to reduce air infiltration in the winter and dust and dirt in the summer. Many types of weather-stripping are available, some of which are adjustable. Regardless of the type used, there are distinct advantages to ensuring that the seal is snug. Keep weather-stripping free from paint.
Skylights
No maintenance is required for skylights. The exterior may be cleaned by using mild soap and water solution.
NOTE: Always use extreme caution when climbing onto the roof, taking care not to damage the roof surface. Many professional window cleaning services are available for your convenience and safety.
Condensation
Condensation or moisture on windows is a common occurrence in most houses in winter. However, it is a source of annoyance, and if corrective measures are not taken at an early stage, serious damage from staining, rotting and mould can result. While the problem is more acute during the first winter when the house is “drying out” (many of the materials in construction contain moisture that must be dissipated), normal living habits are additional and continuing contributors to high Relative Humilities (R.H.) in many instances.
The problem applies particularly to today’s homes as they are tighter and better insulated than ever before. This is due to new and improved building practices, increased energy costs and comfort levels, commonly required by today’s new home buyers. Windows are a good guide for checking the R.H. level in your home. As soon as excessive condensation is noticed, steps should be taken to reduce the R.H. by controlling moisture sources and/or increasing ventilation.
Windows are commonly relied on for general ventilation, and whenever possible the windows nearest the source of moisture should be opened. Ventilation is often the only effective means available to the homeowner(s) for removing moisture. Dehumidifiers are not a practical solution, except for limited areas. Exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom are useful for drawing off moisture from cooking and bathing, before the vapor can circulate through the house. These fans should be vented to the outside of the attic space. Leave blinds, shades and heavy curtains open during the day to ensure air movement around the windows.
While we have concentrated on the condensation problems common to winter conditions, it should be noted that basements frequently experience condensation in summer. In warm weather, basement areas, particularly near the base of the walls, in corners, and in parts of the floor, are relatively cool as they approximate surrounding earth temperatures. When hot, humid air is allowed to enter from outside in the summer through open basement windows, it will seek out those cool areas, along with cold water pipes, and condense there.
Doors & Windows FAQs
Question: Frost forms on the metal striker plates of the doorframe when it’s extremely cold outside. Does this mean the door is leaking?
Answer: Not necessarily. Frost forming on metal striker plates in very cold conditions is often due to the metal conducting cold from the outside. When this cold surface comes into contact with the warm, moist indoor air, condensation forms and may freeze, creating frost. This is a normal occurrence and doesn’t necessarily indicate that the door is leaking. However, it’s always a good idea to check for drafts around the door to ensure it’s properly sealed.
Question: How do you use adjustable door strikes?
Answer: To adjust a door strike, first remove the two screws securing the strike plate. Then, shift the insert portion of the strike to the desired position, ensuring a snug fit against the jamb and weather-stripping. Once the adjustment is made, re-install the screws to secure the strike in place. Regularly maintaining this fit is important, as it helps prevent drafts, keeps outdoor elements from entering, and protects your home from potential weather-related damage.
Question: How do you adjust the exterior/entry door thresholds?
Answer: Exterior door thresholds are equipped with adjustment screws located on the top surface of the threshold. By turning these screws, you can raise or lower the threshold to ensure a tighter seal at the bottom of the door. This helps prevent drafts and improves energy efficiency. Seasonal adjustments may be necessary, as doors often close differently due to expansion in summer and contraction in winter. Regularly checking and adjusting the threshold ensures optimal performance throughout the year.
Question: Are any maintenance adjustments needed for passage doors?
Answer: Periodic tightening of the doorknobs may be necessary. Over time and with frequent use, doorknobs can gradually loosen. It’s important to regularly check and tighten them to prevent potential damage to the door or its finish. This simple maintenance helps keep the door functioning smoothly and extends its lifespan.
Question: Is door warping covered under the warranty?
Answer: Minor warping is generally considered acceptable and is a common occurrence due to changes in humidity and temperature. However, if a door warps beyond 1 inch, it is considered excessive and may require attention under the warranty.
Question: What should be used to lubricate the door and window hardware in the home?
Answer: While most household lubricants will work, a clear silicone-based spray is recommended for the best results. When applying to door hinges, be cautious to avoid drips on carpets or flooring. It’s a good idea to keep a cloth handy to wipe up any excess lubricant and prevent staining.
Question: Are there any adjustments that may be required on bi-pass doors?
Answer: Periodic adjustments may be necessary for bi-pass doors. If you notice the doors aren’t aligned properly, you can use the screw mechanism located on the inside corners of the doors. By turning these screws, you can raise or lower the corners of the door, ensuring that the side margin is parallel to the door jamb for smooth operation.
Question: Why does it feel like there is a draft coming from the windows during winter?
Answer: Even when windows are properly glazed, fitted, and weather-stripped, it can sometimes feel like there’s a draft during cold weather. In most cases, this sensation is due to vertical air movement, or convection, where warm air rises and cooler air falls over the window’s surface. Another common cause is the feeling of cold when sitting or standing near a window, which occurs as your body’s heat radiates towards the cooler surface of the glass. In extreme wind conditions, actual drafts may occur, but typically, these effects are more about air movement and temperature differences rather than window performance.
Question: Why does water collect in the bottom track of the window during rain?
Answer: It’s normal for water to enter the bottom track of the window during rain or when watering the grass, as water can pass through the window screen. The window is designed to handle this by directing any water that enters the lower track towards the corners, where it drains through slots and exits via drain holes on the outside. To ensure the window functions properly, it’s important to keep these drainage slots and exit holes clear of debris.
Question: What should I do if the window is not sealing properly?
Answer: If a window isn’t sealing correctly, first ensure that the window lock, located on the side of the interior window, is in the fully locked position. Locking the window pulls the inside and outside panes tightly together, creating a proper seal. If the window still isn’t sealing properly after locking, check for any obstructions or debris in the frame that could be preventing it from closing completely.
