Hello,
our house was completed last year. From the beginning, we had problems because it was noticeably cold near the front door. The staircase is right next to it, and when standing there, you can feel a clear draft from top to bottom. At the end of last year, our site manager came and adjusted the door, but he said he couldn’t do more.
It improved but was still not good.
In spring, we had heavier rain, and then water collected inside the house at the bottom of the front door. The entrance is raised by 2 steps (2 steps), so it can only be from the rain and not from standing water. The site manager explained to my husband that front doors are not waterproof. Today we had the same problem again – as has happened several times before.
It cannot be that water runs inside at the bottom of the front door every time there is a storm.
In addition, we have a mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery. Shouldn’t the door be sealed because of that alone?
I found something online about "wind-driven rain resistant" and tightly sealed joints. But that does not apply to our door at all.
Best regards
our house was completed last year. From the beginning, we had problems because it was noticeably cold near the front door. The staircase is right next to it, and when standing there, you can feel a clear draft from top to bottom. At the end of last year, our site manager came and adjusted the door, but he said he couldn’t do more.
It improved but was still not good.
In spring, we had heavier rain, and then water collected inside the house at the bottom of the front door. The entrance is raised by 2 steps (2 steps), so it can only be from the rain and not from standing water. The site manager explained to my husband that front doors are not waterproof. Today we had the same problem again – as has happened several times before.
It cannot be that water runs inside at the bottom of the front door every time there is a storm.
In addition, we have a mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery. Shouldn’t the door be sealed because of that alone?
I found something online about "wind-driven rain resistant" and tightly sealed joints. But that does not apply to our door at all.
Best regards
P
Peanuts7428 Jul 2016 11:36What do you mean by talking your way through it—do you have to "bend" the door (I assume it’s made of plastic) to get it through, or does it fit as is? If so, something must definitely be wrong, and you shouldn’t be brushed off.
I’m not entirely sure, but does the door have drainage holes like windows do, to let any water collected in the bottom channel drain away, and could these possibly be clogged?
I’m not entirely sure, but does the door have drainage holes like windows do, to let any water collected in the bottom channel drain away, and could these possibly be clogged?
M
MünchnerKindl28 Jul 2016 11:36The temperature difference was directly at the inside of the door, around the edges near the seals, where the difference was 3-4 degrees Celsius (37-39°F). The door itself is, of course, colder than the indoor temperature; I understand that. However, I find it quite odd that the differences at various points along the seals are so significant. As mentioned, immediately to the left of the front door is the staircase, and when standing there, you can clearly feel a draft.
Yes, check this on your end as well. I was only able to fit my finger through in one spot. That also seems plausible since it is exactly at the side where most of the water then "collects."
Yes, check this on your end as well. I was only able to fit my finger through in one spot. That also seems plausible since it is exactly at the side where most of the water then "collects."
M
MünchnerKindl28 Jul 2016 11:41I can quite easily slip my finger from the outside between the rubber seal and the door when it is locked.
There are no drainage holes, or at least I haven't seen any.
There are no drainage holes, or at least I haven't seen any.
P
Peanuts7428 Jul 2016 11:56So, without applying some pressure to the door, causing it to bend slightly, you shouldn’t be able to slip a finger through.
I would recommend putting a bit more pressure on the company; “it has to be this way” or “there’s no other option” is a common excuse.
If it’s not the cheapest hardware store door, which a reputable builder normally wouldn’t install, the door should be properly sealed.
I would recommend putting a bit more pressure on the company; “it has to be this way” or “there’s no other option” is a common excuse.
If it’s not the cheapest hardware store door, which a reputable builder normally wouldn’t install, the door should be properly sealed.
M
MünchnerKindl28 Jul 2016 12:04Unfortunately, the company will be on a company-wide holiday for the next few weeks, but we will definitely explain that the door is not acceptable as it is. After all, we have a door "custom-made and handcrafted." Whatever that is supposed to mean. It was "custom" in the sense that you could choose the handles and the cutout for the glass panel; everything else would have been an additional charge (obviously). My only advice to new homebuilders is not to accept such vague statements but to have the exact brand or an identical product confirmed—of course, in writing.
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