Browse Forums Windows & Doors 1 Aug 11, 2016 5:03 pm We have a problem with wind getting in to the house due to the fact that there's a gap under the front door and just wondered if anyone else had the same problem, and if so, how did you resolve it? Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ From what I can see, it's down to the design of the frame. There's no lip on the frame for the bottom edge of the door to butt up against, hence the gap. Seems like a really stupid design to me. Must have been done for the look more than the functionality. Personally I'd rather it was sealed and am wondering what's the best way to do this? Re: Gap under front door 2Aug 15, 2016 3:05 pm It is pretty normal. You can buy door seals from any hardware shop. Few different types, but one that would suit you has a flap that screws to the bottom of the door, it then has a part on the side that forces the flap down when you shut the door. Re: Gap under front door 3Aug 15, 2016 6:15 pm AJW It is pretty normal. Agree. There really is no alternative as any entry with a raised lip will likely be a trip hazard. Also, any raised section on the bottom plate would get severely damaged in any case. A simple tread plate and external seal is the solution here. You can alternatively remove the door from its hinges and route a channel through the base and insert a rubber seal within if your handy. Most external doors nowadays have such a seal, but not all it would seem. Re: Gap under front door 4Aug 16, 2016 10:58 am SteveMc AJW It is pretty normal. Agree. There really is no alternative as any entry with a raised lip will likely be a trip hazard. Also, any raised section on the bottom plate would get severely damaged in any case. A simple tread plate and external seal is the solution here. You can alternatively remove the door from its hinges and route a channel through the base and insert a rubber seal within if your handy. Most external doors nowadays have such a seal, but not all it would seem. Trip hazard? I've walked over doors with a raised lip for 38yrs or more and can't ever remember tripping over one. This is the first door I've ever had that doesn't seal at the bottom. I'd much rather it warm in the house and have to step over the door frame. And lets not forget that the door frame is already raised compared to the flooring either side - which I have to step over, so I'm sure a small section another 20mm higher to seal the bottom really wouldn't make a difference. And how does having a great big gap at the bottom contribute to the fact that my house if supposed to be 6* energy rated? Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ I really don't see how this is acceptable, let alone normal if builders are required by the VBA to meet a 6* energy ratings for all new houses. Re: Gap under front door 5Aug 16, 2016 11:04 am You should see my place. The internal door into the garage they fitted a seal like the one I mentioned but the door is so far off the floor that even with the seal there is a 20mm gap. I've asked the question how it meets EER like that, waiting for an answer. At least the front and back doors they fitted flap seals but even they are not perfect. Seems they fitted the bottom seal first then put in a bead seal around the frame, the result the door now doesn't close as far in due to the seal which in turn means the wheel that puts pressure on the flap seal isn't engaging it enough. It seals but rattles like mad in the wind. Easy fix though just turn the wheel around as it is more oval than round. Re: Gap under front door 6Aug 16, 2016 11:28 am I can see clearly the video shows there are significant drafts coming through the supposed seal. The door needs a rubber "gasket" fitted underneath. The current fitting should not be on the internal face either. Refer the issue to the builder as it's clearly incorrectly fitted. Edge39.my-letter-box.com Re: Gap under front door 8Aug 16, 2016 12:33 pm Thanks. Yes, I've raised the issue with the builder, but am yet to hear anything back from them. Was even told at the 3 month inspection that this is how it's supposed to be and not a problem Re: Gap under front door 9Aug 16, 2016 7:33 pm Your problem will be it isn't actually done wrongly. The type of seal used on your door can go on the outside or inside and whilst not as effective as other methods it is a valid way. You air issue could also be lack of a draught seal around the frame too. Gap under front door 10Aug 17, 2016 8:07 pm dojrude Thanks. Yes, I've raised the issue with the builder, but am yet to hear anything back from them. Was even told at the 3 month inspection that this is how it's supposed to be and not a problem I was thinking of you today whilst on-site. I took a few pics to show you how the door, and door frame seals should work. Hopefully this will help pin the builder to improve your door seals. Bottom rail aluminum trim with rubber gasket. Usually fitted with an aluminum tread over a timber threshold to ensure a good seal. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Door frame channel for rubber seal. (inner door jamb) These should run the whole way around the door frame. Essentially the external face of the door strikes against this rubber seal. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Finally, the other option is an external weather skirt which is deflected down by a knob (fixed to the lock strike side door jamb) to force a good seal against the threshold when fully closed. In this case, a tiled threshold. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ I hope that aids your warranty discussions. Edge39.my-letter-box.com Re: Gap under front door 11Aug 18, 2016 2:03 pm SteveMc dojrude Thanks. Yes, I've raised the issue with the builder, but am yet to hear anything back from them. Was even told at the 3 month inspection that this is how it's supposed to be and not a problem I was thinking of you today whilst on-site. I took a few pics to show you how the door, and door frame seals should work. Hopefully this will help pin the builder to improve your door seals. Bottom rail aluminum trim with rubber gasket. Usually fitted with an aluminum tread over a timber threshold to ensure a good seal. Door frame channel for rubber seal. (inner door jamb) These should run the whole way around the door frame. Essentially the external face of the door strikes against this rubber seal. Finally, the other option is an external weather skirt which is deflected down by a knob (fixed to the lock strike side door jamb) to force a good seal against the threshold when fully closed. In this case, a tiled threshold. I hope that aids your warranty discussions. Edge39.my-letter-box.com Thanks. Looking at the photos though, it may have to be option 3 with the external Raven seal. We don't have space for option 1 and although option 2 would have been my preferred, the frame doesn't have a bottom edge to seal against. I supposed adding a threshold plate may be an option? Re: Gap under front door 12Aug 18, 2016 3:50 pm Option 2 and 3 are perfectly fine. In my case, both the channel in the jamb and external weather strip feature on the same door. I'm perplexed by a weather strip installed on the internal side of the door. Ludicrous! Edge39.my-letter-box.com Re: Gap under front door 13Sep 12, 2016 11:07 pm What you want is this: http://www.raven.com.au/domino/raven/ra ... rod2-v/023 The door will typically have a 25mm gap between the bottom of door and the timber threshold then the seal and aluminium trim is fitted. It waterproofs and seals out drafts. Accessible Carpentry & Cabinets accessiblecarpentry@gmail.com accessiblecarpentry.com.au https://www.facebook.com/pages/Accessible-Carpentry-Cabinets/583314911709039 Building Standards; Getting It Right! AS2047 Section 6 Page 31 speaks to Construction/Tolerances of Windows and external glazed doors in buildings Check also New South Wales Guide to Standards and Tolerances,… 12 24795 Got my stairs designed like this with 250mm Gap marked below. Gap is bec of 2 steps added between two landing area… 0 4872 This is one of the reasons I decided to go overseas for my double glazed windows. As the builder indicated, he's worked on many upmarket builds, these were the most well… 13 19232 |