Defects and Standards

Defects and Standards

Typical Defects, Hinged Doors Typical defects that home inspectors should report include:

1. improper lock operation,
2. double cylindar deadbolt lock on egress door,
3. door sticks or rubs on frame (uneven or inadequate gap between door and frame),
4. light around door edges,
5. absent and damaged weather stripping, sweep, and threshold,
6. damaged door and glazing,
7. warped door,
8. water stains and water damage around door and under door,
9. deterioration due to water and sun, especially at the bottom,
10. loose, damaged, improperly operating bolts on the fixed side of double doors
11. interior door is used as exterior door,
12. door not painted/sealed on all sides,
13. unsupported threshold,
14. door does not remain open.

Typical Defects, Sliding Doors Typical defects that home inspectors should report include:

1. improper lock operation,
2. difficult operation (often caused by deteriorated or fouled lower track and worn rollers),
3. damaged door and glazing,
4. absent and damaged weather stripping,
5. water stains and water damage around door and under door,
6. compromised hermetic seal between glazing panes,
7. door loose in frame,
8. frame loose or not square in opening,
9. blocked drain holes in lower track (water leaks into house),
10. absent, damaged, improperly operating screen,
11. unsupported lower track,
12. deteriorated lower track, especially when in contact with stucco.

Typical Defects, Bulkhead Doors Typical defects that home inspectors should report include:

1. water leaks through and around door,
2. no method to drain water that leaks through or around door,
3. difficult operation,
4. damaged door,
5. rot, rust, deterioration,
6. improper installation (e.g., door frame is not intended for embedment in concrete, door frame is not intended for attachment to preservative treated lumber),
7. blocked drainage channel.

Standards (1) IRC 2018 R311 (for door and landing requirements), R308 (safety glazing), and R703.8 (flashing); (2) manufacturer’s instructions (for door installation and maintenance).