Prevention of Water Penetration Through Exterior Door Systems.

Failure rates of exterior door systems are documented as they relate to water penetration in swing door systems. [1] Failure generally occurs because of improper accounting for pressure driven water in threshold and seal designs. Door bowing caused by wind pressure and thermal gradients can cause a severe loss of sealing efficiency by reducing the compression ratio on the weatherseal and by exposing cracks and joints in the frame/weatherseal interface. All of these elements can combine to cause door systems to fail in their responsibility in preventing water from penetrating into the interior of the building exterior envelope. This paper will detail the elements of proper door system design which is required for the prevention of water penetration. Issues to be presented are materials, components (seals, hardware and sills), design and testing.