Door & Window Issues
Door and window problems are often caused by normal settling and seasonal changes. Many issues can be resolved with simple adjustments.
Diagnose Your Door or Window Problem
Identify Your Issue
Door Won't Close or Latch Properly
Common Causes:
- Seasonal expansion/contraction of wood
- House settling affecting frame alignment
- Loose hinges
- Strike plate misalignment
- Humidity causing wood to swell
Try This First:
- Check hinge screws - tighten if loose
- Look at gap around door - is it even on all sides?
- Check strike plate alignment - you may see wear marks showing where latch hits
- For sticking in humid weather, wait for drier conditions to see if it resolves
- Check for debris in the track (sliding doors)
Is It Covered?
| Issue | Covered | Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Door won't latch due to installation | Yes | 1 year | Will adjust to operate properly |
| Warped door allowing visible light through | Yes | 1 year | If warping is significant |
| Seasonal sticking | No | — | Normal expansion/contraction |
| Door finish/paint | No | — | Excluded; staining is homeowner choice |
Note: Some sticking or loosening with seasons is normal. Doors that work fine most of the year but stick in very humid or dry conditions are experiencing normal wood movement.
Detailed Info: Doors & Locks
Drafty Doors or Windows
Common Causes:
- Weatherstripping worn or compressed
- Window/door not fully closed and latched
- Normal air infiltration around frames
- Settlement affecting fit
Try This First:
- Ensure window is fully closed AND locked/latched (latching pulls window tight)
- Check weatherstripping for visible gaps, tears, or compression
- Feel where draft is coming from - around frame or through glass?
- For doors, check threshold and door sweep at bottom
Is It Covered?
| Issue | Covered | Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excessive air infiltration from installation defect | Yes | 1 year | Workmanship defect |
| Normal air movement around frames | No | — | Some infiltration expected |
| Weatherstripping wear | No | — | Maintenance item |
| Window won't latch properly | Yes | 1 year | Will adjust/repair |
Detailed Info: Windows | Doors & Locks
Window Won't Open, Close, or Lock
Common Causes:
- Paint seal (new home)
- Debris in track
- Lock mechanism issue
- Seasonal swelling
- Balance or spring issue (single/double-hung windows)
Try This First:
- For painted-shut windows, carefully score paint line with utility knife
- Clean window tracks of debris
- Lubricate track with silicone spray (not WD-40)
- Check that lock isn't engaged when trying to open
- For double-hung windows, check balance mechanisms on sides
Is It Covered?
| Issue | Covered | Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Window doesn't operate properly | Yes | 1 year | Installation/hardware defects |
| Hardware failure | Varies | — | May be manufacturer warranty |
| Damaged screens | Yes | At closing only | Must be noted on orientation form |
| Broken glass | Varies | — | If defect, not if damaged |
Detailed Info: Windows
Condensation on Windows
Note: This is not a window defect. See Water Issues - Condensation for full details.
Quick Summary:
- Condensation forms when humid indoor air contacts cool glass
- Reduce indoor humidity (exhaust fans, ventilation)
- New homes have more moisture in materials initially
- Not covered under warranty - result of conditions, not defect
Detailed Info: Condensation
Garage Door Issues
Common Causes:
- Photo-eye sensors misaligned
- Track obstruction
- Limit switch needs adjustment
- Opener programming
- Spring or cable issue
Safety
Garage door springs are under extreme tension. Never attempt to adjust or repair springs yourself - this is dangerous and should only be done by professionals.
Try This First:
- Check photo-eye sensors at bottom of door (small boxes on each side)
- Clean lenses
- Ensure they're aligned (usually have indicator lights)
- Remove any obstructions
- Check for debris in tracks
- Ensure manual lock isn't engaged
- Try reprogramming remote (see opener manual)
- Check that emergency release cord hasn't been pulled
Is It Covered?
| Issue | Covered | Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Installation defects | Yes | 1 year | Doors should operate properly |
| Opener component failure | No | — | Manufacturer warranty |
| Adjustments needed | Yes | 1 year | Will adjust for proper operation |
| Springs, cables | Yes | 1 year | If installation defect |
Annual Maintenance:
- Lubricate hinges, rollers, and tracks
- Test safety reverse function (place 2x4 under door - should reverse when contacting it)
- Visually inspect springs and cables for wear
- Test manual release operation
Detailed Info: Garage Door
Shower Door Issues
Common Causes:
- Rollers out of adjustment
- Debris in track
- Frame misalignment
- Worn seals
Try This First:
- Clean track and rollers
- Check if door is properly seated on track
- For leaking, ensure door is positioned inside tub/shower (not outside)
- Check seals for damage
Is It Covered?
| Issue | Covered | Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Door doesn't operate properly | Yes | 1 year | Installation defects |
| Leaking (if properly installed) | Varies | — | May be usage issue |
| Damaged glass | Varies | At closing | Must be noted on orientation form |
Detailed Info: Shower Doors
Lock Problems
Common Causes:
- Misalignment from settling
- Lock mechanism wear
- Key issues
- Strike plate misalignment
Try This First:
- Try lubricating lock with graphite (not oil-based lubricant)
- Check strike plate alignment
- For deadbolts, ensure door is fully closed before engaging
- Try alternate key if you have one
Is It Covered?
| Issue | Covered | Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lock doesn't operate properly | Yes | 1 year | Installation defects |
| Lock hardware failure | No | — | Manufacturer warranty |
| Broken key in lock | No | — | Not a defect |
Detailed Info: Doors & Locks
Seasonal Expectations
Summer (Humid):
- Wood doors may swell and stick
- Windows may be tighter
Winter (Dry):
- Wood doors may shrink, causing gaps
- Windows may feel looser
- More drafts may be noticeable
This is normal. Most issues that appear in one season will improve in another.
When to Request Service
Contact Classic Homes if:
- Door/window doesn't function after troubleshooting
- Excessive light visible around closed exterior door
- Hardware is broken or defective
- Significant misalignment (not seasonal)
Have Ready:
- Which door/window is affected
- Specific problem (won't open, won't latch, drafty, etc.)
- When you first noticed the issue
- What you've tried