Installed a Jeld-Wen exterior door about 8 months ago, and I'm already noticing the weatherstripping is starting to peel and crack. Pretty disappointing, you know, considering the price. Anyone else had this happen? Any quick fixes or am I stuck replacing it already?
Hmm, that's frustrating for sure, but honestly, weatherstripping issues aren't always about brand quality. I've seen similar problems pop up even with higher-end doors if they're exposed to harsh sun or temperature swings. Have you checked if there's direct sunlight hitting it most of the day? Sometimes adding a little shade or UV protection film can extend its lifespan significantly. Might be worth exploring before dropping cash on replacements already...
Good point about the sunlight—my neighbor had a similar issue with his patio door seal, and it turned out the afternoon sun was baking it every day. He ended up installing one of those retractable awnings, and it seemed to help quite a bit. Have you noticed if your door faces south or west by any chance? That might make a difference in how quickly the seal wears out...
Yeah, sunlight can definitely speed up wear and tear on door seals, especially if they're facing west or south. I've seen this happen a lot with clients' homes—those afternoon rays are no joke. Retractable awnings are a solid workaround, but I've also had good luck recommending reflective window films or even just planting some strategic landscaping to block the harshest sun.
Funny enough, I had a client whose seal kept failing every couple of years. Turned out his dog was pawing at the door every afternoon when the mail carrier showed up—poor seal didn't stand a chance, sunlight or not. You might wanna double-check if there's anything else adding to the wear, just in case.
Either way, sounds like you're on the right track figuring this out. Door seals can be touchy, but once you pinpoint the issue, they're usually pretty easy to manage.
I've seen this happen a lot with clients' homes—those afternoon rays are no joke. Retractable awnings are a solid workaround, but I've also had good luck recommending reflective window films or e...
The sunlight issue mentioned above is spot-on—UV exposure is a common culprit for early weatherstripping deterioration. I've also noticed that factory-installed seals from Jeld-Wen can sometimes be a bit hit or miss, quality-wise. If you're looking for a quick fix, swapping out the original seal with a higher-quality silicone or EPDM rubber strip usually does the trick. It's straightforward enough to DIY and tends to hold up better long-term.
Had the same issue with my Jeld-Wen door after just a year... pretty disappointing tbh. Ended up swapping for EPDM rubber strips like you mentioned, and it's held up way better. Guess factory seals aren't always built for the long haul, huh?
Yeah, factory seals can be pretty hit or miss sometimes. Had a similar experience with a different brand a couple years back—seal started cracking and peeling way sooner than expected. Switched to EPDM strips too, and honestly, it's been night and day. Glad you found something that works better for you. It's always a bit frustrating when you invest in something that's supposed to last, only to have it fail prematurely. But hey, at least now you've got a solid fix in place, and your door's probably sealing better than ever. Plus, EPDM tends to hold up nicely against weather extremes, so you're probably set for a good while now. Good call on making the swap.