Regretting My ReliaBilt Choice? Long-Term Durability Woes

That’s pretty much how I see it too. I swapped out my back door for a ReliaBilt last winter and yeah, the weatherstripping was laughable, but after replacing it and sealing the gaps, my energy bills actually dropped a bit. Not perfect, but for the price? Hard to complain.

I totally get where you're coming from. I put in a ReliaBilt door last spring and, honestly, the weatherstripping was almost a joke—mine looked like it was cut by someone in a hurry. Swapped it out for a better seal and added some spray foam in the frame gaps. My heating bill dipped a bit, too, which was a nice surprise. The door itself feels solid enough for now, but I do wonder how it'll hold up after a couple more winters. For the price, though, I guess you can’t expect perfection... just gotta be ready to do a little extra work.

I had a similar experience with a budget door—let’s just say the first winter was a drafty adventure. Ended up layering on extra weatherstripping and caulk, which helped. Funny how a little DIY can squeeze a few more bucks out of your heating bill. Still, I keep an eye on those corners every season... cheap doors always seem to find new ways to let the cold in.

Funny, I’ve run into almost the exact same thing with a “value” door I put in our mudroom. First winter, I thought maybe I’d installed it a bit out of plumb, but nope—checked everything with a level. Still had cold air sneaking in around the frame and especially at the bottom corners. Out came the foam tape, then silicone caulk for the worst gaps. It helped, but I still get that chill if I stand too close when the wind’s up.

Did you notice if the sweep on yours compressed weirdly after a while? Mine got all wonky after just one season, and I had to replace it with a better aftermarket one. Also curious—have you ever tried those door corner seals? Picked up a pack last fall and they actually made a difference for once.

I keep wondering if it’s just the insulation value of these cheaper doors or if it’s more about how they flex over time. Either way, I’m learning that “budget” usually means “annual maintenance required.”

I’m right there with you—first year in our place and the “bargain” front door is already giving me headaches. I thought I was being careful during install, too. The sweep on mine started curling up at the edges after just a few months, and I could actually see daylight if I crouched down. Swapped it for a thicker one from the hardware store and it helped a bit, but yeah, those bottom corners are still drafty when the wind kicks up. Haven’t tried the corner seals yet, but I’m tempted now. Honestly, starting to think these cheaper doors just don’t hold their shape as well over time, especially once winter hits.

That sounds pretty familiar... I ended up fighting drafts all last winter with ours. The sweep kept peeling up, and those little gaps at the corners just let the cold air pour in. Tried the stick-on corner seals—honestly, they helped more than I expected, but it’s still not perfect. I think you’re right about these budget doors flexing more over time, especially once they go through a few freeze-thaw cycles. Might try weatherstripping tape next, but I’m not optimistic it’ll solve everything.

Yeah, I’m in the same boat with these doors. Mine’s only been through one winter and already seeing gaps I can’t seal up no matter what I try. Weatherstripping tape helped a bit, but honestly, I feel like the frame just keeps shifting. Not sure it’s worth fighting with it every year… might regret going cheap here.

- Same here—my ReliaBilt door started acting up after just one cold season.
- Noticed the frame seems to flex a little too much when temps swing. Makes me wonder if it’s just the wood swelling/shrinking, or if these cheaper frames just aren’t up for it.
- Weatherstripping helped for a bit, but then the gaps moved to the hinge side. Kinda chasing my tail with it.
- Tried adjusting the hinges and even shimming the frame, but it’s like the whole thing wants to twist back after a few weeks.
- I get going budget-friendly, but I’m starting to think paying more up front for a solid frame would’ve saved me some headaches.

Curious if your subfloor or sill is shifting at all? My house is 70s-era, so nothing’s ever square, but this door’s given me more trouble than any of the old ones.

- Thought about adding a storm door to help with drafts, but not sure if it’ll just mask the problem.
- Kinda wish I’d gone fiberglass or steel instead—maybe less movement? Or maybe just better luck with install.

Not sure if these things are all lemons or if it’s just what you get for the price. Either way, I’m with you—starting to feel like an annual project I didn’t sign up for...

Yeah, I’m seeing the same thing with mine—frame flexes a lot more than I expected. I think it’s mostly the cheaper wood reacting to moisture and temp swings. Tried shimming and tightening hinges, but it just doesn’t hold. Honestly, if you’re dealing with a shifting sill or subfloor too, these budget doors just can’t compensate. Steel or fiberglass seems way more stable in the long run, but yeah, install matters too. Storm door might help with drafts, but won’t fix the core frame issue.

- Agree about install—seen a few “cheap” frames hold up okay when the opening’s rock solid, but if you’ve got subfloor movement, it’s tough.
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“Tried shimming and tightening hinges, but it just doesn’t hold.”