A friend is considering custom replacements for a pair of super narrow and tall (26×108) out-swing patio doors that leak like sieves. Is thinking his neighborhood carpenter can make. I suggested that, while it may be true, door making/window making is a real science and he is better off re-trimming to fit some Andersen or similar out-swings with a transom on top, etc. Think it would give him a better result. Thoughts?
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Greetings p,
This post, in response to your question, will bump the thread through the 'recent discussion' listing again.
Perhaps it will catch someones attention that can help you with advice.
Cheers
'Nemo me impune lacesset'
No one will provoke me with impunity
You don't say if they are French doors or solid, I assume they are french doors.
I don't recommend big box retailer doors either. Better to go with a millwork company such as Marvin or Pella.
Even though the idea of custom is a neat one, the energy efficiency gain by buying factory made would be greater and your friend would have the backing of a manufacturer's warranty (assuming they buy a good product with a good warranty). Such amenities as double insulated glass, low-e glass, fiberglass layered exterior trim, inlaid gaskets and the rest are hard to impossible to duplicate by hand i would think.
Also, how could anyone compete costwise? I dunno. I'd recommend finding a contractor who has a good rep for finish work and hiring them to install a new set of doors. If they leak like crazy, your friend may also have rot under the threshold and into the subfloor. We just repaired a similar situation.
Improper installation or just plain age could be the culprit. Finding a carpenter to work out a suitable replacement and design would be the best bet.
Get a clad (vinyl or alum.) product. A wood door that is not clad will absorb moisture and will develop problems, unless it is in a location that allows it to never gets hit by rain.
Also, you need to get a product that comes with a warantee.
Lastly, you can't beat the 3-point locking system for weatherseal, avoiding warping and security.
Advocate
I chose Andersen for a home I built on the Canadian border. I was happy with the doors in every way. They had great insulating value, reliable weather stripping, and a very secure three-point latching system. The exterior finish was extremely weather resistant. I think all of those features would be hard to duplicate in a custom made door.