I have yet to run across any new construction that have All Six Sides Sealed (Painted) as is required by most manufacturers, or warranty is void. I am calling this out because I have found a few warped doors when performing 11 month warranty inspections. Frankly I have yet to find any new construction where the painters have followed the instructions and painted the tops of the doors (and most likely the bottoms). This is true for exterior and interior doors. I figure that the contractor is only going to be liable for the first year but if my client has a problem after that with warped doors, the door manufacture is going to point to their labeling specifically calling out that their warranty is void.
When I call these out on new construction, I specifically include a photo of the top of the door because I’m sure the contractor is going to pooh-pooh it away. (From today’s inspection)
We always painted the doors before they were hung back in the day. Most common methods of doing this do not include painting the top and bottom of the door.
I used to point that out, but every builder around here, tells their buyer that will warranty that door and paint job. I used to ask, “Where’s that in writing/” The buyers still bought the house.
In all my years of inspecting and construction, I have yet to see a door that unambiguously and defensibly in court delaminated or failed because it was not painted on the top (or bottom), so the warranty is probably unenforceable whether from the door manufacturer or from the builder.
Not just back in the day.
It is currently the norm here today, unless they are prefinished.
(Typically only see the ‘White’ come prefinished).
Also, we have finished basements here, so we have room to work, especially in Winter!
All the trim/millwork is painted first, and are installed as the build progresses. The doors are not actually hung until near the finish. Most everything comes together in the last month or so… after 6-9 months of building (on average).
Larry, You’re The Best!
I have been reporting to inspection attenies, while laughing, most of the time I have yet to see interior doors, ie: hinged bedroom or closet doors, not exit doors or manufactured folding doors, completely painted on all (6) sides. Even homes over 100 years old without the top rail being primed/sealed and painted. Amazing.
With cheap hollow bathroom doors, as well as doors in close poximity to the bathroom, the top rail warps due to exsess humidity.
Thanks for the post.
Ensuring that all six sides of the doors are sealed and painted is essential for warranty validity, and the presence of warped doors during inspections raises concerns. Your dedication to including photographic evidence in your reports and highlighting this issue is commendable, as it contributes to improved construction practices and ensures clients get the quality they deserve in their new homes.
This is why they require painting all six sides now. I had to cut two doors down to fit in two rooms in a basement and the frames are now made with pressed cardboard. I ripped down some 2X2s and installed those along the side and bottom I had to cut.
I could see that pressed cardboard delaminating quickly after some hot showers, if not painted.
Currin the bottom of hollow doors was pretty common when I was in residential building. Cut more than 3/4" and your in the void.
You need to save that piece you took out and peel the door skin off and re-insert in the door, glued and clamp. You should not have to rip anything from scratch.
This mostly happened in renovations. Did not have to do this on commercial projects.
