GARAGE DOOR STANDARDS

The surface of hardboard used on garage doors is ideal for field applied coatings, since hardboard does not have any knots, grain raise, or other defects that typically shorten the coatings life. Hardboard used on garage doors is made from wood. As such, it must be properly coated initially and maintained if satisfactory performance is to be achieved from the hardboard door as well as the field applied coating.

If the homeowner does his own painting and staining, for the warranty to be effective, paint must be applied to inside and outside surfaces and on all edges, immediately after installation. An inherent characteristic of flush doors is the possibility of bowing (either inward or outward). This is not considered a defect. Proper painting of the door, plus the use of paint other than a dark color, will minimize this possibility. (Dark paint does not deflect the heat of the sun as well as lighter paints do.)

Common Defects or Problems:

  1. Bottom of overhead door does not fit to the floor.
  2. Garage doors allow entrance of snow or water
  3. Door does not fit tightly at the sides and top
  4. Garage doors fail to operate under normal use.
  5. Garage doors sag.
  6. Split in door panel.


1. Common Defect or Problem – Bottom of overhead door does not fit to the floor.

Performance Standard – Door weather-stripping should fit flush to the floor.

Builder Repair Responsibility – Builder to scribe the bottom of the door to conform to the level of the concrete so Weather-stripping on bottom of door affects a seal.

Craig’s Comments: None

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2. Common Defect or Problem – Garage doors allow entrance of snow or water.

Performance Standard – Garage doors shall be installed as recommended by the manufacturer. Some entrance of the elements can be expected under severe weather conditions, if the door is not weatherstripped.

Builder Repair Responsibility – Builder will adjust or correct garage doors to meet manufacturers recommendations. If weatherstripped, door must seal out the elements.

Craig’s Comments: None

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3. Common Defect or Problem – Door does not fit tightly at the sides and top.

Performance Standard A. If it is an unweatherstripped door, there may be some small gaps. B. If the door is weather-stripped, the door should fit tight

Builder Repair Responsibility A. If the door is unweather-stripped; the builder has no repair responsibility. B. If the door is weather-stripped; the builder is to repair.

Craig’s Comments: None

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4. Common Defect or Problem – Garage doors fail to operate under normal use.

Performance Standard – Garage doors shall operate properly.

Builder Repair Responsibility – Builder will correct or adjust garage doors as required, except where the cause is determined to result from homeowner abuse or negligence.

Craig’s Comments: None

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5. Common Defect or Problem – Garage doors sag.

Performance Standard – Due to the excessive weight of a panel door, some sagging may occur.

Builder Repair Responsibility – None, as long as it is within manufacturer’s tolerance.

Craig’s Comments: None

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6. Common Defect or Problem – Split in door panel.

Performance Standard – Split panels shall not allow light to be visible through the door.

Builder Repair Responsibility – Builder will, if light is visible, fill split and match paint or stain as closely as possible if they did painting originally. This will be done only one time in the warranty period, preferably at the end of the first year.

Craig’s Comments: None

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