How to Fix a Slab Door That Leaks When it Rains

A slab door is a term used to describe the rectangular wood or metal fixture that sits inside a frame. Doors that come fully assembled with a frame are referred to as "pre-hung." Regardless of the type of door, once installed in the rough opening, it must be weatherized with stripping and caulk. Over the course of time, both the caulk and stripping will deteriorate, and leaks will appear inside on rainy days.

Utility knife
Screw gun
Tape measure
Weatherstripping
Tin snips
Screws
Silicone caulk
Caulk gun
Garden hose

Instructions

- 1
  Open the slab door and cut away the old weatherstripping with a utility knife to expose the installation track.
- 2
  Unfasten the track/strip with a screw gun and dispose of it, along with the old weatherstripping rubber.
- 3
  Measure the frame around the inside of the door where the old weatherstripping was installed.
- 4
  Transfer this measurement to a section of new weatherstripping, marking cut lines on the replacement stripping with a pencil.
- 5
  Cut the replacement stripping to fit the door frame with tin snips. Then fasten the new weatherstripping to the inside of the door frame with screws and the screw gun.
- 6
  Open and close the door to ensure it seals properly when closed.
- 7
  Apply a bead of silicone caulk along the outside of the door frame around the exterior with a caulk gun. Let it dry for 24 hours.
- 8
  Close the slab door and spray the outside of the door with a garden hose. Open the door and check for water leaks on the inside to ensure the caulk and weatherstripping have stopped the leaks.

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