Why Daylight Is More Than a Cosmetic Issue

Most homeowners first notice the problem because they can actually see light coming through the door. Unfortunately, that visible light usually means outside air is entering the home as well.

Those gaps can lead to cold drafts during winter, higher heating and cooling costs, water intrusion during heavy rain, insects entering beneath or around the door, and increased outside noise. They can also reduce the overall security of the entry if the door isn't closing and latching properly.

Midwest Weather Accelerates Wear

In the Quad Cities, entry doors are exposed to freezing winters, humid summers, driving rain, high winds, and constant seasonal temperature swings. Over time, those conditions cause homes and building materials to naturally expand, contract, and settle.

That's why adjustable thresholds, quality weatherstripping, and a properly installed frame are so important. A well-built entry door system is designed to accommodate normal movement while continuing to provide a weather-tight seal throughout the year.

What Does FGIA (Formerly AAMA) Say?

The Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA), formerly the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), develops industry performance standards for exterior door systems, including air leakage, structural performance, water penetration resistance, and durability. Those performance levels depend on the complete entry door system being installed and adjusted correctly.

Proper shimming, fastening, insulation, flashing, weatherstripping, and threshold adjustment all contribute to maintaining a tight seal. Even a premium entry door cannot perform as designed if the installation leaves gaps around the opening.

Repair or Replace?

Sometimes the solution is surprisingly simple. An adjustable threshold may need to be raised slightly, hinges tightened, or weatherstripping replaced. In other cases, the frame may be out of square, the slab may be warped, or years of exposure have simply worn the system beyond practical repair.

An experienced contractor can determine whether a repair will restore performance or whether replacing the entire entry door system will provide the better long-term investment.

First Impressions Matter Too

Your front door is one of the first things guests—and potential homebuyers—notice. A door that shows visible daylight, doesn't close properly, or has uneven gaps can affect not only comfort but also the appearance of your home. A properly fitted entry door creates clean sightlines, operates smoothly, and reinforces the quality of the entire exterior.

Trusted Entry Door Experts Since 1985

Since 1985, Suburban Construction has completed more than 40,000 exterior remodeling projects throughout Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois. President JR Girskis and Vice President Darin Wilson have decades of experience diagnosing entry door problems, from simple threshold adjustments to complete Therma-Tru® door replacements.

Their team evaluates the entire entry system—including the frame, threshold, weatherstripping, hardware, and installation quality—to identify the true cause of the problem instead of simply treating the symptoms.