Problem: Difficulty in operating a door or window.
Cause: Thermal bow.
In cooler climates, the temperature differential from the exterior to the interior face of an exterior metal door can cause the door to warp and in extreme cases, to pop open in the winter. While some bowing is inevitable, it should not interfere with the weather tightness or operation oft he door as shown in Figure 26.
Figure 26 - Thermal Bow In Exterior Door
Solutions:
- Attach a spacer to the door jamb at the lock position to allow for some bowing.
- Use in-the-jamb weather stripping.
- Install storm doors or windows in winter to reduce temperature differentials.
- Dead bolts may provide greater resistance to doors popping open.