Short Answer
Yes. Installation and surrounding flashing are critical.
Detailed Explanation
A perfectly manufactured, high-quality door can still leak if it's improperly installed or if the flashing around the door opening is inadequate. The most common installation problems include: missing or improper sill pan flashing, reverse-lapped flashing that directs water into rather than away from the opening, missing head flashing that allows water from above to enter behind the door, and improper integration with the weather-resistive barrier. A door that leaks after installation usually has an installation or flashing problem, not a product defect. This is why the quality of the installer — not just the quality of the door — is critical for long-term performance.
Why It Matters
Blaming a door product for an installation problem leads to repeated door replacements without solving the leak. Proper diagnosis identifies whether the problem is the door or the installation.
Common Mistakes
- ✕Assuming a new door won't leak
- ✕Not verifying flashing installation
- ✕Replacing a door that's leaking due to flashing, not the door itself