Help! French Door Leak - Possible Vent Installation Issue?

[Darren21]

Hoping someone can help with my leaking French doors (outward opening) before the next storm hits.

Woke up this morning to find a huge puddle in our kitchen after last night's storm. We've had ongoing issues with these doors leaking since moving in last year, but this is the worst it's been.

I'm pretty sure I've found the culprit (pics attached). There's what looks like a vent in the door which is set into the wall, and water seems to be coming from there. The other door has the same vent setup, but those don't leak at all.

Is the vent supposed to be in the wall? I can feel a draft coming through it. Would sealing it help stop the leak, or would that cause other problems? Any quick fixes I can do before the next storm?

Any advice would be much appreciated! Getting tired of mopping up puddles every time it rains.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

I'm pretty sure I've found the culprit (pics attached). There's what looks like a vent in the door which is set into the wall, and water seems to be coming from there.

What makes you sure? Have you seen rain entering through the vent and dripping onto the floor? It is not supposed to be in the wall and it is supposed to let a draught through.

 

[Darren21]

What makes you sure? Have you seen rain entering through the vent and dripping onto the floor? It is not supposed to be in the wall and it is supposed to let a draught through.

Yes, I could see the water dripping out of the vent onto the floor this morning - quite a substantial amount. If the vent is in the wall like the picture, can I assume it’s been installed incorrectly? The other door is similar but doesn’t leak.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Ok fair enough, I wonder if there's a leak in the wall and rain is finding it's way in that way, that's the vent in the closed position presumably, it does look very close to the plasterboard, though that's not something you would expect top be an issue, have you got some better photos of the vent inside and out? What's the wall construction?

 

[catlad]

Put some waterproof tape over it.

 

[Darren21]

Ok fair enough, I wonder if there's a leak in the wall and rain is finding it's way in that way, that's the vent in the closed position presumably, it does look very close to the plasterboard, though that's not something you would expect top be an issue, have you got some better photos of the vent inside and out? What's the wall construction?

Thanks Freddie. The top of the door itself is bone dry. I could see some cracks in the wall just above the door. I’ve added some quick drying mortar there for now but don’t know if that’s the main issue.

I’ve attached a picture of outside but it doesn’t show much as the outside part of the vent in pretty much open, inside the frame. I don’t see anywhere to change the open or close any vents (possibly due to it being close to wall?)

The wall itself around the door feels very hollow but some areas are also brick. Based on what the past owners said, the doors were only added in 2021.

 

[Darren21]

Put some waterproof tape over it.

Can give that a try now to waterproof for later