When it comes to interior design, architecture, or your next home improvement project, it’s hard to beat a set of folding doors. They’ll give your home the appearance of having more space, let tons of natural sunlight in, and effectively create a glass wall, allowing you to see more of your backyard or patio.

However, one of the most common concerns that first-time buyers have regarding folding door systems is whether or not they’re waterproof. If you live in a region that’s prone to heavy rainfall, snow, or flooding, then it’s important to have a set of doors that’s well-sealed against the elements.

Thankfully, most folding door systems are designed to be 100% waterproof. This is achieved by using weather seals, weather-proof thresholds, and drain outlets.

Below, we’ll explain how each of these weather-proofing methods works so that you have a better understanding of how weather-proof folding doors protect your home from the outside elements!

How Waterproof Are Folding Doors?

If you’re going to be paying several thousand dollars for a high-quality set of doors, then you’ll want to make sure that they’re able to stand up against the weather. Obviously, hurricane-proof folding doors have superior water resistance; however, standard folding door systems should also feature moderate weather-proofing as well.

Most hurricane-proof and weather-proof folding door systems are designed to provide superior protection against heavy rainfall and flooding. Folding doors are commonly installed in tropical regions such as South Florida, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, and the Caribbean islands, where flooding and moisture are a part of everyday life.

How Are Folding Doors Waterproofed?

Here are the most common methods that manufacturers use to water-proof their folding door systems.

Weather Seals

Weather seals are long strips of rubber and polymer that line the edges of the door panels. They’re designed to repel incoming water from either flooding, rain, or direct water pressure (such as an annual pressure washing treatment). Hurricane-proof folding doors typically contain extra layers of weather seal or extra-thick weather seal to withstand greater water pressure.

Stain (Wood Doors)

If you have wood folding doors, the wood itself may be a weak point, as water can be absorbed into the wood. This is why all wood folding doors should either be factory-stained or stained prior to installation. The stain not only protects the wood from harmful UV rays but prevents moisture from seeping through the wood fibers.

Raised Threshold

The most common way to make a folding door system weather-proof is to install a raised threshold. “Flush” thresholds are popular for their sleek, low-profile appearance, however, they provide little to no water resistance. A raised threshold typically features a 1 to 2-inch lip that prevents any puddles or standing water from seeping underneath the door panels.

Drain Outlets

Another common waterproofing solution is to install a drain outlet or a french drain in front of the folding doors. If there’s ever flooding or a severe rainstorm, then this drain will contain or carry the water away, so that it doesn’t seep under your doors and into your home.

Final Tips

Most folding door systems are designed to be weather-proof from the factory and are designed specifically for the environment that they’re being installed in. However, if you’re doors aren’t as waterproof as you may want, then your best bet is to install a drain outlet system in front of the door. You can also add extra layers of weather stripping to prevent water from getting in between door panels.