How to Insulate a Basement Door
Basement doors are often used as a walk-out to a patio, or a utility door. Any door located in a basement needs to be properly insulated to keep air from leaking into the house. A basement door can be solid metal, or a sliding glass door. Either type of door can be insulated to prevent air from leaking into the basement. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Spray foam
- Caulk
- Sealant
- Styrofoam insulation
- Tape measure
- Utility knife
- Tube adhesive
- Weatherstripping
- Tin snips
- Hammer
- Finishing nails
Instructions
-
-
1
Use spray foam insulation to fill in gaps around the door frame and the wall. Insert the nozzle on the tip of the can. Spray the foam in the gaps and make sure to leave room for the foam to expand.
-
2
Use caulk or sealant to seal gaps around the door frame. Use a utility knife to cut the tip of the tube and insert it into the caulk gun. Puncture the tube's seal with a nail. Press the trigger to force pressure from the push plate and run a bead around the the edge of the door frame.
-
-
3
Install Styrofoam insulation around the door. Measure the dimensions of the door's opening. Cut the Styrofoam insulation to fit with a hacksaw blade. Affix the insulation to the wall using contractor's or tube adhesive.
-
4
Apply weatherstripping to the door to create a seal. Measure the length of the strips and cut them to size with a pair of tin snips. Open the door and use a hammer and finishing nails to secure the weatherstripping to the door frame's backstop.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Visit the U.S. Department of Energy's website for more weatherstripping ideas (see Resources). Weatherstripping comes in foam, felt and spring metal.
Wear eye protection, such as goggles or glasses, when cutting metal weatherstripping.
