How to Seal Doors

Drafty doors can cost you hundreds of dollars each year in bills, because your home's heater and air conditioning have to work harder to regulate the air temperature within your home. Sealing your own doors is the best way to save energy and this job can be completed in just an afternoon.

Things You'll Need

• Tension-seal, self-adhesive weather-stripping
• Door-sweep
• Utility knife
• Measuring tape
• Gentle detergent soap
• Bucket of water
• Soap
• Screws
• Screwdriver

Instructions

1. Mix a small amount of gentle detergent soap into a bucket of water. With the door open, use a sponge to clean the top, bottom, and side of the door.

2. Measure the top, bottom, and length (side) of the door. Write this measurement down.

3. Cut the self-adhesive tension-seal weatherstripping to the measurements of the top and side of the door.

4. Peel back the adhesive strip of the piece that belongs at the top of the door, and carefully apply it to the top of the door. Close and open the door to make sure the fit is not too snug.

5. Peel back the adhesive strip of the piece that belongs along the side of the door, and apply. Close and open the door to make sure the fit is okay. If it's not, use your utility knife to trim the excess.

6. Cut the door-sweep to fit the measurement of the bottom of your door, if necessary.

7. Close the door and screw the door-sweep onto your door. Now three sides of your door are sealed.

Resources

• How to Install Weatherstripping
• How to Apply Weatherstripping