How to Insulate the Crease Around a Door
With the high cost of energy today, can't afford to lose heat and air conditioning through drafty windows and doors. You can insulate your windows and door in less an hour and save as much as $20 on your next energy bill. Self adhesive foam insulation is economical, easy to use and extremely effective at insulating your doors and windows. If you can use a pair of scissors you can insulate your home and start saving money on your energy bill today. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Ruler
- Cleaning cloth
- Cleaning solution
- Self adhesive weather stripping
- Door sweep
- Razor knife or scissors
Instructions
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1
Measure the facing on your door jamb. To find the facing, open the door and find the narrow strip of door jamb that faces you located just behind the mortise plate (the metal plate the door knob latch fits into). The weather stripping will be attached to the facing.
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2
Use a cleaning cloth and cleaning solution to wipe down the door jamb where the insulation will be applied. The door jamb collects grime as air passes through it. Remove all the grime to ensure a good seal with your adhesive insulation.
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3
Peel the backing off the first 2 inches of the adhesive insulation. Start at the bottom of the door jamb and stick the insulation to the facing. Roll the roll of insulation upward in a straight line, apply pressure to secure the insulation to the facing and peel off the backing as you go.
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4
Cut the insulation with a razor knife or scissors when you reach the top of the door jamb. Stick the insulation end in the top corner where you just made the cut to continue the insulation across the top of the door jamb. Cut the insulation when you reach the corner.
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5
Apply the insulation on the hinged side of the door. The insulation will be placed on the hinged side of the door jamb next to the facing, not on the hinged side of the door.
The insulation will face toward the inside of the door jamb, unlike the insulation on the facing that faces toward you.
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6
Cut the door sweep to the width of your door. Place the door sweep against the door so the bottom edge rests gently on the floor. Peel the backing off the door sweep and stick it to the door.
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Tips & Warnings
If your door is tight with little movement when you wiggle it back and forth, choose insulation that is not very thick. If there is looseness and rattle in your door, use a thicker insulation to ensure a tight fit. The door will fit tighter when the insulation is installed making it important to choose the appropriate thickness. Self adhesive insulation is an economical fix for drafty windows too.
If your adhesive insulation is too thick you will not be able to close the door. The correct size insulation will give your door resistance but allow you to close and latch it.
