How to Seal a Drafty Door

Sealing a door keeps away draft.

A draft in a home is always an annoying, distracting and unpleasant occurrence. Fortunately, the source of a draft is very easily detected, whether it is a door or a window. Once you have found a drafty door or window in your home, you may want to learn how to fix it. The only way to stop a draft is to seal the opening completely; the only difference is in the method, its price and appearance.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Weatherstripping
• Sweep
• Utility knife
• Tin snips
• Hand saw
• Power drill
• Flathead screwdriver

Instructions

1. Measure your door to see how much material you will need. Remember that a sweep comes at the bottom of the door and weatherstripping along the other three edges, so measure accordingly. Use these measurements to buy weatherstripping of your choice. Note that these strips and sweeps come in various shapes, sizes and materials. Weatherstripping can be made from metal, silicone, plastic, vinyl, felt and foam. It is similar for the sweep; the only difference is that this part will always be moving so it needs to be firmly attached and highly functional. Choose only quality materials when you buy weatherstripping and the sweep.

2. Cut the weatherstripping and the sweep to the right dimensions, using a utility knife, tin snips or a fine hand saw, depending what material you chose. Double check the measurements before cutting. Also, pay attention and make a perfectly straight cut, especially for the sweep, since this part will be very visible. If you chose vinyl or plastic stripping, use fine sandpaper to smooth the edge.

3. Prepare the door for installing the weatherstripping and the sweep. Clean all the edges with multipurpose cleaner, warm water and a scrub sponge. Be very thorough, since adhesive from the strips can’t stick to a greasy or dirty surface. Allow the door to dry before you proceed.

4. Install the weatherstrippin around the three sides/edges of your door. Depending on the product you chose, you will either have to peel off a backing strip and then stick it on or use fasteners such as staples. Follow the instruction on the package of the particular weatherstripping you chose. Start from the bottom, peel off one end and slowly work your way to the top of the door, sticking the strip as you go. Make sure that the strip is perfectly vertical and that there are no wrinkles. Remember to press the weatherstripping onto the edge of the door really hard, to make it adhere better.

5. Close the under door gap with a sweep. Place the sweep to check if you cut it to the right dimension. Then mark the places for the mounting holes on the door.

6. Drill small holes for the mounting screws using a power drill. Use a small drill bit, one size smaller than the mounting screws from the sweep installation kit. Make sure to hold the drill properly and perfectly straight.

7. Install the screws to firmly attach the sweep to the door bottom. Use a small flathead screwdriver to tighten the screws firmly and securely.

8. Open and close the door to check if there are any distractions and if the weatherstripping and the sweep are properly installed. The door should open and close in an easy and smooth manner, just like before the sealing.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to seal the door completely, use a caulking gun to apply silicone caulking all around the door frame.

• Be extremely careful when using a hand saw to cut the weatherstripping and always use durable and tough protective gloves.

References

• Old House Web: Safe Drafts, Save Money
• This Old House: Hot to Make Your Doors Draft Free