Project details
Skill
3 out of 5ModerateInstalling weather stripping is easy enough, but it takes skill and experience to rout a groove in the door bottom
Cost
$50 to $75, depending on door size
Estimated Time
1 to 2 hours
In this video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva enhances the energy efficiency of an old, drafty door.
Steps for Weatherproofing a Wood Door
- Tap out the hinge pins and remove the door from the opening.
- Pull the old weather stripping from the bottom of the door.
- Use a router to cut a groove in the bottom edge of door.
- Seal the bottom end of the door and the routed groove with tung oil.
- Insert mechanical weather stripping into the routed groove, then secure the weather stripping with screws.
- Set the door back into the opening and replace the door hinges.
- Open the door all the way and adjust the mechanical weather stripping by rotating its screw until the weather stripping forms a tight seal against the sill when the door is closed.
- Peel off the old weather stripping from around the sides and top of the door opening.
- Press new weather stripping into the groove cut in the head jamb.
- Use scissors to trim the upper ends of the side weather-stripping pieces.
- Press the new weather stripping into the grooves cut in the side jambs.
- Close the door and check for any gaps or air leaks.
Tools
Tools & Materials