If you notice drafts when you walk by your entry doors, you may need to replace your weatherstripping. Sealing the gaps around your wood door is a simple way to make yourself more comfortable and make your home more energy efficient. Learn how to block drafts, lower your energy bills, and keep moisture and pests out in our step-by-step guide below.
Understanding Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping helps to keep your home energy efficient by closing the gaps around doors and windows. This keeps warm air in during the winter and cool air in during the summer. Weatherstripping is especially important for wood doors, which can expand and contract with changing temperatures.
Pro Tip: Tom Silva, This Old House general contractor, compares the importance of a good door seal to that of a refrigerator: “Just like a refrigerator door needs a good seal to keep cold air in, exterior doors need a good seal to keep cold air out.” He notes that a door’s weather seals, if it has any at all, can rip, compress, bend, or wear out over time, leaving chilly winter air free to enter or expensive air-conditioned air to escape.
Types of Weatherstripping
There are several types of weatherstripping that are available for wood doors, including those below.
- Adhesive-backed foam tape: Easy to apply and good for sealing small gaps
- Door sweeps: Block drafts at the bottom of a door
- Mechanical weatherstripping: Durable and effective seals that are ideal for door bottoms
- V-strip weatherstripping: Provides a flexible seal for the sides and top of doors
Each type of weatherproofing is suited for a different part of the door, and some are more durable than others. Consider your door’s specific needs while you decide which type is right for your weatherproofing project.
Benefits of Weatherstripping
Adding weatherstripping to your wood door can help you to cut energy costs by eliminating drafts and stabilizing indoor temperatures. Weatherstripping also makes your living space quieter and protects your home from moisture, which can lead to mold and wood damage. It can also block insects and other pests from entering your home.
For doors with worn-out seals, Tom Silva of This Old House recommends kerf-mount weatherstripping as a reliable replacement. As he explained in This Old House Magazine: “A wood door needs something more flexible” than magnetic weatherstripping. He suggests vinyl-covered foam flap products such as Q-lon, which have a barbed edge that fits into the existing slots in your door jambs, providing a tight, lasting seal without extensive modifications.
Preparing for Installation
Gather the tools and materials below before you start weatherstripping your door:
- Hammer
- Metal plate (for mechanical weatherstripping)
- Paintbrush (3-inch)
- Router with a straight bit
- Scissors
- Screwdriver
- Tung oil
- Weatherstripping kit
Removing the Door
You should remove the door from its hinges before you apply weatherstripping. Start by taking out the hinge pins. Start from the bottom and work your way up. Once you’ve removed the pins, carefully lift the door out of its frame. Position it on a stable work surface, such as sawhorses, to prepare it for the weatherstripping process.
Installing Bottom Weatherstripping
Drafts usually sneak in through the bottom of the door. Here’s how to seal that section with mechanical weatherstripping:
- Use a router to cut a dado into the bottom of the door. Make multiple passes, and gradually increase the depth to avoid any damage.
- Seal the bottom with tung oil to protect it from moisture.
- Insert the mechanical weatherstripping into the groove and secure it with the screws provided.
Proper sealing and installation will create a durable barrier that keeps the elements outside.
Installing Side and Top Weatherstripping
Next, weatherstrip the sides and top of the door frame. Remove any old weatherstripping that’s worn out. Peel off adhesive strips or pull out any material from the kerf in the frame. Cut the new weatherstripping to size, and press it into the kerf along the sides and top. Make sure it’s snug.
Technique Detail: When pressing new weatherstripping into the kerf, be careful not to stretch it as you work along the slot — it will return to its original length and leave gaps. As described in This Old House Magazine, one reliable method is to cut the strip to length first, fit its ends into both ends of the slot, then push in the barb at the halfway point. Continue pushing at each quarter point, and so on, until the entire strip is secure. It’s not necessary to miter the ends where they meet at the head jamb; a butt joint seals best. To finish, drive the weatherstripping fully into its slot with a spline roller.
Adjusting and Finishing
Follow the steps below to adjust the bottom weatherstripping:
- Open the door fully so that you can reach the adjustment screw.
- Turn the screw to extend or retract the weatherstripping.
- Make sure the door closes with a tight seal and doesn’t require excessive force.
Install a strike plate where the weatherstripping meets the frame. This will protect the wood and keep everything in place.
Maintenance and Care
Properly care for your weatherstripping by inspecting it every year and making sure it’s in good condition. This will help you to maintain your home’s energy efficiency.
- Check for wear: Look for signs of wear, tears, or compression.
- Secure attachment: Make sure you’ve securely fastened all parts.
- Look for moisture signs: Look for any indications of moisture damage or mold.
Clean the weatherstripping with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris. Replace any worn-out weatherstripping to maintain the seal and keep energy costs down.
