How To Stop Light From Coming Through Door

Light coming through a door also means that pests can get in and your cool or warm air can escape. A sliver of light under a door can be distracting and can indicate that there is likely some energy loss. Many homeowners struggle with how to stop light from coming through a door.

Weatherstripping and door draft stoppers are the best ways to stop from coming through the bottom of a door. V-strips and blackout curtains can also block the light from a door. Replace the striker plate if the light comes through the door frame and replace the door entirely if there is a large gap at the bottom.

It is worth the cost to replace a door if even weatherstripping can’t prevent energy loss. Light coming through a door is annoying, and the energy loss it implies is expensive. Follow along as we explore how to stop light from coming through a door.

You can stop light coming through a door if you block the bottom with weatherstripping or a draft stopper. There are several options to choose from depending on factors like climate and the door’s condition. For example, you wouldn’t want to install metal weatherstripping on a painted door in most cases.

Similarly, you wouldn’t want to install metal weatherstripping if you live in a humid climate. Pests can get through your door if light can, and that is a bad sign. It also indicates that air can easily flow in and out of your home which is wasteful for your HVAC system.

Luckily, you can block the bottom of a door without professional help or spending a fortune. Let’s take a look at the most effective ways to stop light from coming through a door.

Weatherstripping is the best way to stop light from coming through a door. You can place weatherstripping at the bottom of a door to prevent energy loss and block the light. Weatherstripping comes in several materials such as rubber, felt, foam, and even metal.

The right material for you depends on the climate where you live and your budget. Rubber and foam are the best options if you live in a humid climate because they can withstand moisture. You can typically add weatherstripping for less than $10 per door if you do it without professional help.

There is no need to hire a professional because it is easy to install weatherstripping. Most modern weatherstripping products are self-sticking which eliminates any tricky installation. Simply place the weatherstripping with the adhesive side facing the bottom of the door to block the light.

Door sweeps are among the most simple and common ways to block light. You simply attach a door sweep to the bottom of the door with an adhesive strip or screws. The door sweep should be on the exterior side of a door to create a seal and stop the light from coming through the door.

There are many types of door sweeps to choose from that vary as far as materials and function go. For example, flat door sweeps are the least noticeable because they are generally flush with the door door Door sweeps are a great way to stop the light and bugs from coming through the door whether they’re made of neoprene or felt.

Door draft stoppers equally block the light under your door and keep pests out. As the name suggests, they also stop outdoor air from entering the home. A door draft stopper can even help prevent energy loss from inside your home depending on the size of the door gap.

You simply attach a draft stopper to each side of the door to block the light. They typically slide into place so you don’t need to worry about a difficult installation with door draft stoppers. Door draft stoppers can also keep excess rainwater and moisture out of your home which can save a small fortune in damages.

You can use blackout curtains to stop light from through a door, but it comes at a cost. The main downside to blackout curtains is that they will stand out and are visible at all times. Not every homeowner wants to block light by hanging a large piece of fabric.

With that said, you can use the blackout curtain or sheet as a form of décor. Use the blackout curtain to contrast colorful decorations and lights around it to make it more visually appealing. Backout curtains are effective at blocking light if you don’t mind the visual, particularly in a bedroom or studio space.

V-strips are a type of weatherstripping that is as cheap as they are effective. You can expect to pay $10-$18 for v-strips on average, and they are worth every penny. They typically come in a pack of 5-10 strips and you simply stick them to the bottom of a door.

The best part about v-strips is that they are barely noticeable, especially when they’re made of rubber. Metal v-strips are durable but they stand out more than rubber and are susceptible to moisture damage. V-strips are a great way to stop light from coming through a door unless you have a large gap.

You can still likely block the light even if you have a large gap, but it won’t solve every problem. Large gaps demand more attention because of the threat of pests, water damage, and energy loss. A v-strip would block the light, but modifying or replacing the door altogether could solve the other problems.

You need to replace the striker plate if the light comes through the door frame. A door striker plate sits on the door jamb and will prevent your door from shutting tightly if isn’t installed properly. The last thing that you want is a striker plate that sticks out too far.

Your door won’t be able to shut tightly if the striker plate isn’t flushed with the door jamb. Replace the striker plate so that your door can seal properly when you shut it. You can still install weatherstripping or draft stoppers if light comes through the bottom as well.

Replace the door if the gap is too large and allows light and pests into your home. Fixes like weatherstripping and draft stoppers are only a temporary solution if you have a troublesome gap. You may be able to stop light from coming through, but you may still suffer energy loss if you don’t replace the door.

DIY-door replacement costs as little as $200 and all that you need to worry about is materials. Take accurate measurements to make sure you don’t have the same problem again with the door gap. You can still add weatherstripping to leave nothing to chance for the best results.

Hire a professional to replace the door if you have limited experience with that type of work. It can cost up to $500 or more to hire a professional depending on labor and materials. However, it is only necessary to replace a door if the light, pests, and drafts continue to enter your home.

Weatherstripping can last up to 5 years if it stays in good condition. Environmental factors such as temperature changes, rain, and humidity affect how long your weatherstripping will last. It can go bad in as little as 2-3 years due to extreme temperatures, excessive rain, and heavy foot traffic.

Inspect your weatherstripping to check for cracks and weak points that would warrant replacement. Replace the weatherstripping if is worn and there are holes no matter how old it is. Even new weatherstripping can suffer damage and you would need to replace it right away.

Remove the old weatherstripping by pulling it away from the door with a pry bar unless it is adhesive. Adhesive weatherstripping is typically much easier to remove by hand without damaging the door’s finish.