How To Weatherstrip A Double Entry Door

Weatherstripping is used to reduce the door and window drafts that change the temperature of your home from what you would like it to be. It also helps with energy-saving and reducing the cost of your heating and AC use.

If you notice drafts coming through your double entry door, make sure to install weatherstripping around the entire door. On the top and outside edge of the doors, foam weatherstripping can be mounted to the door stops. Open and close your doors to make sure that the gaps have been covered.

Close the gap between two doors with insulated molding. Nail it to one of the doors so it overlaps the other door. This will stop any air from coming through as the gap is now blocked.

While you are at it, check all your doors and windows for gaps. This is a quick and easy way to lower utility costs and weatherproof your home.

Weatherstripping is a great way to save money in the winter and summer months. During the freezing winters, the cold air from outside will try to find its way into your house. Using any crack and gap that it can, it will suck the heat out of your warm home. In the summer, when you are trying to make your home a comfortable reprieve from the heat, gaps between doors will allow that cool air to escape.

Because of this, your bills will be higher than they need to be, as you battle the elements. Blocking off all gaps and cracks in your windows and doors is a time-proven way to up the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems. There are many types of different weather stripping that you can use, depending on the circumstance.

Door sweeps are attached to the bottom of your door and when you open and close your door, act in a sweeping manner, hence the name. They are made of vinyl, rubber, or stainless steel with a strip of rubber or sponge brush at the bottom. Usually applied using a sticker adhesive, you can also get ones that are nailed or screwed to the bottom of your door. These are better if the door gets a lot of use, as you won’t have to worry about it coming off over time.

With door sweeps, you will have to cut them to fit the width of your door. Some go on the interior of the door, some on the exterior, so check the manufacturer’s instructions for where to install. The downside to sweeps is that if you have carpet, they may drag and cause the door to not open or close as freely.

Installing weather stripping may seem like a complex project involving many moving parts, thanks to all the perks it offers. But it’s really not. It’s a simple, straightforward process that will only take minutes of your time. All you are doing is sealing the gaps in the parts of your house that swing, slide, or lift. These are where the air transference will be occurring and any homeowner can tackle this project themselves.

The best places to install weatherstripping is:

Related Questions

How do I Open A Door That Is Painted Shut?

Use a utility knife to cut through the thick areas of paint that is around the door. This will create a clean line and allow you to open and close the door.

Should a Sweep Touch the Floor?

When installing a door sweep, it should only lightly brush the top of the floor. If it is too low, then the friction caused by it rubbing against the floor will make the door harder to open. It will also put unnecessary strain on the door sweep and if it was adhered with an adhesive, could cause it to pop off.

Do Door Swell In Winter or Summer?

Doors will usually stick in the summer, due to the relative humidity. As the moisture builds, it expands the wood and can make the doors too tight in their frames. In the winter, the humidity is lower because cold air cannot hold moisture as well.