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- #SHOULD A STORM DOOR SWEEP BE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE INSTALL#
- #SHOULD A STORM DOOR SWEEP BE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE PLUS#
How do I stop rain from coming under my door? For doors, most pros and DIYers find that gaskets and sweeps work best. Weatherstripping can also be a barrier to bugsįAQ About Door Weatherstripping What is the best weatherstripping for doors?Īt any home improvement center, you’ll find a number of types of weatherstripping, including tapes, v-strips or v-seals, gaskets, and sweeps.Weatherstripping can help prevent rain from being driven under your door and into your home.Weatherstripping a door helps prevent hot and cold air from escaping or coming in your house, offering considerable savings on energy bills-as much as 20 percent.Photo: The Many Benefits of Door Weatherstripping Though it’s a simple project, weatherstripping really is one of the most effective ways to stop drafts and the discomfort they cause. That’s a small time commitment to ensure that you remain comfortable through the winter, without spending a fortune on to keep the house warm. Position the sweep so that it seals tightly against the threshold.įrom start to finish, the door weatherstripping process should take no longer than an hour. Because these screws tend to be small and not self-tapping, it’s best to predrill holes for them by means of an electric drill/driver. Attach the right-size sweep to the door using the screws provided. When the door opens, the rubber flexes so as not to be an impediment, and when the door closes, the rubber provides a strong air seal.ĭoor sweeps come in standard sizes, but if you cannot find one whose width matches that of your door, you can use a hacksaw to cut the sweep down to size. The most common type of door sweep consists of a metal band from which a strip of rubber juts down ( view example on Amazon).
#SHOULD A STORM DOOR SWEEP BE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE INSTALL#
To complete the job, install a sweep along the bottom of the door. Either will help keep the weatherstripping in place over time. Even if your weatherstripping has adhesive, you may wish to reinforce the installation with heavy-duty staples or small tacking nails. If the product features an adhesive back, peel it away and press it into place around the perimeter of the door jamb, not the door itself. Photo: STEP 7: Tack, snap, or adhere the weatherstripping to the door. If any of your strips are too short, however, you’ll want to check your measurements and cut a new piece. If they’re a bit too long, that’s ok you can trim the excess after the stripping is in place. STEP 6: If required, adjust the cut.īefore you begin to permanently apply the new weatherstripping, hold each of your pieces up to the doorframe to confirm you’ve cut the lengths properly. With your chosen weatherstripping at the ready, proceed to cut three pieces-one for the top, and two for the sides. STEP 5: Cut your weatherstripping into segments and check the cut.
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Unlike the other options, it often must be nailed into place. Rubber insulates well, but it can be somewhat challenging to install. Though foam wears better than felt, neither boasts the durability of rubber, the most expensive option. Marginally more expensive is easy-install foam weatherstripping ( view example on Amazon). Felt weatherstripping ( view example on Amazon) offers the benefits of being cheap and very easy to cut and install, but because it’s not very durable, it’s rarely used on doors. Weatherstripping comes in a variety of materials. Photo: STEP 4: Choose the correct weatherstripping.
#SHOULD A STORM DOOR SWEEP BE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE PLUS#
Plan to buy enough weatherstripping to run across the width and height of the door, plus about 10 percent extra (just in case). These measurements might differ.) Second, how wide is the jamb? While the answer to the first question tells you how thick the weatherstripping you purchase can be, the second answer reveals how wide. First, how wide is the gap between the door and jamb? (Be sure to measure twice, once along the side, and again along the top. This ensures the door is tightly fitted and squarely hung, which will allow the newly installed weatherstripping to fit the gaps evenly and do its job properly. And then make sure the screws in the bottom hinge are secure, as well. If there’s some play, and the door moves upward, tighten the screws on the top hinge. Using the doorknob, lift the door upward. STEP 2: Tighten the door’s hinges.īefore you start cutting the weatherstripping, make sure the door hinges are tight. Because you’ll want door seal strips along both sides of the door, as well as across the top and bottom, be sure to carefully measure all those areas. Once you’ve got the doorway cleaned, proceed to do some measuring. If any grime remains after scrubbing with soapy water, consider using fine-grit sandpaper to eliminate residual buildup. STEP 1: Prepare the area and take measurements.įirst, clean the door and the jamb, removing as much dirt and debris as possible. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to and affiliated sites.
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