Measuring tape
Backsaw or other saw, as needed
Safety goggles
Door sweep or other sill weatherstripping
Pencil
Screwdriver
Screws
Weather-stripping an entry door used to be a job for pros because interlocking metal channels had to be routed into the door and jamb and mated precisely for the door to close. Sealing up doors today is child's play by comparison, and the weatherstripping itself does a much better job of keeping the heat in and the cold out. (Fig. 1)
As long as the door itself is solid and there are no cracks in the wood panels, your main concern will be sealing up the narrow space around the door's outer edge. Jamb weatherstripping takes care of the space along the sides and top of the door. Sill weatherstripping seals the bottom to keep out cold drafts and water.
Types of sill weatherstripping include a U-shaped brass frame and an aluminum threshold with a vinyl sealer. Mount the U-shaped sealer with screws, adjusting to seal the space under the door (Fig. 2). On the aluminum threshold, install it and set the height of the vinyl sealer.
Simple door sweeps (Fig. 3) attach to the inside face of the door and hang down to make a seal with the sill. Sweeps and any other type of weather seal attached to the door may not work if you have a thick mat inside.
The following describes how to install a door sweep.
1.
Cut the Sweep to Size
On the inside bottom edge of the door, measure the length between the door stops (the strips on the sides of the door frame that stop the door when it closes). Cut the door sweep to this size using a backsaw.
2.
Determine Fastener Location
Place the door sweep along the inside bottom of the door. Using a pencil, mark where on the door you will drive the screws through the slotted holes on the sweep. The sweep should touch the threshold when the door is closed.
3.
Adjust the Fit
Screw the sweep to the door without tightening the screws all the way. Test the placement by closing the door; if the sweep keeps the door from swinging freely, then adjust its location. Tighten the screws.
