Door and window weatherstripping kits
Stepladder
Measuring tape
Screwdrivers
Cordless drill/driver with bits
Backsaw, as needed
Hacksaw, as needed
Pry bar (for removing old threshold)
Hammer
Caulk and caulking gun, as needed
The bottom edge of a door is one big air leak and one of the hardest to seal. Weatherstripping kits offer rigid strips of aluminum, vinyl, or wood with a flexible seal that can be mounted to just the door, the threshold, or both. Oversized screw slots allow the sweep to be adjusted up or down to provide the proper contact. Don’t economize when you buy door bottom weatherstripping, because it needs to be durable and stay flexible for years or you’ve wasted your money. Use a spring-type weatherstripping inside doorjambs or a compressible gasket on the stops. Seal door bottoms with thresholds and sweeps. (Fig. 1)
1.
Create a Head Strip
Measure and cut spring-metal or vinyl weatherstripping to create a head strip that fits across the top of the door opening between the door stops. Drive the tacks in only part way with the head strip up against the closed door. (Fig. 2)
2.
Place the Side Strips
Measure the doorjamb from the head strip to the floor. Cut side strips to match and attach to both sides of the jamb, driving the tacks in only part way. Adjust the positioning of the head and side strips with a piece of paper. When the paper barely slides along the opening, the strips are correctly positioned and you can finish nailing them in place. Do the sides strips first, the head strip last. (Fig. 3)
3.
Cut to Fit
To install the door sweep and threshold, use a hacksaw or backsaw if necessary to cut both to fit exactly between the door stops. Remove the old threshold if necessary using a pry bar or saw. If sawing is necessary, protect the floor with a piece of plywood or heavy cardboard. (Fig. 4)
4.
Install Threshold
If installing a new threshold, refer to the manufacturer's instructions included. If the threshold has a flexible arch insert, set it into a bead of caulk before you drive the screws in place. The screw holes are often hidden by a weatherstripping insert that you’ll have to pry up and then reinstall. Seal the outer edge of the threshold with a bead of caulk (Fig. 5)
5.
Install Door Sweep
With the sweep cut to fit between the door stops, place it on the inside bottom edge of the door so that it contacts the threshold when the door is shut. Screw the sweep to the door with a drill/driver or screwdriver, but don’t tighten them all the way. Adjust the sweep so that the door closes snugly but easily before tightening the screws completely. (Fig. 6)
