How to Weatherize Your Front Door
A well-sealed door not only keeps bugs out but also helps make your home more comfortable and can lower your energy bills. Learn how to weatherize your front door in this video by The Home Depot:
You will need the following tools and materials:
- Drill and bit
- Screws
- Utility knife (optional)
- Pry bar (optional)
- Weather stripping
- Door sweep
- Wooden shims
- Sealant (optional)
1. Adjust the strike plates and latches. You may need to even out any gaps around the door by shimming the hinges. Eliminating gaps makes the door easier to weatherstrip.
2. Cut and attach weather stripping to the hinge side of the door frame. Be sure to open strips slightly for a tighter seal. For larger gaps that need to be double-sealed, cut strips to fit, then attach to the outside of the door as well. Adhesive V-Seal weatherstripping is folded lengthwise to create a tight seal.
3. Finally, consider installing a bristle sweep. This will help minimize air leaks, and it easily attaches without having to trim the door. Alternatively, you can opt for an integral sweep that screws onto the exterior side of the door. If planing the door bottom, seal the wood before attaching the sweep.
