Weatherizing A Door

Help Around the House : Episode ARH-139 -- More Projects »

Light coming in around the perimeter of a door is a sure sign that it's time to add some weather stripping. (click to enlarge)

Home repair expert Henry Harrison shows how to eliminate drafts from around a door by adding weather stripping along the sides and a door sweep to the bottom of the door. This not only gets rid of annoying drafts, but also saves on utility bills. On his elbow grease scale of one to four, Harrison gives this project a two.

Tools:

all-purpose glue
power drill
snips
hacksaw
tape measure
screwdriver
safety glasses
weather stripping
door sweep

Figure A (click to enlarge)

Figure B (click to enlarge)

Directions:

1. Test-fit the door sweep along the bottom of the door on the inside surface. Trim away excess so the door does not bind when opened (figure A). Apply a dab of glue to the cut edge of the sweep for a more finished look.

2. Drill pilot holes and mount the sweep with screws. Hand-tighten the screws.

3. Open the door and measure along the doorjamb for the weather stripping. Cut pieces to fit with a hacksaw. Follow with snips for a more even cut.

4. Place a piece of weather stripping in the doorway, drill pilot holes for screws then attach using a manual screwdriver (figure B). Continue until weather stripping is installed on all three sides.

Also in this Episode

Help Around the House : Episode ARH-139
•	Weatherizing A Door
•	Realign Cabinet Doors
•	Fireplace Hearth Makeover
•	Toolbox: Screwdrivers

Remodeling

Weatherizing A Door

Tools

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