Easy Ways to Weatherproof Exterior Doors

Weatherproofing your exterior doors is an often overlooked part of home maintenance that pays for itself in comfort and energy savings. Drafty or improperly sealed doors allow cold air in during winter and let cool air escape in summer, leaving you with increased utility bills. The good news is that sealing those leaks does not require professional experience or a huge budget. With a few basic tools and material upgrades, you can quickly improve your home's insulation and security. Read on for a guide on keeping your entryways tight and energy efficient.

Project Snapshot

This project involves assessing your exterior doors for existing leaks, worn weatherstripping, and gaps. You will then remove any old seals and install new weatherstripping or door sweeps as needed. The goal is to ensure there are no unintended air gaps, helping your heating and cooling systems work more efficiently throughout the year.

Tools and Materials

You will need a tape measure, utility knife or scissors, screwdriver, hammer, pry bar (if needed), caulk gun with exterior-grade caulk, replacement weatherstripping or door sweeps, and cleaning supplies like rags or alcohol wipes to prep the surfaces. Other handy items include a putty knife for old adhesive removal and an all-purpose cleaner.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Begin by inspecting your door for visible gaps around the sides or bottom and feeling for drafts with your hand or a candle while the door is closed. Remove any old weatherstripping or worn door sweeps using a screwdriver or pry bar if required, making sure to clear off any old adhesive or debris so new materials stick well. Clean the surfaces thoroughly to allow the adhesive backing on new weatherstripping to bond securely. Measure each side and cut the new weatherstripping or sweep to length before installing, pressing firmly into place and using finishing nails or screws as recommended by the product instructions. Finish by running your hand around the doorframe to make sure all gaps are sealed and applying caulk to fill any small cracks where light or air still gets in.

From the Toolbox

A Handydads technician once helped a homeowner who was convinced their HVAC system was failing because their living room was always cold. After a brief inspection, our handyman discovered wide gaps at the bottom of the front door and recommended weatherstripping. After proper installation, the home felt warmer and the client's energy bills noticeably dropped. Sometimes, the fix is simpler and more affordable than homeowners think.

Top 5 Mistakes

Failing to thoroughly clean and dry the surfaces before adding new seals results in poor adhesion and eventual peeling. Overlooking small gaps along the doorframe can leave persistent drafts. Using the wrong type of weatherstripping, such as interior products for exterior doors, may not provide adequate protection from moisture and temperature swings. Cutting weatherstripping too short or stretching it too tightly can cause premature wear. Finally, skipping regular inspection of seals means issues may return unnoticed until energy bills rise again.

Tool and Material Recommendations

For most exterior doors, flexible vinyl or silicone weatherstripping provides durable, effective sealing. A heavy-duty door sweep with adjustable height is best for uneven thresholds. Use a high-quality exterior-grade caulk for filling immovable cracks. Brands like M-D Building Products and Frost King offer reliable products. Invest in a sturdy utility knife for cutting, and keep a small pry bar for removing stubborn old sweeps.

Quick Tips and Hacks

Apply new weatherstripping on a dry day so adhesive sets correctly. Use a simple dollar bill test to check for remaining leaks: close the door on a bill and see if it slides out easily, signaling a poor seal. Paint or finish the edges of wooden doors before sealing to prevent wood rot. Periodically check and replace seals every few years for maximum efficiency. For bottom sweeps, ensure the door opens and closes freely after installation.

Need a Hand?

If you want a professionally sealed home and lower energy bills, contact Handydads today. Our expert team can weatherproof your exterior doors for lasting comfort and savings.