Door Weatherstrips and Sweeps

Before beginning to weatherstrip a door, it is important to make sure the door is operating properly - tighten the screws in the hinges, door knob and strike plate.

The gap at the bottom of the door is usually the door's biggest air leak. Install a sweep to seal the door to its threshold. A sweep is easy to install, but it hangs below the door and may drag on the floor covering if the threshold is not high enough. Periodically, we have to adjust the height of the threshold.

The two most common types of door weatherstrip mount to the stop - sealing to the face of the door to the stop. Jamb-mounted weatherstrip seals to the edge of the door. Weatherstrip that installs to the jamb is a little more difficult to install but last longer because the door stop protects it from abrasion. Weatherstrip that attaches to the stop is easier to install, but is more prone to damage and must be designed to accommodate a door's seasonal movement. Wooden doors move considerably as they absorb and shed moisture with weather changes. Make sure you choose a weatherstrip that is flexible enough to follow the door as it moves.

Bottom line: Spend more money on weatherstripping and sweeps - they'll last longer and protect better.

Next Topic: Programmable Thermostats