How To Fix A Front Door Seal

A front door seal can be repaired, and it is a simple DIY fix. The seal might have pulled away from the door frame, leaving gaps that let in air, water, and noise. The first step is to identify where the seal is joined, which is usually under the plastic sill at the bottom of the door frame. Pry or unscrew the sill, and cut the seal at the seam. Then, add an extra piece of door seal, which can be sourced from a junkyard, another car, or bought new. Cut the extra piece to fit the gap, and push or hammer it into place. Finally, snap the sill cover back on.

Removing the old seal

To remove the old bottom seal from your door, you will first need to take the door off its hinges. To do this, tap the underside of the hinge pins with a nail or small punch to push them up. Then, grab hold of the pins with a pair of pliers and pull them out of the door hinges. With the hinge pins removed, gently pull the door away from the hinges.

Now that the door is removed, you can start to detach the old seal. This can be done by simply pulling the seal away from the door. However, you may need to use a putty knife or a screwdriver to help dislodge it. If the seal is a kerf seal, it should come away easily as it affixes to the underside of the door with a fin (spline) inserted into a carved-out slot. However, if there are nails or staples present, you will need to pry them away and remove them.

It is a good idea to keep the old seal as it will come in handy as a template for measuring the new seal.

Measuring and cutting the new seal

To measure and cut your new front door seal, you'll first need to remove the old seal. Then, you can use the old seal as a template to cut your new seal to size.

Removing the Old Seal

Before you can take any measurements, you'll need to remove the old seal from your door. If your seal is a kerf seal, it should come away easily. You may, however, need to use a putty knife or a screwdriver to help dislodge it. If there are any nails or staples, you'll need to pry them away and remove them.

As long as the old seal was properly fitted to the door, you can use it as a guide to cut the new one. If your door is narrower than the standard 36-inch length of the new seal, you'll need to cut it down.

First, cut about an inch off one end of the new seal using heavy-duty scissors. Leave a little space between your cut and where the splines (the fins on the top side of the seal that will hold it onto the underside of the door) start.

Next, line up the cut end of the new piece with one end of the old piece. Make a small snip in the new piece with your scissors to mark the spot where you'll need to cut it. Then, cut across the new piece of weatherstripping with your heavy-duty scissors where you've marked it.

Finally, trim back the splines a bit. You don't want them to come all the way to the end of the seal because the kerf cuts don't come all the way to the edge of the door. To trim the splines, make one horizontal cut and one vertical cut.

Now you have a new seal that's the correct size!

Reinstalling the door

Once you have completed the necessary repairs and replacements, you can start the process of reinstalling the door. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

First, you will need to line up the hinges. Start with the bottom hinge, followed by the middle and top hinges. Insert the middle pin into the hinge to hold it in place while you insert the other pins. Then, gently hammer the pins down.

Putting the Door Back on its Hinges

Place the door back on its hinges by lining up the hinges. Make sure the door is level and aligned correctly.

Securing the Door

With the door in place, you can now secure it by inserting the hinge pins. Gently tap the pins into place with a hammer until they are fully inserted.

Final Adjustments

Check that the door is functioning properly by opening and closing it a few times. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure the door is hanging straight and swinging smoothly.

Reattach any Additional Hardware

If you removed the door handle, lock, or any other hardware, now is the time to put them back in place. Reattach all the components and test the door again to ensure everything is functioning as it should.

By following these steps, you will have successfully reinstalled your front door, and your door seal repair will be complete.

Checking the condition of the threshold

First, let's understand what a door threshold is. A door threshold is the bottom part of a door frame that you step over when entering or exiting your house. It is usually made of wood, metal, or other materials and covers the gap between the door frame and the floor. Exterior door thresholds are particularly important as they create a seal to prevent water, drafts, and pests from entering your home.

Now, let's get into the steps for checking the condition of the threshold:

• Inspect the threshold for any visible damage: Look for any signs of wear and tear, such as scratches, cracks, or rotting wood. Pay close attention to the areas where the threshold meets the door frame and the floor, as these are common places for damage.
• Check for proper sealing: Ensure that the threshold is creating a tight seal with the door frame and the floor. Look for any gaps or spaces that could allow water, drafts, or pests to enter. You can use a flashlight to carefully inspect the edges of the threshold.
• Test for drafts: On a windy day, feel for any drafts coming through the threshold. You can also try the "smoke test" by holding a lit incense stick or a smoke pen near the threshold and observing if the smoke stream is disturbed, indicating air movement.
• Inspect for water damage: Look for any signs of water stains, discolouration, or warping on the threshold. This could indicate that water is seeping through and causing damage. Pay close attention to the area where the threshold meets the door frame and the floor.
• Check the condition of the weatherstripping: The weatherstripping or rubber seal around the threshold is crucial for keeping out the elements. Ensure that it is intact, flexible, and securely attached. Look for any tears, cracks, or areas where it may be pulling away from the threshold.
• Measure the threshold: Use a measuring tape to check the width, length, and thickness of the threshold. Compare these measurements to the standard door threshold sizes to ensure your threshold is within the appropriate range. This will help you determine if adjustments or replacements are needed.
• Evaluate the material condition: Depending on the material of your threshold, assess its condition accordingly. For wooden thresholds, check for rot, insect damage, or warping. For metal thresholds, look for rust, corrosion, or dents. Vinyl and uPVC thresholds may become brittle or cracked over time.
• Compare with a new threshold: If you have access to a new threshold of the same type, compare it to the existing one. This will help you identify any significant differences or areas of concern.

Remember, a well-maintained threshold is crucial for the overall performance of your front door. By regularly checking its condition, you can ensure that your door remains sealed, energy-efficient, and protected from the elements. If you notice any issues or extensive damage during your inspection, consider repairing or replacing the threshold to maintain the functionality and aesthetics of your front door.

Types of bottom door seals

Door bottoms, also known as door sweeps, are a simple and cost-effective way to improve draft protection in your home. They are attached to the bottom of a door to create a physical barrier, usually made of rubber, to prevent cold air from seeping through the gap between the door bottom and the floor.

There are five basic types of door bottoms:

• Slide-on door bottoms: These are the easiest to install. Simply slide off the old sweep and slide on the new one. They typically fit into a kerf cut in the bottom of the door.
• Snap-in door bottoms: Snap-in door bottoms come in different designs and heights. They lock into a single or double kerf cut in the bottom of the door.
• Wrap-around or "L-Type" door bottoms: These are screwed into the inside surface of the door. They fit different door thicknesses and can be adjusted for a proper fit.
• Staple-on door bottoms: These require removing the hinge pins from the door and laying the door on its edge. The staple-on sweep is then positioned and stapled into place.
• Nail or staple-on door sweeps: Wood doors typically use this type of door sweep, which is installed by nailing or stapling it onto the bottom of the door.

In addition to the basic types, there are various materials and designs for bottom door seals:

• V Strip: Also known as tension seal, it is a durable, self-stick plastic or metal strip folded into a 'V' shape that springs open to bridge gaps.
• Felt: Felt is an inexpensive option sold in rolls, either plain or reinforced with a metal strip. It is ideal for areas with less traffic as it may only last a year or two.
• Reinforced Foam: Made from open- or closed-cell foam, or ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber with a sticky back. It comes in various widths and thicknesses, making it versatile for odd-shaped cracks.
• Cellular Rubber, Vinyl, or Silicone: Typically made of a narrow sponge of rubber or vinyl tubing attached to a mounting strip. Silicone types are inserted into milled grooves at the base of doors.
• Door Sweeps: Flat pieces of plastic, aluminum, or stainless steel attached to a strip of nylon, plastic, or vinyl to fill the gap between the door and the threshold.

Frequently asked questions