Door weather stripping guide: From start to finish

Keeping your home protected from outside elements like air, water, and snow leaks can be easy with door weatherstripping. This simple solution not only helps you regulate indoor heating and cooling but also allows you to lower your energy bill. It’s a great addition to your home’s maintenance with low-cost materials and straightforward installation.

The benefits of weather stripping doors

Checking your door weather stripping is a good year-round habit to protect your home from extreme climate conditions. That doesn’t mean you need to replace weather stripping every year, but monitoring its condition can prevent problems before it’s too late.

Door drafts can significantly cause heat loss in a home by as much as 25%. Weatherstripping — especially front door weather stripping — is an energy-efficient way to minimize hot or freezing air leaks, unwanted rain or snow, and even as a barrier to bugs or pests.

How to apply weather stripping to doors

Figuring out how to weather strip a door will depend on many factors, such as materials, budget, and your home’s specific conditions. Carve out time to focus on selecting materials, setting up, and installing. You can expect the full process to take up at least an hour.

What you’ll need to install weather stripping

To prepare your door, make sure you have these materials ready:

• Tape measure 

• Pencil

• Cleaning cloth and solution

• Sandpaper

• Screwdriver

• Scissors

• Nails or heavy-duty staples

• Hammer

Step 1: Inspect door hinges 

Tighten any loose hinges that might cause drafts — even loose doorknobs can affect your indoor temperature if left unaddressed. This step for front door weather stripping is doubly important as this is the most used entryway of the home and is most prone to coming loose. 

If your screws don’t tighten all the way, you can always use wood plugs before reinforcing tighter screws.

Step 2: Measure your door jamb

Using your measuring tape and pencil, take note of three key measurements:

• The gap between the door and door jamb - to determine the thickness of weather stripping you need.

• The top of the frame’s width and height, with the door closed. This helps you identify how much weather stripping you may need.

Add a buffer of at least 10% in your measurements for safety.

Step 3: Select weather stripping that works for you

There are different types of weather stripping to choose from, such as tape, metal, and rubber. You’ll be able to find a variety of weather stripping for doors at your local hardware stores.

You’ll likely use varying materials for different parts of your door. For instance, door jambs and door sweeps will need different kinds of strips for a more efficient seal. Adjust your weather stripping to fit your door jamb. Consider durability and requirements for installation when choosing weather stripping.

Step 4: Clean the door and jamb 

Weather strips for doors are best applied to clean, dry surfaces. Before installing anything, wipe the door with soapy water and a clean rag. Scrub sandpaper over areas with the residue to work with a seamless surface. 

Step 5: Customize weather stripping for your door

Mark weather stripping with a pencil accordingly and cut based on your door’s measurements, accounting for the top and sides. Check if the initial cuts fit the desired areas properly. It’s always better to trim off excess than to cut too short.

Step 6: Stick, tack, or affix weather stripping and door sweep

Depending on the type of weather stripping you’ve chosen, secure the areas carefully, applying enough pressure where necessary. If you’re working with adhesives, you can strengthen the installation with staples or nails. 

Lastly, fasten your door sweep at the base of the door. Pre-drilling holes make it easier to apply with a screwdriver later on. 

When to replace door weather stripping

The best time to make the switch is when the weather is dry enough to allow for easier application. When you’re ready to replace door weather stripping, you’ll need several materials to remove damaged door insulation and prepare it for fresh new seal.

What you’ll need to remove the weather stripping

Materials will depend significantly on the type of weather stripping you have

• Screwdriver

• Pliers

• Cleaning rags

Step 1: Remove old weather stripping

Different types of weather stripping will require a variety of removal methods. The easiest to take off would be adhesives, as they can be peeled from the door frame. If your stripping has been fastened with screws and nail tacks, you’ll need to remove them with the necessary materials. 

Step 2: Clean the door frame

Working with a clean surface is the best way to start the installation. Clean as you remove old stripping to ensure that unwanted residue doesn’t stick too long to the door jambs. 

Step 3: Install your new weather stripping

Select new weather stripping for the refresh. Don’t hesitate to try other materials if you’re keen on testing to see what might work best in protecting your home. 

Insulate your home with weather stripping

Protecting your home from the outside elements is manageable as a DIY task, especially for front door weather stripping. Its low-cost and usually easy application makes it a great way to ensure you’re saving energy and your electric bills.

However, sometimes installing the weather stripping yourself can be tricky, like dealing with heavy damage or complex installations that need tools you may not have. Luckily, you can always find weather stripping installers near you for your home maintenance needs.