Tips and Techniques for Door Weather Stripping

Winter winds can push unwanted air into your home unless you use door weatherstripping to trap it and prevent the air from getting inside. This is an easy home project that will help save money on your heating and cooling. Here are some tips and techniques for putting indoor weatherstripping.

An Everyday Flashlight Can Help

One simple method to see if you need to install new door weatherstripping in your house is to use a regular flashlight. Just turn off your lights and have a friend go on one side of the doorway and close the door. Then put the beam of light from the flashlight around the edges of the door. If your friend can see light, then it’s time to go buy more weatherstripping.

Try a One-Dollar Bill to Check for Leaks

Another way to check to see if you need weatherstripping is to take a one-dollar bill and push it through the crack where the door and door jamb meet. If the one-dollar bill goes into the crack quickly with no problems, then it’s time to head to the hardware store for more door weatherstripping.

Try a Wet Hand to Check for Leaks

Another cheap and easy tip for figuring out if you need new weatherstripping is to simply get your hand wet and use it to check the area around the doorway. If you feel excess moisture on your hand while doing this and your hand feels cold air, you know you need new door weatherstripping.

Understanding Types of Weather Stripping

There are several types of weatherstripping, from foam or felt to rubber and metal. You must determine which one is best for your situation. You can also mix and match the materials if more than one works better on the job you are doing.

Different Ways to Install It

There are also several ways to put down door weatherstripping. Depending on the type of materials, you can nail, screw or even glue it down. Be sure to use the proper technique for the material your weatherstripping is composed of.

Clean Areas

Areas, where your door weatherstripping is applied, have to be completely clean. They also need to be entirely dry. If they aren't the stripping won’t lie down properly and you won’t get the benefits it is supposed to give to prevent drafts from getting into your home.

Measurements are Vital

All measurements for putting down weather stripping have to be correct. If not, you will not only waste a lot of money buying more material than you need, you won’t get the benefits of preventing drafts if you short yourself and don’t put down the right size.

Door Weather Stripping has to be Properly Sealed

Make sure you have a good seal between the door and the door jam. You might want to use a combination of seals, such as felt and metal, for more durability and a stronger seal. If you don’t put in a proper seal, the whole project is worthless and won’t keep out excess air.