Do You Have Gaps Around Your Door? What About Gaps Under The Door or Door Bottom?
Your front door can boost your home’s curb appeal and make or break a first impression, but it’s also your home’s first line of defense against the elements. Have you noticed any of the following?
- Sunshine peeking around the edges of the door.
- Chilly drafts blowing through your entryway.
- Leaks during rainy weather.
- Difficulty closing or opening the door due to it getting stuck or jammed.
- Bugs and critters in your foyer who have no business being there!
The bad news: You have gaps in your front door.
The good news: You have several options for fixing these gaps and protecting your home!
Check out these DIY solutions for sealing the gaps in your front door!
Signs of alignment issues:
- The door catches or gets jammed when you try to open or close it
- More light shines through one side of the door than the other
- The gap across the top is uneven
Wear and tear on older doors can eventually cause your front door to sag, which means it falls out of alignment with the frame. You can fix this issue by tightening the hinges.
If tightening the hinges still doesn’t correct the gap around the top and sides of the front door, you can remove the screws and adjust the alignment. While you’re adjusting or shimming the hinges, replace the old screws with a slightly larger size to reinforce the hardware and prevent the door from shifting or sagging again.
Weatherstripping
Endura Low Wick PE650 Weatherstrip
Incorrectly installed or worn out weatherstripping can cause gaps in exterior doors which expose your home to drafts, leaks, and bugs. Keep the outdoors on the right side of the door by installing new weatherstripping.
There are several options for sealing gaps in your front door:
- Felt rolls
- Corner pads
- Sticky foam tape
- Tubular rubber, vinyl, or silicone
- Kerf Weatherstripping
If you already have an old weatherstripping system on your door, remove the weatherstripping and wash the door frame with rubbing alcohol to remove any remaining residue. Cleaning the door frame will help the new materials adhere properly and create a secure seal. Be sure to install it correctly and prevent future headaches and check out our six-step guide to easy weatherstripping.
Door Sweeps
Endura Kerfed Double Bulb Door Bottom
A gap between the bottom of the front door and the threshold is easily fixed with a door sweep! Door sweeps reinforce the seal between the bottom of the door and the door jamb, meaning you get extra protection from dirt, bugs, moisture, and wind.
By fixing the gaps in your front door, you can save money on utilities, keep the great outdoors from making its way indoors, and seal your front door from top to bottom.
Now that you know how to fix the gaps in your front door, you just need to shop for the right tools. Stay on top of the best product selections and DIY solutions for your home and sign up for our newsletter here!