When light can be seen under your entry door you can be sure that outside air is entering or expensive heated or air conditioned air is escaping. Even an 1/8” gap is the equivalent of leaving a five-inch window open all the time. Installing a door sweep is a fairly easy task to take on that can stop the drafts and save on your utility bills.
Door sweeps are metal strips with an attached sweep or brush installed along the bottom of a door providing a contact seal that stops air infiltration when the door is closed. They are fairly easy to install with a few simple tools and are available at most hardware stores and home centers for $5 to $15.
Because doors are used so often, it’s important to choose a material that will resist wear
and tear, friction, weather and temperature changes. Door sweeps are made of several
materials including felt, sponge plastic or vinyl. Of these, the vinyl strip or gasket type
would be the best choice because it’s more durable and provides a tighter seal. They come in standard sizes and colors and can be painted.
If you can’t find a size that fits your door exactly, choose a door sweep wider than your
door so you can cut it to fit. Choose a sweep with slotted screw holes for attachment with
screws that can be adjusted over time as your door shifts or sags. Tools that you’ll need are a tape measure, power drill, snips, hacksaw, screwdriver and metal file.
Begin by using an old contractor rule: measure twice, cut once. Measure the width of your door. Cutting the door sweep too wide will only cause the door to bind when opened. Cutting too narrow will leave a gap. The sweep should be installed on the interior side of the door and be fitted so that the metal part just reaches the ends of the door with the flexible sweep part hanging slightly over. Use a hacksaw to cut the metal and a utility knife to cut the gasket. Pull the strip or gasket back a bit and use a metal file to smooth out any burrs that may snag carpets, clothing or cause an injury.
Close the door and position the door sweep to cover the gap underneath. Temporally attach it with a couple of strips of duct tape. Test open the door to see if the sweep will clear carpeting and not bind. Readjust if necessary. Draw a light pencil guideline just above the sweep. Mark holes in the slots. Remove the sweep and drill pilot holes in the door using an electric drill. Place the door sweep against the door and install the screws with a screwdriver. Once attached, test the door by opening it to insure that the door doesn’t bind, the strip isn’t too wide and clears any carpeting. Readjust if needed.
For an investment of only a few bucks and some elbow grease, you can reduce your heating and cooling bills by preventing air infiltration or escape. Once installed, you’ll notice the difference in how much warmer your home will be and a reduction in those costly utility bills.
