Introduction :
Do you feel cold air or see daylight coming in from under your exterior doors Adding a door bottom sealing strip is an easy way to seal those gaps and increase your home’s energy efficiency.
Keep reading to learn all about door bottom seals – what they are, how they work, what to look for when shopping, and how to install them.
What is a Door Bottom Sealing Strip ?
A door bottom seal, also called a door sweep or door shoe, is a strip that attaches to the bottom of a door to cover the gap between the door and the threshold or floor.
It acts as a barrier to prevent air, noise, light, insects, and moisture from coming into a room.
Benefits of Door Bottom Seals :
Reduce energy loss from conditioned air escaping
Improve energy efficiency
Cut utility bills
Block dirt, leaves, and pests from getting in
Provide noise reduction
Stoplight visible under door gap
Different Types of Door Bottom Seals :
There are a few different types of door sweeps and seals to choose from :
Door Shoes :
Door shoes are vinyl or brush strips that slide onto the bottom of a door. They are easy to self-install and work for covering gaps up to 3/4″.
Adjustable Sweeps :
Adjustable door sweeps can telescope to the perfect size to seal any door gap. They tighten with screws and typically have a brush or vinyl flap seal.
Automatic Door Bottoms :
Automatic door bottoms rise when the door is closed to seal the gap. When the door opens, they automatically drop back down. Helpful for rooms with thicker carpets.
Material Choices :
Door bottom seals come in a variety of materials:
Vinyl : Flexible and economical choice
Brush : Softer option, conforms to uneven floors
Rubber : Stronger, more durable option
Silicone : Maintains flexibility and compression over time
How to Measure for a Door Bottom Seal :
Getting accurate measurements is crucial for getting a good fit with your door seal :
You’ll Need :
Tape measure
Threshold depth
Pencil and paper
Follow These Steps :
Open the door to 90 degrees
Measure door width in 3 spots (top, middle, bottom)
Measure the height of the door in 3 spots (left, middle, right)
Measure the depth of the threshold at a door opening
Select a seal based on the thickest measurement
Additional Considerations :
Do this test to check for light or airflow under the door :
Darken the room, turn on lights in an adjacent room
See if light shows under the door gap
Feel along the door gap for airflow
Pay special attention to the door knob and hinge locations
For outward opening doors, allow clearance under the door for sweep attachment.
How to Install a Door Bottom Seal
Installing door seals is usually simple. Follow manufacturer instructions. Here are the general steps:
Materials Needed :
– Door sweep
– Tape measure
– Pencil
– Drill
– Screws
– Screwdriver
Installation Steps :
1. Measure and mark holes
2. Hold sweep in place
3. Drill pilot holes if needed
4. Attach sweep starting with the center screw
5. Insert remaining screws
6. Check for smooth operation
Most sweeps attach with just screws or adhesive backing. Adjustable seals may have additional pieces to assemble.
Maintaining Your Door Bottom Seal :
Avoid forcing the door when the sweep is compressed to prevent damage. Check occasionally that screws remain tightened. Replace worn sweep material as needed.
Adding a door bottom seal is an easy upgrade that can make a big difference in energy efficiency and home comfort.
Review the options and measure carefully before ordering your door seal. Take your time installing it and ensure it adequately seals any gap under doors.
In this article, you learned about :
– Benefits of door bottom seals
– Types of door seals
– How to measure for correct sizing
– Considerations for outward opening doors
– Steps for installation
– Maintenance tips