Fixing The bottom seal on an exterior door

     Welcome, and thank you for checking out our blog!  If you find this information useful please check out the rest of our blog for more tips and be sure to check out our resources page at  https://expert-home-inspections.com/resources/

      At EHI we want to ensure you are able to keep your home well insulated and running efficiently. In our continuing series on small improvements to keep your home sealed up, we are going to walk you through repairing the bottom seal on an exterior door. These seals can wear out for a variety of reasons, from age and foot traffic, to an anxious dog who decided to dig at the seal and destroy it, as was the case of my own door in the example we are reviewing in this blog!

     These seals provide two important functions, especially in the summer. First, if you are running A/C, since cold air sinks, it can easily escape through the bottom of an unsealed door. Second, the bottom of a poorly sealed exterior door is a great place for bugs to enter your home (as they most assuredly begin to emerge during the warm weather).

This is an extremely easy DIY project and requires minimal tools. In fact, all that is truly needed is a pair of pliers and a good pair of scissors. However, if you can gather the below list of materials, the project will go even smoother.

Scissors

Pliers

Small nail or pick

Flat screwdriver

Cleaning rag

Mild spray cleaner

Step 1: Remove the old Weather Stripping

If you have a nail or pick this is where it can be useful. As my seal was torn up, I used the pick to pull at the seal until I could grab it with the pliers. As you will see in the photos, the seal is just wedged in a small channel along the bottom of the threshold.  With your hand or the pliers, simply pull on the seal until it completely comes free.

Step 2: Purchase new door seal

Take a piece of the door seal with you to the local building supply and locate the matching style and color. There are several different types available, so be sure to get one that matches what you have.

Step 3: Clean and Prep Threshold

Once you have the new seal, take some time to properly clean the threshold and track, where the seal will installed. A buildup of dirt and debris in this track can result in your seal not fitting properly, which could impede the door from closing. What’s more, if the dirt won’t allow the seal to seat properly, the seal itself will not work, defeating the purpose of the project!

Step 4: Cut the new weather-strip

Unroll the new seal and cut a piece about 2 inches longer than needed.

Step 5: Install the new Weather-strip

Starting at the latch side of the door, use the flat screwdriver to push the seal into the track. As you reach the end, use the scissors to trim off the excess and ensure a tight fit end to end.

Step 5: Check fitment and adjust

Now close the door and look for any daylight or gaps at the new seal. Sometimes the seal may have flattened in the packaging, or the door or threshold has a dent or defect, not allowing the seal to make contact.  If necessary, small pieces of the remaining seal can be cut and tucked under the new seal to add bulk, to make sure the door seals properly.  Once you have made sure the door is closing and sealing properly, you are done!!