Replace Exterior Door Weatherstripping

Tools

• ✓
  Tape measure
• ✓
  Utility knife
• ✓
  Phillips screwdriver
• ✓
  Rag + soapy water

Materials

• +
  Door weatherstripping kit

  Most kits cover all three sides of the frame. Sweep (the bottom seal) often sold separately. Frost King and M-D are the standard hardware-store brands.
• +
  Door sweep

  For the gap under the door. Aluminum + vinyl bulb-style is most common

Steps

1. 1

   Inspect what you have

   Most doors have foam or vinyl weatherstripping in a kerf (slot) around the frame, plus a sweep along the bottom of the door. Note the style before buying — kerf weatherstripping pulls out easily; nail-on or screw-on requires removing fasteners.

2. 2

   Remove the old

   Kerf style: pull out by hand. Adhesive: peel off; scrape residue with a putty knife. Nailed: pry gently.

3. 3

   Clean the surface

   Wipe with soapy water. Adhesive strips don't stick to dust or old residue.

4. 4

   Cut new stripping to length

   Measure each side of the frame, cut with the utility knife. Press kerf stripping into the slot or peel-and-stick adhesive type to the frame, vinyl bulb facing the door.

5. 5

   Install the sweep

   Close the door and measure the gap underneath. Cut the sweep to match the door width with a hacksaw. Screw it to the bottom of the door so the vinyl bulb just kisses the threshold — too tight and the door scrapes.

6. 6

   Test the seal

   Close the door, slide a piece of paper between the door and frame at several points. It should drag but not tear.