How to Weatherproof Doors for Winter

Doors are a common area of heat loss and weatherproofing doors is a valuable step in saving energy and money. The following is a step-by-step method in how to weatherproof doors. (Note: a contractor may be needed to check alignment before weatherproofing doors. Contractor may need to re-hang door first).

Items needed to weatherproof doors:

Adhesive weather-stripping for top and both sides of door frame

Caulk and caulking gun

Thin dowel rods or backer rods and cutting tool (sharp knife or garden shears)

Putty knife or flat-bladed tool

Door sweep device (Optional: several types are available; see link below)

How to weatherproof doors:

Step One:

Check for cracks in surfaces around door by using a flashlight or other light source (two people required) or using natural sunlight. Darken room and look for light coming through walls or other surfaces around door (other than door itself) when weatherproofing doors.

Step Two:

Caulk small cracks or holes using caulking gun or finger. Feather and smooth with putty knife or flat-bladed tool to weatherproof doors.

Step Three:

Repair larger cracks with pieces of dowel or backer rod. Cut rod to size with cutting tool. Apply caulk to crack, push cut rod piece into crack and apply more caulk, if necessary. Use putty knife or flat-bladed tool to feather and smooth caulked surface (see instructions on caulk tube for drying times if painting over caulked surfaces).

Step Four:

Cut length of weather-stripping, one length at a time, for top and both sides of door. Cut long enough to allow for an extra ¼ to ½ inch on each end. Remove backing from length of one side of weather-stripping for one side of door. Starting at the bottom, fit weather-stripping into gap between closed door and door frame flush with threshold (leave a little extra to ensure full coverage to threshold).

Step Five:

Continue fitting weather-stripping into gap between closed door and door frame. Use putty knife or flat-bladed tool to further push weather-stripping into place. Remove other backing from weather-stripping. Open door, press firmly on weather-stripping to ensure secure adhesion to door frame. Trim off excess from top and bottom.

Step Six:

Repeat steps 4 and 5 above for other side of door frame and top side, closing door when applying weather-stripping to weatherproof doors.

This is how to weatherproof doors against cold weather. Further steps for weatherproofing doors, such as installing a door sweep or replacing the threshold (if necessary) should be done with the advice and/or assistance of a contractor.