Applying pressure-sensitive Foam
Pressure-sensitive adhesive-backed foam is the easiest weatherstripping to apply, and it is quite inexpensive. Available in both rubber and plastic, adhesive-backed foam comes in rolls of varying lengths and thicknesses. When compressed by a door or window, the foam seals out the air.
What You'll Need Here are the tools you'll need to install pressure-sensitive foam weatherstripping around doors:
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As an added advantage, these strips also provide a cushioning effect that silences slamming. Though not permanent, this type of weatherstripping can last from one to three years.
To install pressure-sensitive foam weatherstripping around doors:
Step 1: Select warm day to work, if possible. Adhesive forms a better bond if applied when temperature is at least 60 degrees Farenheit.
Step 2:
Clean surface where weatherstripping is to be attached with detergent
and water. Make sure no dirt or grease remains. If pressure-sensitive
weatherstripping had been previously installed, use petroleum jelly to
remove any old adhesive. Dry surface with rags.
 ©2006 Publications International, Ltd. Seal the top and sides of a door with adhesive-backed foam weatherstripping. To install the foam, peel off the backing and stick the strip down. |
Step 3: Use scissors to cut strip to fit, but don't remove backing paper yet.
Step 4: Starting at one end, slowly peel paper backing as you push sticky foam strips into place. If backing proves stubborn at beginning, stretch foam until seal between backing and foam breaks.
Step 5: Attach strips on hinge side to doorjamb.
 ©2006 Publications International, Ltd. Attach strips of pressure-sensitive foam on the hinge side of the doorjamb and on the doorstop. The adhesive backing on the foam will form a secure bond only when applied to a clean, grease-free surface. |
Step 6: Attach other two strips to doorstop. If corner of door catches weatherstripping as you close it, trim top piece of foam on hinge side. Serrated-metal weatherstripping, usually with a felt-strip insert running the length of the serrated groove, also can be used to seal air gaps around doors. To install this type of weatherstripping, measure the length of strips required, and then use tin snips or heavy-duty scissors to cut the serrated-metal material to the proper lengths. Nail each strip at both ends, add a nail to the center of each strip, and drive additional nails every 2 to 3 inches along the rest of the strip.
Creating a weathertight threshold: The
gap at the bottom of the door is treated differently from the gaps on
the sides and along the top.The wood or metal hump on the floor along
the bottom of the door is called the threshold.
What You'll Need Here are the tools you'll want to have to make a weathertight threshold around doors:
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Many of the metal types feature a flexible vinyl insert that creates a tight seal when the door closes against it. Other thresholds consist of one unit on the floor and a mating piece on the bottom of the door. These two pieces interlock to form a weathertight barrier.
In most cases, the threshold with a flexible vinyl insert is the easiest to install. Interlock systems are quite effective when properly installed, but they require a perfect fit or they will not work satisfactorily.
Wooden thresholds often wear down to the point where they must be replaced. This is an easy installation, and there are many types of replacement thresholds from which to choose. Most are aluminum and come in standard door widths; however, if your door is not standard width, you can trim the aluminum threshold with a hacksaw. Here's how to install a replacement threshold:
Step 1: Remove old threshold. If it is wood, there are two ways to remove it. In most cases, you can pry it up after removing doorstops with small flat pry bar or putty knife, but you must work carefully and slowly. If jamb itself rests on threshold, saw through old threshold at each end.
Use
backsaw placed right against jamb, and saw down through threshold,
being careful not to scar floor. Once you make cuts, threshold should
be easy to pry up. If prying doesn't work, use chisel and hammer to
split piece. Metal thresholds are frequently held down by screws
concealed under vinyl inserts. Once you remove screws, threshold will
come up easily.
 ©2006 Publications International, Ltd. A door sweep can create a tight seal when a gap exists between the bottom of the door and the threshold. Door sweeps can be made of wood and felt, wood and foam, or metal and vinyl. All are effective in sealing out drafts. |
Step 2: Install replacement threshold by driving screws through metal unit and into floor. If you don't want aluminum threshold, cut replacement from wood, using original one as pattern.
Step 3:
Install door sweep to seal gap. Most sweeps are attached to inside of
door with nails or screws. Cut sweep to size, and close door. Tack both
ends of sweep to door, then install remaining nails or screws. If you
are using screws, drill pilot holes first.
 ©2006 Publications International, Ltd. A bottom sweep slides on over the bottom of the door; adjustment grooves adapt it to any door thickness. |
Some types of sweeps slip under the door and wrap around the bottom. Still another type fits on the outside, with a section of it flipping upward to miss the threshold when the door is opened. When the door is closed, this section flips back down to provide a seal against the threshold. You can adjust this type of door sweep so it renders a snug fit.
Weatherstripping and weather-proofing your doors -- and the rest of your home -- can help keep you comfortable when the weather is inclement. And the good news is that you can make these improvements to your home without having to call a professional.©Publications International, Ltd.
