Having a drafty door can be annoying and costly, as it allows cold air to enter the home and escape conditioned air. The good news is that there are several easy and affordable ways to stop a door from being drafty. In this article, we will discuss common causes of drafty doors and provide solutions to resolve the issue.
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What causes a drafty door?
There are a few main culprits when it comes to drafty doors:
- Poor seals – If the seals around the door are cracked, missing, or failing, air can easily pass through. Door seals made of rubber or vinyl wear out over time.
- Poor alignment – If the door is warped or is not hanging square in the frame, gaps will be created that allow air to pass through.
- Damaged frames – Cracked or rotting door frames can prevent a proper seal and allow air leaks.
- Improper thresholds – Thresholds that are missing, damaged, or improperly installed under the door can make the gap under the door larger.
- Size mismatches – A door that is too small for the frame size can also cause air leaks.
Inspect the door carefully to identify where cold drafts are coming from to pinpoint the issue. Feel around the door edges to locate gaps. Pay close attention to the threshold area below the door as this is a common location for air leaks.
How can I fix a drafty door?
Here are some of the best ways to fix a drafty door and stop the cold air from getting in:
Adjust or replace door seals
If inspection reveals that the seal around the door perimeter is compromised, the first step is to replace or adjust it. Door seal kits are available at most hardware stores. Choose a product made of vinyl, rubber, felt, foam, or a combination to get the best seal. Make sure to get a properly sized seal for your door thickness.
Carefully remove the old seal and clean the door channel thoroughly. Apply the new seal following the manufacturer’s instructions, pressing it firmly into place. Make adjustments as needed to ensure there are no gaps or bunching.
Realign the door
If the door is sagging or unsquare in the frame, realigning it can help. This may require unhinging the door to make adjustments. Use shims under the hinges to raise the door into proper alignment and close any gaps. Adjust strike plates and latches as needed to get an even seal around the door perimeter.
Plane or sand stuck doors
Doors that stick and warp can create gaps for air leaks. Use a planer, wood chisel, or sandpaper to gently plane or sand protruding edges that do not allow proper closure. Be careful not to remove too much material.
Fill cracks in door frame
Any cracks and holes in the door frame should be sealed to prevent air passing through. Clean out cracks thoroughly and fill with acrylic latex caulk. Smooth the caulk with a putty knife for a neat seal. Use wood filler, epoxy, or caulk for small holes. Paint repaired areas for best results.
Adjust threshold
One of the biggest culprits for drafty doors is the threshold space under the door. If the threshold is damaged, loose, or missing, cold drafts can easily blow under the door. Thresholds should form a tight seal between the bottom of the door and floor surface when closed.
For minor gaps under 1/2 inch, a door sweep can be added to the door bottom to cover the space. These are screwed into place along the bottom edge. Get one with a rubber or vinyl seal to block air.
Larger gaps will require replacing or adjusting the threshold itself. Prefabricated thresholds are available that slide right into place. They feature weatherstripping to block air. Thresholds should fit snugly against the door with no light visible under it.
Install door bottom seal
In addition to a sweep or threshold, adding a door bottom seal provides an extra layer of protection. These easily adhere to the interior bottom edge of the door with double-sided tape. Models with a pliable vinyl, silicone, or brush material compress when the door closes to prevent air infiltration.
Weatherstrip perimeter of door frame
Applying weatherstripping around the entire door frame perimeter seals up any remaining gaps. Purchase a high density product designed for doors, made of rubber, foam, or vinyl. Self-adhesive weatherstripping can be applied directly to the frame. For best results, choose a style with interlocking edges that compress when the door closes.
Add draft blocker at floor
Even if you’ve addressed sealing the perimeter and below the door, some sneaky drafts can still creep through. Cut down on these by adding a door draft blocker to the floor in front of the door. Look for a style made of fabric or foam that can conform to the floor surface. These block air from passing under the door while allowing the door to open and close.
What materials should I use?
When it comes to sealing a drafty door, choose materials designed to stand up to weather and repeated use. Here are some good options:
- Rubber – Flexible and durable seal material that comes in assorted styles for door channels and frames.
- Foam – Compressible foam makes a great air barrier for stop gaps. Choose high density foam for durability.
- Felt – Felt stripping slides into place easily. Use felt with rubber backing for tight seal.
- Vinyl – Long lasting vinyl makes excellent door seals and is easy to install.
- Caulk – For permanent repairs, use acrylic or silicone caulk to fill cracks and holes.
- Wood filler – Fill small voids in wooden door frames with wood filler before caulking.
Select materials designed for exterior use for the best and longest lasting seal against outdoor elements and drafts.
What are some quick fixes?
In a pinch, there are some quick options to block those annoying drafts coming through the door:
Use rolled up towel
For gap under the door, roll up an old towel and place it in front of the door along the floor. This can help block drafts from blowing into the room.
Tape around door frame
You can temporarily seal up air leaks by running painter’s tape around the door frame. Apply overlapping layers to cover gaps so no light shows.
Crumpled newspaper
Wads of newspaper can be used to stuff into gaps along the door frame to prevent drafts. Make sure to pack tightly to form an air barrier.
Plastic sheeting
For quick window or door insulation, you can tack up plastic sheeting. Use painter’s tape and staples to securely fasten plastic wrap over the window or door frame on the interior side.
While these may provide temporary relief, make sure to follow up with more permanent sealing solutions soon to properly resolve a drafty door situation.
How much does it cost to fix a drafty door?
The cost to fix a drafty door can range quite a bit based on the scope of the project. Small jobs may cost $20-50 while completely replacing a door and frame can cost $500 or more. Here are some typical price ranges:
| Draft Stopping Solution | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| New door seal | $5 – $30 |
| New threshold | $10 – $50 |
| Door sweep | $5 – $20 |
| Weatherstripping | $10 – $30 |
| Framing repairs | $30 – $100 |
| New pre-hung door | $200 – $600 |
Factors like labor costs if hiring a handyman or carpenter will also impact the total project budget. But in many cases, stopping a drafty door can be done for under $50 with self-installation.
How can I prevent drafts in the future?
Once you’ve solved an existing drafty door situation, regular maintenance is key to preventing it from becoming a problem again down the road. Here are some tips for keeping doors draft-free long-term:
- Check door seals twice a year and replace as soon as any cracking appears.
- Listen for whistling winds or feel for air leaks around doors to detect issues early.
- Keep doors properly lubricated to avoid sticking and warping.
- Inspect weatherstripping and thresholds to ensure they are snug.
- Make sure doors close tightly and latch properly into the frame.
- Replace damaged framing right away to prevent structural issues.
- Consider adding storm doors as an extra layer of weather and draft protection.
- Install quality doors and materials to minimize wear and prevent sealing issues.
Addressing problems quickly can stop small drafts from becoming big, expensive headaches. With diligent maintenance and high-quality materials, you can keep the cold air out and comfortable air in your home.
Conclusion
Dealing with a drafty door can really be a nuisance, but thankfully fixing the issue is quite straightforward in most cases. With some simple DIY sealing techniques, adjustments, and replacements, you can stop the drafts from blowing through. Investing in solid materials designed to withstand weather and wear is key for long-term relief. Pay attention to your doors and perform routine maintenance to prevent minor drafts from ever becoming major air leaks. Your home comfort and energy efficiency will benefit from taking the time to ensure doors are properly sealed against outdoor elements.