The cost of a new door seal can vary greatly depending on the type, size, and material of the seal. Door seals play an important role in preventing drafts and maintaining energy efficiency. As seals age and compress over time, it becomes necessary to replace them to maintain proper functionality. When considering the cost of a new door seal, homeowners must weigh factors like material, labor for installation, and additional parts or modifications needed. This article will provide an overview of door seal costs based on common types, sizes, materials and labor.
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What is a Door Seal?
A door seal, also called a weatherstripping, is a strip installed around the edges of doors to block air leaks. Door seals compress against the door frame when closed to seal the gap. Seals come in various materials, shapes, and attachment methods. Common types include:
- Bulb seals – Bulb shaped vinyl strips that insert into a slot on the door frame
- Interlocking vinyl seals – Flexible vinyl strips that interlock to seal the gap
- Foam seals – Compressible foam strips attached with adhesive
- Rubber seals – Durable rubber strips attached to a metal retainer
- Brush seals – Nylon brush inserts that seal against the door
- Magnetic seals – Flexible magnet-embedded vinyl seals
Door seals deter outdoor elements from infiltrating while also preventing cooled or heated indoor air from escaping. Maintaining an effective door seal improves home comfort and can reduce energy bills.
Cost Factors
Several factors influence the cost of replacing door seals, including:
Type of Seal
Different types have a range of costs. Foam and vinyl varieties are economical, starting around $1 per foot. For more durability, interlocking vinyl and brush seals cost $2 to $4 per foot. High performance rubber seals run $4 to $8 per foot. And specialty magnetic seals can reach $10+ per foot.
Size of Door
Larger doors require more seal material to span the perimeter, increasing cost. A standard 30-inch exterior door may need 7 feet of seal which starts around $7. But a large 3 foot wide patio door could need 20 feet of seal, pushing costs over $40.
Material
Common materials like vinyl and foam are affordable. For extreme weather, rubber offers better compression and higher cost. And urethane coated materials provide extra durability for more money.
Installation
DIY installation cuts costs but hiring a handyman adds $50-$100 per hour for labor. Complex jobs on heavy doors may require two installers.
Additional Repairs
If the door jamb or stop is damaged, additional repairs add cost. New drill holes or magnets for some seals also increase expense.
Cost by Type of Door
Typical costs for common door types:
Interior Doors
- Bedroom door (30″ x 80″) – $7 to $20 DIY cost
- Bathroom door (30″ x 80″) – $7 to $20 DIY cost
- Closet door (30″ to 36″) – $10 to $25 DIY cost
Low cost foam, vinyl, or brush strips work for interior doors. Professional installation adds $50-$100 per door.
Exterior Entry Doors
- Single front door (30″ to 36″) – $20 to $50 DIY cost
- Double front door (60″ to 72″) – $40 to $100 DIY cost
- Utility side door (30″ to 36″) – $20 to $50 DIY cost
Rubber or durable vinyl recommended for exterior side doors exposed to weather. Professional installation adds $50-$150 per door.
Garage Doors
- Single car door (9′ x 7′) – $25 to $60 DIY cost
- Double car door (16′ x 7′) – $40 to $90 DIY cost
Bulb seals easily insert into garage door track slots. Professional installation costs $150-$300 due to heavy weight.
Sliding Patio Doors
- 6 foot sliding door – $60 to $150 DIY cost
- 8 foot sliding door – $80 to $200 DIY cost
Large surface area demands thick foam, rubber, or magnetic seals. Professional installation costs $200-$400.
DIY vs Professional Installation
Installing your own door seals can save on labor fees, with most DIY kits under $50. But for heavy or complex doors, hiring a handyman ensures a quality job.
DIY Door Seal Cost
DIY kit prices:
- Foam seal kit – $10 to $25
- Vinyl seal kit – $15 to $40
- Rubber seal kit – $25 to $60
Kits include the seal, adhesive or fasteners, and simple tools. While affordable, DIY sealing requires attention to detail.
Professional Installation Cost
Hiring a handyman typically costs:
- $50 to $100 per hour
- $50 to $150 per exterior door
- $150 to $400 for patio sliding doors
- $200 to $300 for garage doors
Pros ensure proper seal compression, aesthetic finish, and correct any issues with framing or stops.
Factors That Increase Cost
Several factors can drive up the cost of replacing door seals:
- Hard to measure or custom sized doors
- Irregularly shaped doors like arched or angled
- Poorly fitted doors requiring trimming and adjustments
- Old doors with damaged, rotten or painted jambs and stops
- Severely leaking doors needing complete weatherstripping replacement
- Heavy specialty doors requiring multiple installers
These difficult situations take more time and labor, increasing cost.
Cost to Maintain Door Seals
To maintain effectiveness, door seals should be inspected annually and replaced every 5-10 years.
- Inspect seals for gaps, cracks, compression, and adhesion
- Test for drafts on windy days
- Look for daylight around seals
- Check for damage from sun, weather, pets, and use
- Replace loose, stiff, flattened, or degraded seals
DIY maintenance can be done at low cost. For professional servicing, handymen charge $50-$100 per hour.
Factors That Decrease Cost
You may be able to reduce the cost of replacing your door seals by:
- Installing DIY seal kits
- Replacing seals on only problem doors
- Choosing low cost vinyl or foam seals
- Sealing doors yourself if handy
- Getting quotes from multiple pros to compare
- Completing prep work like cleaning yourself
- Buying seals in bulk online for discount
- Resealing doors before seals fully fail
Simple preventative maintenance keeps seals lasting longer.
Conclusion
The cost to replace door seals runs $5 to $8 per linear foot, with project costs depending on door size and material. For a standard entry door, homeowners pay around $20-$50 DIY, or $100-$150 installed. Larger patio doors cost $150-$400+ for professional installation. While essential for comfort and energy savings, maintaining door seals yearly helps avoid big replacement costs down the road. With some handy DIY skills, homeowners can reseal doors affordably.