Drafts around doors can cause a number of problems in a home. Not only can they make rooms feel cold and uncomfortable, but they can also lead to higher energy bills as heated or cooled air escapes. Identifying the source of the drafts and sealing them correctly is key to creating a more comfortable living space. There are a variety of products available to stop drafts around doors specifically. Choosing the right option will depend on the source and severity of the draft, as well as budget. This article will explore the most common causes of drafts around doors and recommend the best products available to address each situation. Proper installation and use will also be covered to ensure maximum effectiveness.
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What Causes Drafts Around Doors?
There are a few typical causes of drafts around doors:
Poor Door Installation
If a door is improperly installed and does not fit the doorway correctly, gaps can appear through which air will pass. A door that is warped, has settled over time, or was fitted without accounting for seasonal expansion and contraction can begin to allow drafts. The door may need to be rehung or planed to create a better fit with the door jamb.
Damaged Seals
Most exterior doors have some type of weatherstripping seal along the jamb and threshold to block air infiltration. Over time, these seals can become damaged, compressed, or detached, breaking the air seal. Drafts will occur through any gaps in the seals. Replacing worn seals is often the solution.
Poorly Insulated Door
Some doors, especially older models, are not well-insulated. Heat can transfer through the door itself, creating discomfort on the other side. Adding insulation, storm doors, or replacing the door entirely may help.
Air Leakage Around Frame
If air is coming through the framing of the door rather than the door itself, the frame may not have been properly sealed during installation. Adding weatherstripping around the jambs and threshold can close these gaps. Expanding foam can also block larger openings in the framing.
Inadequate Weather Protection
Exterior doors that are exposed to strong winds, heavy rain, or snow can allow air infiltration, especially if they lack adequate weather protection like storm doors or a covered entry. Adding an extra layer of protection can reduce direct exposure to the elements.
Choosing the Best Solutions
With an understanding of the most common draft causes, you can choose an appropriate product solution. Here are some of the best options:
Door Sweeps
Door sweeps install along the bottom of a door and seal the gap between the bottom of the door and the threshold or floor. They have a lining made from materials like vinyl, bristle, or felt to block air passage. Door sweeps are an easy retrofit solution and work well for minor floor gaps up to about 3/4 inch. They should be sized appropriately for a tight fit.
Door Shoe Seals
Door shoe seals, also called door bottom seals, affix to the bottom edge of the door itself and seal directly against the floor surface when closed. The seal material folds against the door when opened. These are effective for addressing larger floor gaps than sweeps. Make sure to size the door shoe appropriately for the door thickness and gap.
Corner Seals or Door Gaskets
Silicone or foam corner seals adhere around a door to seal the gap between the door edge and jamb. Standard door gaskets made from materials like felt or PVC fit into channels around the door to create a tight air seal. Both options are simple, adjustable ways to seal air leaks around the perimeter of the door.
Automatic Door Bottom Seals
Automatic door bottom seals rise up to seal against the threshold when the door is closed, then lower when the door opens. This style requires minimal effort to engage the seal each time the door is shut. Models with an adjustable seal height are most effective for reducing drafts.
Weatherstripping
Adhesive weatherstripping can seal leaks around door jambs and frames. Options like V-strip, tube seal, or slide-on strips are flexible and compress against the door stop when closed. Make sure to use durable materials like vinyl, rubber, felt, or a combination for a tight seal. Proper installation is important for performance.
Sweep Strips
Sweep strips attach to the face of a door jamb and sweep against the door’s edge when closed to prevent airflow. Angled models help provide a snug fit. These are a simple addition to block air leaks between the door edge and jamb. Make sure the sweep material adequately fills the gap.
Draft Stoppers
Self-adhesive foam or silicone draft stoppers fit inside door frames behind hinged areas. They compress and expand to fill gaps that can allow air leakage at frame joints as the door operates. Draft stoppers provide insulation and an air barrier at common trouble spots.
Door Threshold Seals
Threshold seals install along the base of the door opening beneath the door. Basic models made from vinyl or brush material fill the space between the bottom of the door and floor. More advanced threshold seals feature compression systems or downward pressure mechanisms to automatically block airflow under the door.
Magnetic Door Seals
Magnetic seals embed magnets into both sides of door and doorway components. When the door closes, the magnetic attraction forms a tight air seal. These require minimal effort to engage each time and work well for unusually shaped gaps. Installation takes more skill.
Foam Sealants
Expanding foam sealants in a can allow you to fill any cracks, gaps, and openings around door frames where air could be passing through. The foam expands after application to create a permanent, airtight seal. This is an effective option for sealing challenging or hard-to-reach spots.
| Product | Door Gap Accommodated | Ease of Installation | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Door sweeps | Up to 3/4 inch floor gap | Easy retrofit | Good with quality materials |
| Door shoe seals | Over 3/4 inch floor gap | Easy stick-on application | Fairly durable with occasional replacement needed |
| Corner seals | Perimeter door gaps | Easy peel-and-stick | Lasts several years |
| Automatic door bottoms | Floor gaps when closed | Requires expertise to install properly | Lasting with quality materials |
| Weatherstripping | Jamb and frame gaps | Proper installation key for performance | Lasting if good quality and installed correctly |
| Sweep strips | Jamb edge gaps | Simple stick-on | Replacement every few years |
| Draft stoppers | Behind jamb joints | Cut to size and insert | Long lasting |
| Threshold seals | Under door gaps | Easy application | Good with quality materials |
| Magnetic seals | Perimeter gaps | Professional installation recommended | Very durable |
| Foam sealant | Hard-to-reach cracks and gaps | Some DIY skill needed | Permanent |
Picking the Right Materials
Seal products come in a variety of materials, each with different properties. Consider factors like compression, resilience, durability, and ease of installation when selecting materials:
– **Foam** – Compresses well for a tight seal and provides insulation. More prone to deterioration.
– **Felt** – Soft, flexible material conforms well to gaps. Lacks durability over time.
– **Vinyl** – Lowest cost option. Stiff vinyl can crack over time. Soft vinyl is more durable.
– **Rubber** – Excellent durability and compression. Maintains flexibility in a range of temperatures.
– **Silicone** – Long lasting flexibility. Provides permanent seal but difficult to replace. Can stain surfaces.
– **Brushes** – Nylon or polymer bristles sweep and conform to uneven gaps. Bristles prone to falling out.
– **Combination** – Materials like vinyl and brush combined for tight seal and sweep action. Provides balance of properties.
Proper Installation
To get the best performance from door draft solutions, proper installation is crucial:
– Carefully measure the door and doorway to size products appropriately. Read all manufacturer instructions.
– Make sure installation surfaces are clean and dry before applying adhesive products.
– Cut draft stoppers and sweeps to exact opening size for snug fit.
– Door seals and weatherstripping should be compressed 30-50% when door is closed for effective seal.
– Sweep strips and automatic door bottoms require precise alignment for full contact when door closes.
– After installation, test draft sealing properties and adjust products as needed.
– Check seals regularly and replace any worn parts promptly to maintain seal integrity.
Conclusion
Drafts around doors can make rooms uncomfortable and drive up energy costs. A variety of effective and affordable products are available to address air leaks, but choosing the right option involves assessing the specific source and severity of the problem. Matching the door draft solution to the type of gap is key for optimal performance. Following manufacturer instructions and properly installing products will also ensure drafts are sealed successfully. With some time and effort, you can stop problematic air infiltration and create a more comfortable indoor environment. Evaluating operation periodically and replacing any worn parts will keep door seals working properly for long-term draft prevention.