How to Install an Exterior Door Sweep
With cooler weather on the horizon, it’s time to prepare your home for the inevitable. Namely, bitter winds, freezing temperatures and home heating bills that will make you want to cry. A big part of that cold weather preparation will undoubtedly focus on repairing and installing your home’s weatherproofing. At least that is always the first order of business in my household. One of the items that you may want to consider installing is an exterior door sweep. It is easy enough to do. Here’s how:
Types of Door Sweeps
Based on my experience, there are two main types of door sweeps. First, there are door sweeps that consist of a peel and stick piece of heavy duty rubber. They are my least favorite type of door sweep because they are a one shot deal. If you install them the wrong way, you’re out of luck. The adhesive also has a way of coming loose over time. A basic peel and stick door sweep will cost you $8 to $10 each from home improvement stores.
Second, there are door sweeps that are made from metal and rubber. Personally, I tend to find the metal and rubber door sweeps to be the better value. I like them because they are adjustable and provide a perfect seal. Metal and rubber door sweeps are also found at home improvement stores. They tend to cost $7 to $30 each depending on the brand.
Install a Rubber Door Sweep
Because installation of peel and stick door sweeps are fairly self explanatory, I am not going to discuss them at great length. Basically, you just measure the bottom of your exterior door and then cut the door sweep down to size. Once that’s done, you peel off the door sweep’s paper backing and stick it to the bottom of the door.
Install a Metal and Rubber Door Sweep
In order to install a metal and rubber door sweep, you’ll need a few tools. I’d suggest that you grab a metal tape measure, a sharp pair of tin snips, a screwdriver and a power drill. Take all your tools outside to the front of the exterior door that you plan on working on. Make sure that the exterior door is closed. Then measure the bottom of the door.
Using your tin snips cut the door sweep to fit the bottom of the door. Afterward, guide the door sweep into position with your hands. You will want to make sure that the rubber portion of the door sweep makes contact with the door’s threshold without creating drag. Once you are happy with the door sweep’s placement, use your power drill to make pilot holes for the screws. Next, screw the door sweep into place but don’t tighten the screws all the way just yet. Most rubber and metal door sweeps have an oval shaped screw hole. They are designed that way so you can move the door sweep up and down slightly to adjust the fit further. Try opening and closing the door a few times to check the fit. Then finish the job by tightening the screws. That’s all there is to it.
Source: Personal Experience
Killeen Gonzalez has a history of completing DIY home improvement projects with her family.
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