Exterior Doors are the first line of defence against the elements. Whether you’re dealing with heavy rains, blistering heat, or cold, a properly weatherproofed door can help maintain a comfortable home, reduce energy costs, and prevent damage from moisture and drafts.
Fortunately, external door weatherproofing is not a difficult or costly project, notes RENTit Colorado. Your house will be secure and comfortable all year long with a few basic actions.
Inspect Your Door for Gaps and Damage
Before you begin weatherproofing, examine closely your door. Look for obvious edge gaps, deteriorated weatherstripping, or door frame deterioration.
People often use the “light test” to find leaks. At night, turn off all the lights in your home and have someone shine a flashlight around the door from the outside. Any light you find seeping through marks areas where moisture and air can enter.
Replace or Install Weatherstripping
One easy but powerful approach to closing gaps around your door is weatherstripping. Regular replacement of weatherstripping is crucial since it ages and loses its efficacy. There are several kinds of weatherstripping on offer.
- Adhesive foam tape: Simple application and efficient for closing little gaps.
- V-strip (tension seal): Perfect for locking along the door’s edges.
- Rubber or vinyl bulb weatherstripping: Excellent for big gaps and durable.
Remove the old material, clean the surface, and then install the new weatherstripping per the manufacturer’s directions. Make sure the fit is secure, but avoid making it so tight that the door loses its capacity to close correctly.
Seal the Door Frame with Caulk
Little flaws and crevices allow moisture and air to enter even with adequate weatherstripping. Using a high-quality exterior caulk, seal any gaps around the door frame where drafts or water might sneak in. Silicone or acrylic latex caulks work well because they are flexible and long-lasting.
For best results, apply caulk when the weather is dry and temperatures are moderate to ensure proper adhesion.
Install a Door Sweep
Attaching to the bottom of your door, a door sweep is a strip of material (rubber, vinyl, or metal) that blocks drafts and moisture. A door sweep can make a big impact if you discover water seeping in after rain or feel a draft under the door.
To set one:
- If required, cut the sweep to suit your door’s width.
- Screw or adhere the sweep to the bottom of the door.
- Ensure it makes firm contact with the floor without dragging too much, which can make opening and closing the door difficult.
Consider a Storm Door
Adding a storm door will help to protect your primary exterior door from severe weather for an additional degree of security. Storm doors stretch the lifetime of your main door, lower drafts, and offer insulation. A flexible addition to your house, many contemporary storm doors feature screens allowing for ventilation in warmer months.
Upgrade to an Insulated Door
If your outside door is old, broken, or inadequately insulated, modern fibreglass, steel, or insulated wood-core doors are a suitable long-term investment due to their energy efficiency and durability. Solid wood and older metal doors can warp or develop gaps over time, so affecting the insulation.
Maintain Your Weatherproofing Regularly
Not a one-time remedy, weatherproofing needs constant upkeep to remain effective. Look for wear and tear in the caulking, door sweep, and weatherstripping at least once a year. Replace or fix any broken items right away to keep the elements off your house.
Keep the Elements Out and the Comfort In
One little but significant home improvement that improves comfort, reduces energy costs and stops weather-related damage is weatherproofing your outside doors. Every action you take, from new caulk application to weatherstripping gap sealing to door upgrade to a more efficient model, helps to keep your house comfortable and safe.
By taking the time to inspect and maintain your doors regularly, you’ll ensure that your home remains well-protected from whatever Mother Nature throws your way.
