A five-minute check for worn door weatherstripping

An entry door is a common place to notice a fall draft. Before buying a replacement strip or assuming the door itself needs replacement, look for a simple pattern.

Inspect the seal with the door closed

From inside, look along the top and sides of the closed door for torn, missing, compressed, or detached weatherstripping. Notice whether light is visible around the edge or whether the latch requires unusual force. Dirt and leaves at the threshold can also prevent a close seal, so clean the visible track area first.

Check the threshold and sweep

The bottom sweep should sit close to the threshold without dragging badly. A sweep that is cracked, bent, or missing may be a small repair. If the door is rubbing the frame, sagging, or difficult to lock, the problem may involve hinges, alignment, or the frame rather than the weatherstripping alone.

Avoid the quick fixes that create a bigger problem

Do not permanently seal an entry door that needs to operate safely, and do not block intended drainage paths. For an exterior door with rot, repeated water entry, or a compromised lock, ask a qualified professional to evaluate the opening.

For energy questions that extend to windows, start with the Window energy performance guide.

Sources

• U.S. Department of Energy: Weatherstripping

Be ready for the conversation

3 questions to ask your qualified professional

1. 1What condition did you observe, and what evidence supports that conclusion?
2. 2What options fit this home, and what tradeoffs should I understand?
3. 3What exactly is included and excluded from the written scope?