Why is my exterior door drafty and how do I fix it?
Check three things in order: whether the door is aligned and latches without a shove, whether the weatherstripping is worn, and whether there is a gap at the bottom. Tighten hinges, replace worn weatherstripping and fit a door sweep. A badly warped door will not seal with new weatherstripping.
How it is usually fixed
- Close the door. If it needs a push to latch, the hinges may have loosened. Tighten them.
- Look for cracked, flattened or missing weatherstripping on the top and sides. Too much weatherstripping can also stop the door from closing fully.
- Find the leaks on a windy day by moving a lit incense stick around the edge and watching where the smoke bends. At night, a flashlight with a helper outside also shows gaps.
- Fit a new door sweep across the bottom, or raise an adjustable threshold with its height screws.
- If the glass seal around a door window has failed, caulk can renew it.
When it is not a handyman job
If the door is warped by more than about half an inch, or the frame is rotted, new weatherstripping will not fix it and the door or frame may need replacing.
Plumbing, electrical and roofing go to licensed independent contractors.
What we do on a visit
- Realign hinges and the strike plate
- Replace weatherstripping
- Install a door sweep
- Caulk around the frame and door glass
Common questions
What is the best weatherstripping for an exterior door?
It depends on the door and the gap. Spring bronze or plastic V-strips suit the top and sides, and closed-cell foam is common on wood doors. A sweep or adjustable threshold handles the bottom.
Can weatherstripping cause a draft?
Yes. Old, compressed strips leave gaps, and too much stops the door from closing fully. Fixing alignment first usually gives the best result.
Can you seal drafty windows as well as doors?
We can renew worn caulk around window frames and check weatherstripping where it is accessible. Send a photo of the window and where you feel the draft. Windows with failed seals between the glass panes or damaged frames may need replacement instead.
Will sealing my door lower my heating bill?
It can reduce drafts and make the room feel more comfortable, and that may help with heating costs. How much depends on the size of the gaps and the rest of the home. We do not promise a specific saving.
Can you weatherproof a sliding patio door or a garage door?
We can look at worn seals, tracks and gaps on many of them. Send photos of the door and the area where air gets in. Some doors, especially damaged or heavy ones, may need a repair or replacement from a door specialist instead.
Related repairs
We serve Highland Park, Glencoe, Winnetka, Kenilworth, Lake Forest, Barrington Hills, Bannockburn, Deerfield, Lake Bluff, Lincolnshire, Glenview, Northbrook, Wilmette, Highwood, Northfield, Riverwoods, IL.