How to Weatherstrip an Exterior Door

Drafts around a closed exterior door often come from compressed or missing weatherstripping. The goal is a continuous seal that still lets the door latch without excessive force.

Tools you will probably need

• tape measure
• scissors or utility knife
• screwdriver if using screw-on weatherstrip

Materials

• weatherstripping matched to the door frame

Project steps

1. Close the door and identify where light or air is entering around the frame.
2. Remove damaged weatherstrip and clean the mounting surface.
3. Measure each side separately and cut the replacement pieces carefully.
4. Install the new material, then open and close the door several times to confirm the seal is firm but not binding.

Common mistakes

• Using material that is too thick for the gap
• Stretching adhesive weatherstrip during installation
• Ignoring a door that is badly out of square

When to call someone

If the door frame is rotten, the door will not latch, or the opening is badly out of square, weatherstrip alone is unlikely to solve the problem.

Project costs and times are rough planning estimates. Product instructions, local codes, home construction, and actual conditions take priority.