How to Replace Exterior Door Weatherstripping

The costs of energy are rising each day, if you want to save money you can replace exterior door weatherstripping. When you feel a cold draft, or you notice that your utility bills are higher than they should be you most likely have inadequate insulation. One of the worst places in the home is your exterior doors. If you replace exterior door weatherstripping with a new product you may greatly reduce your energy costs and stop those drafts from entering the home. This is by far one of the cheapest solutions to putting a band aid on the problem. Doing this project is easy and inexpensive. This makes it a great project for even a novice. The article that follows will show you how to replace exterior door weatherstripping.

Step 1 - Removing Weatherstripping

In order to replace exterior door weatherstripping you need to first remove the old weatherstripping. Open the door where you want to place the new weatherstripping. Look along the top of the door, the base and the door jamb. You will see the weatherstripping in place. Grab the weatherstripping near an end and gently pull. Once you have a section loose pour some alcohol over the weatherstripping. The alcohol will aid to dissolve the adhesive. Use the paint scraper to pull the weatherstripping away from the frame and door. Once removed use soapy water and a scrubbing pad to remove any adhesive that is left behind and to clean the surfaces.

Step 2 - Measuring the Weatherstripping

With a clean slate you can now ready the new weatherstripping. Choose a weatherstripping that has an adhesive backing and aluminum foil barriers. This type of weatherstripping will provide extra insulation for the door. Measure the length and the width of the door frame as well as the top and bottom sections of the door. Cut the weatherstripping to the measurements, then test fit the pieces. Make notes of any visible gaps and cut the weatherstripping in pieces to fill those gaps.

Step 3 - Replace Exterior Weatherstripping with New

Open the door you are going to replace exterior weatherstripping for and test fit the pieces you cut once more so you know which pieces belong where. Remove the adhesive backing on the piece of weatherstripping you cut for the bottom. Line it up and press in place. Do the same thing with the top portion of the door. Test fit the remaining piece of weatherstripping and trim if need be. It should be a snug fit but not buckled or bent. Remove the backing of the last piece and press in place. If you previously cut filler pieces of weatherstripping, place them in their specific areas. Close the door and check for any issues that could prevent the door from closing and trim if needed. Once you are satisfied you can nail the weatherstripping in place.