Need help filling gap in door.
#1
11-15-06, 08:47 AM
Need help filling gap in door.
Hi,
I just moved into a new townhouse and I noticed that the main front door has about a half inch gap from the floor and also alongside the length of the door. Probably on top too but I'm too short to see that far up.
Insects are coming in from outside and so I would like fill that gap in as soon as possible.
What options do I have short of buying and installing a new door?
I just moved into a new townhouse and I noticed that the main front door has about a half inch gap from the floor and also alongside the length of the door. Probably on top too but I'm too short to see that far up.
Insects are coming in from outside and so I would like fill that gap in as soon as possible.
What options do I have short of buying and installing a new door?
#2
11-15-06, 09:59 AM
If it is new construction, the builder is responsible for fixing/repairing things like that.
If it is just new to you, you can see if the threshold is adjustable or maybe the bottom sweep is missing. The gaps around the door can be fixed by using a self adhesive insulating strip. 1 package has enough for a typical door.
If it is just new to you, you can see if the threshold is adjustable or maybe the bottom sweep is missing. The gaps around the door can be fixed by using a self adhesive insulating strip. 1 package has enough for a typical door.
#3
11-15-06, 10:37 AM
Hi MarkSR,
Thanks very much for your input. I am very new to this DIY home repair stuff so bear with me please.
First of, its not a new construction. Thats the way its always been I suppose. The home was built in 2001 I think and there have been previous tenants before I moved in.
They just for whatever reason didn't really see this as a problem.
I live in MN and just last week we had unusually warm fall temperature which topped out in the low '70s.
All of a sudden all these lady bugs and weird beetle looking things started to come in from the garden right under the door. Thats why I want to nip this in the bud before Spring hits cause last weeks preview was quite alarming, and thats putting it mildly.
Now about the self adhesive insulating strip, I don't know what that is nor have I heard of it before. Can I get it at Target or Walmart or do I have to go to a Home Depot type store?
And what do I ask for? A self adhesive insulating strip for doors or is there a more common name that they go by that doesn't make me look like a dorky home improvement newb?
Thanks much for your help.
Thanks very much for your input. I am very new to this DIY home repair stuff so bear with me please.
First of, its not a new construction. Thats the way its always been I suppose. The home was built in 2001 I think and there have been previous tenants before I moved in.
They just for whatever reason didn't really see this as a problem.
I live in MN and just last week we had unusually warm fall temperature which topped out in the low '70s.
All of a sudden all these lady bugs and weird beetle looking things started to come in from the garden right under the door. Thats why I want to nip this in the bud before Spring hits cause last weeks preview was quite alarming, and thats putting it mildly.
Now about the self adhesive insulating strip, I don't know what that is nor have I heard of it before. Can I get it at Target or Walmart or do I have to go to a Home Depot type store?
And what do I ask for? A self adhesive insulating strip for doors or is there a more common name that they go by that doesn't make me look like a dorky home improvement newb?
Thanks much for your help.
Originally Posted by marksr
If it is new construction, the builder is responsible for fixing/repairing things like that.
If it is just new to you, you can see if the threshold is adjustable or maybe the bottom sweep is missing. The gaps around the door can be fixed by using a self adhesive insulating strip. 1 package has enough for a typical door.
If it is just new to you, you can see if the threshold is adjustable or maybe the bottom sweep is missing. The gaps around the door can be fixed by using a self adhesive insulating strip. 1 package has enough for a typical door.
#4
11-15-06, 10:55 AM
I'm not sure of the correct name for the self sticking weather stripping. 
Walmart may have it, a hardware or big box will have it. It usually comes in a bag with either 1 long strip or 1 -3' strip and 2 - 7' strips, enough for 1 door. They should be able to steer you in the right direction if you tell them you want to weather seal around the door.
This isn't the fix for the bottom. Some metal thresholds have adjustment screws to raise and lower them. There is also a rubber gasket at the bottom of most exterior doors. You can also buy a sweep [metal frame, rubber seal] to attach to the bottom of the door.
I know all about those #%*# lady bugs. Here in tn I think they are only a problem in the fall [but maybe I can't remember the spring well enough] Since they fly in when you open and close the door, you can't completely keep them out. Spraying and sucking them up with the vacumn works best for us.
Walmart may have it, a hardware or big box will have it. It usually comes in a bag with either 1 long strip or 1 -3' strip and 2 - 7' strips, enough for 1 door. They should be able to steer you in the right direction if you tell them you want to weather seal around the door.This isn't the fix for the bottom. Some metal thresholds have adjustment screws to raise and lower them. There is also a rubber gasket at the bottom of most exterior doors. You can also buy a sweep [metal frame, rubber seal] to attach to the bottom of the door.
I know all about those #%*# lady bugs. Here in tn I think they are only a problem in the fall [but maybe I can't remember the spring well enough] Since they fly in when you open and close the door, you can't completely keep them out. Spraying and sucking them up with the vacumn works best for us.
#5
11-15-06, 11:02 AM
The product suggested is usually referred to as "self adhesive foam insulation".It comes in a wide variety of widths,thicknesses and denisities.The more well known brands are Frost King and MD (Macklenburg-Duncan) but is often packaged under store brands as well.
There are other possible choices of door insulating products that may work for you.This includes what is referred to as "jamb-up" and several other gap filling items.
The bottom may be dealt with by what is known as a "Door sweep" which is applied to the bottom and has a vinyl or brush strip which hangs down and blocks the gap.
You mentioned Walmart Target and Home Depot as sources.These stores likely carry some selection of these items however there will be nobody to "ask" for information about these products.Home Depot has help but they don't have much knowledge.Walmart and Target have nothing.
Go to a real hardware store such as Ace,True Value or Do It Best.These stores will have a far wider selection of various products and personnel that can assist you in picking out and using the best products for your particular situation.
The foam in particular comes in about a dozen variations.I doubt Walmart or Target would even carry jamb-up.
There are other possible choices of door insulating products that may work for you.This includes what is referred to as "jamb-up" and several other gap filling items.
The bottom may be dealt with by what is known as a "Door sweep" which is applied to the bottom and has a vinyl or brush strip which hangs down and blocks the gap.
You mentioned Walmart Target and Home Depot as sources.These stores likely carry some selection of these items however there will be nobody to "ask" for information about these products.Home Depot has help but they don't have much knowledge.Walmart and Target have nothing.
Go to a real hardware store such as Ace,True Value or Do It Best.These stores will have a far wider selection of various products and personnel that can assist you in picking out and using the best products for your particular situation.
The foam in particular comes in about a dozen variations.I doubt Walmart or Target would even carry jamb-up.
#6
11-15-06, 11:19 AM
Wow, thanks a lot guys. I really appreciate your help.
I think I will look at maybe weather stripping for the length of the doorway (which should also keep out drafts hopefully and cut on heat loss) and maybe a door sweep for the bottom of the door. That sounds like it is the best option for keeping out those darn bugs.
I will heed your advice and go to the local TruValue or Ace and see if they can explain my options and see what they recommend .
Cheers.
I think I will look at maybe weather stripping for the length of the doorway (which should also keep out drafts hopefully and cut on heat loss) and maybe a door sweep for the bottom of the door. That sounds like it is the best option for keeping out those darn bugs.
I will heed your advice and go to the local TruValue or Ace and see if they can explain my options and see what they recommend .
Cheers.
