Insulating around exterior door
#1
12-21-21, 11:22 AM
Insulating around exterior door
I installed a new exterior pre-hung door. It has gaps around it ranging from 1/4" to 1/8". I know they make expanding foam for this but have read that it can expand and distort the frame, making it unusable. What is preferred for insulating these small gaps?
#2
12-21-21, 12:26 PM
Group Moderator
I like to use Dap latex window and door foam for narrow gaps. You can flatten the straw out with a hammer, shove the straw in and shoot it into tight spaces. You will just want to ensure that the straw doesn't come out of the can as you reoeatedly push it in and pull it out. Keep pulling the straw back toward the can to keep it tight. Cuz it makes a mess if it comes off unexpectedly.
The latex is a little more user friendly and is super low expansion.
The latex is a little more user friendly and is super low expansion.
#3
12-21-21, 02:20 PM
Thank you! I will do that. How do people insulate around the door locks? On my pre-hung door the frame just has one large gap on the lock side of the door. Do you just spray foam around the lock and cut it out if any gets in the way of the bolt?
#4
12-21-21, 04:22 PM
Group Moderator
Yes, or just keep the foam away from that area, spraying deeper in the rough opening so as to avoid the area that is mortised for the deadbolt so as to keep it clean. The better quality deadbolts will come with a black plastic plug that goes behind the strike plate and actually closes off the deadbolt mortise. But even then, a lot of guys that aren't locksmiths but that install residential doors and hardware will pitch that part, as they feel it's kind of unnecessary / optional.
#5
12-21-21, 06:17 PM
Member
I would not use any foam. I have in the past when hanging a new door, used fiberglass insulation to fill the gaps. No chance of warping, easy and clean. And you can small make adjustments by adding extra or removing a little insulation to nudge the frame that 1/16 of an inch in the middle or top or bottom. And if and when the times comes to replace the door. No foam mess to clean out.
#6
12-21-21, 10:43 PM
Member
The key as mentioned is using low expansion foam.
Probably not an issue with a door but large window frames can easily be flexed with conventional expanding foam.
Probably not an issue with a door but large window frames can easily be flexed with conventional expanding foam.
