When should you replace your weather stripping?

Alright, listen up, because this isn't your average "how-to" on replacing weather stripping and a door sweep. No, no. We're going deep into the real work behind one of the most crucial—but often ignored—home improvement projects. We’re talking about sealing up the air leaks that are costing you precious energy, giving you cold feet in the winter, and letting rain sneak its way in like an uninvited guest. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered.

Now, if you’ve found yourself shivering, wondering why your furnace is working overtime but your house feels like it’s still stuck in a snow globe, you might want to stop blaming the weather and start blaming your door. It’s probably got a bit of a draft problem. Lucky for you, it’s a super simple fix (once you know what you're doing, obviously), and we’re here to walk you through it like the true DIY hero you were always meant to be.

Step 1: Spot the Problem (It’s Not Just the Temperature, It’s the Door)

Okay, first things first. You need to really feel the situation. Not in a creepy way, but you have to literally feel for a draft. Here’s how you know it’s time to replace the weather stripping and door sweep:

1. You Can Feel the Cold: Seriously. Take a stand right next to your door. If you can feel the chill creeping up your legs or hitting your face (even though you’re heating the house to a nice 70°F), the door is letting out heat and cold air is slipping through the cracks of your weather stripping or under the door.
2. The Door Looks Like It’s Seen Better Days: If you’re seeing gaps, cracks, or chunks missing from the weather stripping or the door sweep, that’s a clear sign that it’s time for an upgrade. If the weather stripping is curling up, fading, or has been squashed by years of slamming the door (we all do it), then it’s definitely not doing its job.
3. You’re Paying For Your Mistakes in Your Energy Bill: If your energy bills are creeping up, and you feel like your heating system is always working at max capacity just to keep things comfy, it’s time to address the root cause: the drafty door. Replace the weather stripping, and you’ll see that your energy bill drops.
4. You’re Getting Water In: If you’ve noticed puddles around your door during a rainstorm, that means your door sweep has decided it no longer wants to do its job of keeping the water out. It’s time for a replacement.

If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to face the truth: your door needs some TLC.

Step 2: Tools of the Trade (This Is Not a Drill… Okay, Actually, It Is)

Now, let’s talk about the tools. If you’ve done any DIY around the house, you’ll know this is the part where you think you have all the tools you need, but somehow end up running to the store for a couple of extra things. But, since you’re following us, you’ll be prepared for it. Here’s what you need:

• New Weather Stripping: You can find weather stripping at any hardware store, but the key is knowing which one to grab. We usually go for the rubber weather stripping because it’s solid, durable, and does a fantastic job of sealing off those pesky gaps. It’s also easy to trim to the exact size you need. Trust me, it’s worth the extra couple of bucks.
• New Door Sweep: This is the thing that goes on the bottom of the door, and yes, you’re probably going to need one that matches your door size. If you don’t have one already, or if yours has worn out, go for one that’s a little longer than your door. Why? Because it's better to trim it down to size than to have one that's too short and leaves a gap.
• Utility Knife: You’ll need this to trim the new weather stripping or door sweep to fit. Don’t even think about using scissors—you’ll just end up with a jagged mess that’ll look more like modern art than a functional door.
• Measuring Tape: Trust us, a quick measurement here and there can save you a headache when you’re trying to fit the weather stripping just right.
• Screwdriver or Drill: Depending on the type of door sweep you get, you might need a screwdriver or drill to install it. This is where things get a little more technical, but we’re still in the realm of “it’s easy if you follow the steps.”

Step 3: Removing the Old Stuff (Rip It Off Like a Pro)

Okay, now that we’ve got everything, let’s talk about getting rid of the old, broken weather stripping and door sweep. This is the part where you channel your inner handyman and just rip the old stuff off.

• Weather Stripping: Usually, the old weather stripping is held in place by adhesive, or it’s clipped into the door frame. If it’s glued on, grab a flathead screwdriver and gently pry it away. No need to be delicate here—you’re not reusing it.
• Door Sweep: If your door sweep is screwed in, use your screwdriver or drill to remove the screws and pull it off. If it’s the kind that just slides off, it’s even easier—just give it a little tug, and it’ll come right off.

Throw all that stuff away. It’s time to start fresh.

Step 4: Installing the New Weather Stripping and Door Sweep

Here’s the fun part. You’ve got your new weather stripping, and you’re ready to get it in place. You’ll feel like a pro in no time.

1. Installing the Weather Stripping:
2. Installing the Door Sweep:

Step 5: Test the Seal (Pat Yourself on the Back)

Now, stand back and admire your work. Go ahead, give yourself a little applause. You deserve it.

Here’s the test: Close the door, turn off the heat, and then feel around the edges. You shouldn’t feel any drafts. If you do, adjust the weather stripping slightly or make sure the door sweep is touching the floor evenly.

If everything checks out, you’re golden! You’ve just sealed your door like a pro, and your home is now more energy-efficient. You’ve stopped drafts in their tracks, and now your furnace won’t have to work overtime. Your energy bill’s going to thank you, your feet won’t be cold, and the next rainstorm will stay outside where it belongs. If you're having any issues, give us a call. We'll be happy to help out.