Door Sweep Installation (2024)

FAQs

How tight should a door sweep be? ›

Adjust the sweep up/down as needed to tightly seal (overlap about 1/8") against the top of your sill.

Ideally, the sweep should be installed so that is comes in contact with the bevel on the threshold but where the sweep will not touch the flooring material (i.e. carpet, tile) as the door swings open and closed.

Door sweeps are installed on the outside face of the door, preventing dust, water, and other elements from building up beneath the door and entering the home. Exterior door sweeps are typically made of vinyl, but they can also be made of brush material.

Solution. With some force you can swing the door open. Look at the brush or vinyl weatherstripping and try to maneuver it so that the door can open easier. Once the door is open, bend the brush or vinyl back into place and slide it inside of the aluminum holder.

There should be a 2mm or 3mm gap between the door and the frame on both sides and the top. If you do need to cut the door down to size, keep in mind that you need to cut all four sides of the door equally whenever possible to retain an accurate shape or pattern if the door is panelled.

Measure the distance between the sides of the door frame at the bottom of the door. Deduct 1/16” from this measurement and cut the door sweep to that width. Use a hacksaw to cut the metal and use scissors to cut the vinyl sweep.

To get started, and to make sure you choose the most appropriate door sweep, you need to measure the gap between the door and the threshold. You need to know the door width and the door thickness, as well. This'll help you select and custom fit the best door sweep.

Door Sweeps (also called Door Bottoms) are the quickest and easiest to install. Sweeps are attached to the bottom of entry doors or doors to unheated areas. There are many types to fit different situations and budgets.

Some strip-style door sweeps come with an adhesive backing meant to stick directly to either side of your door. Others are mounted in rigid metal or plastic installation guides fastened to the bottom edge of doors.

In general, the gap beneath an interior door will be between three-quarters of an inch and half an inch. This width depends largely on the type of flooring, as door frames are generally installed when the floor is unfinished. A standard door can have varying levels of clearance over different flooring types.

Where to place a door sweep? ›

Even though some types can be installed on interior doors, door sweeps should be applied on the outside face of exterior doors. This is to prevent dirt and debris from collecting underneath your door.

Even if unwanted pests decide to come investigating, they won't find easy access around your doors. In addition to helping you keep insects and rodents out, door sweep brushes are also a good way to help you manage your energy costs if you have a climate-controlled warehouse or workshop.

The general rule of replacement for door weatherstripping is every few years. How often you use a door can impact this, so entry doors and storm doors will generally require more support than sliding patio doors or hinged patio doors.

A well fitted door should have a 2mm gap on either side and at the top. The gap at the bottom will depend on the thickness of your flooring/carpet. Plane the door as required, using an electric plane will help you get an even finish, and sand for a smooth finish.

If your door doesn't close, latch, or lock, then loosen the screws of the side that is binding, move the weatherstripping slightly away from the door, and retighten the screws. Conversely, if the door is not snug against the rubber tubing, adjust the weatherstripping so it seals well against the door.

First, test how well the threshold fits – it should feel secure and not budge once set. When closing the door, it should close comfortably, if it doesn't, you can plane the bottom of the door until it's the right height.