How to Leak-Proof a Door in Winter

Air and moisture can leak through gaps in the sides of unprotected exterior doors. Leaking air wastes energy and significantly raises heating costs during the winter months; leaking moisture from rain and snow can lead to mildew and rotting wood. Prevent damage to your home and cut costs with a few commercial weather-stripping supplies. Good-quality weather stripping can be expensive, but eventually pays for itself in energy savings.

Measuring tape
Door shoe
Finishing nails
Hammer
Utility knife
Magnetic or tension seal weather stripping
Tubular rubber or reinforced silicone weather stripping (optional)
Hacksaw
Tacks or staples

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the bottom edge, sides and top edge of the door.
- 2
  Cut a vinyl or sponge door shoe to fit the bottom edge of the door, using a utility knife.
- 3
  Open the door and slip the door shoe onto the bottom so the projecting side of the shoe is on the exterior side of the door. Hammer nails through the holes in the shoe into the bottom edge of the door. The door shoe diverts rain on the exterior side and seals the gap between the bottom of the door and the floor.
- 4
  Cut a piece of magnetic or tension seal weather stripping to fit the top edge of the door, using a hacksaw or utility knife. Press the weather stripping against the top edge of the door frame to create a seal.
- 5
  Cut and install magnetic or tension seal weather stripping to fit the sides of the doors using the same techniques used to insulate the top edge of the door. Alternatively, cut tubular rubber or reinforced silicone weather stripping to size, using a utility knife. Peel and stick the insulation to the sides of the door frame. If peeling and sticking isn’t an option, use tacks or staples to attach it.

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