Noticing higher energy bills even though your habits haven’t changed? Perhaps the problem lies in your door. If your front door is poorly sealed or has gaps along the edges, it can be a serious energy waster. In fact, even a seemingly small ⅛-inch gap lets in the same amount of cold air as a 2.5-inch hole in the wall! Shocking, right?
So, what can you do to fix a drafty door? Are there any specific rules about fixing door gaps in Maryland? Check out our guide below for everything you need to know!
What causes door gaps
According to data from the U.S. Department of Energy, air leaks from the front door account for up to 20% of heat loss in most homes. So, what are the main reasons that cause these gaps to form?
Weather and temperature changes play an important role, especially if you live in an area with intense heat or cold. As you may know, most doors are made from wood and metal – materials that expand and contract with temperature changes. Over time, these small movements cause damage to the materials, which can result in gaps.
Likewise, at American Home Contractors, we often see doors that haven’t been installed correctly. If a door hasn’t been properly sealed or aligned, gaps will eventually appear. That’s why it’s so important to choose an experienced contractor. Otherwise, you risk losing your money!
Of course, wear and tear also plays a major role. If the door regularly gets opened and closed (as most normally do), its alignment might change, or the hinges might become loose with time. This may also lead to gaps.
So, how can you fix a door gap?
If your door has gaps due to weather seals ripping, compressing, or wearing out, don’t go into panic mode yet! There’s no need to install a new door yet – you can simply attach new weather seals. While generally, this is not too difficult, we still advise you to get professional help. Working with doors involves many details; if you make a mistake during the process, it will cost you later.
Still, if you want to do it yourself, here are the steps you should follow.
Take measurements
The first step in the process is measuring the gap between the door and both side jambs, as well as the door and stop. For each side of the door, you will need weatherstripping that can fill the largest gap along its run.
Cut a groove
If you want to fix your door gaps, you will have to start by cleaning your door. A clean surface is more important than it seems!
Next, use a paint scraper to check whether both surfaces don’t have any nails or bumps. Once you’ve done that, place the V-shaped base of the grooving tool in the corner where the jamb meets the stop. Cut a groove that’s around ⅛ inch wide and 3/16 inch deep. Repeat the process for the other side, and clean out any wood chips that have fallen out.
Add the weatherstripping
The next step is taking the barbed edge of the weatherstripping and pushing it into one end of the slot. While doing this, make sure not to stretch it otherwise, it will create gaps. Once you’re close to the end, cut the necessary length. Alternatively, you can cut the weatherstripping already before and then insert the ends into both ends of the slot.
Make sure to route the dado
All the gaps in the bottom of the door must also be sealed. To do this, mark out a dado that’s approximately ⅝-inch wide-deep. Keep in mind it should be at the center of your door’s bottom edge.
Next, you will have to move the router from left to right and then do the same on the opposite side of your door. This part of the process is quite challenging, so unless you’re experienced in woodworking, it’s better to get expert help.
Insert channels
Once you have made cuts into the grooves, you should cover the wood with primer and paint and do a little bit more cutting (yes, again) for the aluminum channels. They should be slightly shorter than the door’s width, so there’s a place for end caps. The next step in the process is inserting the channels. Make sure they are centered and then screw them in place!
Add the door sweep
Our tip: Make sure to hang the door before installing your chosen sweep. Otherwise, you may accidentally cause damage.
Once you’ve fitted the sweep into the channel, double-check whether there’s no light between the sweep and the threshold. If there is, adjust the glides as necessary.
To finish, remember to place plastic caps onto the channels. It’s also smart to get some adhesive-backed pile pieces – they can be placed at the bottom of your door jambs.
Recap: How to fix door gaps in Maryland
Although fixing door gaps may seem like a relatively easy task at first, it involves many steps, so we don’t recommend homeowners do it themselves.
If you are having issues with your door, our team at American Home Contractors is here to assist! We can also help with entry door replacement and other construction work.
Fact Checked by Lita Legzdina on 12/13/2024