Symptoms
- Feel air movement around the door edges
- Higher heating or cooling bills
- Visible daylight around the door frame
Likely causes
- CommonWorn or missing weatherstrippingFoam and rubber weatherstripping compresses and degrades over years of use.
- CommonGap under the door at the thresholdSettling or a worn door sweep can leave a gap along the bottom.
- PossibleDoor not closing fully against the frameA misaligned latch or hinge can prevent the door from sealing tightly.
- PossibleWarped door or frameWood doors and frames can warp slightly over time, creating uneven gaps.
What to do
- Close the door and run your hand around the edges to feel for air movement.
- Check the weatherstripping around the frame for gaps, cracks, or flattened sections and replace as needed.
- Check the door sweep or threshold at the bottom for wear and adjust or replace it to close any gap.
- Make sure the door latches fully and sits flush against the frame; adjust the strike plate if it doesn't.
- On a sunny day, have someone shine a flashlight around the closed door from outside while you look for light leaking through from inside.
- Add weatherstripping tape or a door sweep kit to address any remaining drafts.
Tools and parts
- Screwdriver
- Utility knife
- Tape measure
Door weatherstripping kitSearch: “door weatherstripping kit”
Door sweepSearch: “adjustable door sweep”
When to call a pro
Call a door installer if the door or frame itself is warped enough that weatherstripping and a new sweep don't stop the draft.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.