Replace exterior door weatherstripping

Why It Matters

Worn door weatherstripping is one of the biggest air leaks in older homes and lets water and pests in too.

Tools

• Pry bar or putty knife
• Utility knife
• Tape measure
• Scissors or tin snips
• Clean rags
• Hammer (for nail-on strips)

Materials

• V-strip or compression seal weatherstripping
• All-purpose cleaner or rubbing alcohol
• Small nails (for nail-on strips)

How to Do It

1. Measure the height of both door jambs and the width of the threshold so you buy the right length of weatherstripping before you start.
2. Using a pry bar or putty knife, carefully remove the old weatherstripping from the jambs and threshold.
3. Clean all contact surfaces with a cleaner or rubbing alcohol and let them dry completely so the new strip adheres or seats properly.
4. Cut the new V-strip or compression seal to length with scissors or tin snips, following the manufacturer's fit instructions for corners.
5. Press or nail the new weatherstripping into place along both jambs and across the threshold, working from top to bottom on each side.
6. Close the door and confirm it latches snugly with no visible gaps; trim or reposition any section that bunches or leaves a gap.

Related Tasks

• Re-caulk exterior door frames Once a year
• Inspect foundation and exterior drainage Once a year
• Re-caulk exterior window frames Once a year