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Install a Door Sweep or Door Bottom
Level of difficulty: Beginner

Both door sweeps and door bottoms seal the gap at the bottom of a door from drafts, noise, dirt, rain, snow, and pests. At $10 or less, this weatherstripping item pays for itself within a couple of years by reducing energy costs. The flexible seal material is either vinyl (best air seal and most durable) or polyester brush. The rigid channel, called a carrier, may be available in mill finish, gold- or brass-colored aluminum, white or brown plastic or aluminum, and natural wood.

Tools & Materials

Door sweep or door bottom Awl or drill w/1/16-in. bit Tape measure Screwdriver Hacksaw Utility knife File

INSTALLING A DOOR SWEEP:

A standard sweep attaches to the exterior face of the door and extends below it to cover the gap. If interior carpeting would interfere with the standard sweep, choose an automatic model, which rises as the door opens. Of the two types available, the one that springs up from a pivot point is easier to install and cheaper, but does not look as nice or seal quite as well as the vertically rising model.


Aluminum and vinyl door sweep	Drip cap and vinyl door sweep

Automatic door sweep	Automatic door sweep

1. Measure

Chose a sweep that is at least as long as your door is wide. Measure the distance between the doorstop, subtract the amount specified in the package instructions, and mark the sweep for cutting. (A vertically rising sweep has a working section and a cover to be cut, and must be cut only on the strike/handle side of the door.)

2. Cut

Slide the vinyl (or brush) seal out of the carrier before you cut the carrier with a fine-tooth hacksaw blade. Smooth any rough edges with sandpaper (for wood or plastic carriers) or a file (for aluminum carriers). Reinsert the vinyl strip and trim it with a utility knife.

3. Make Pilot Holes

With the door closed, position the sweep against the door so it makes light contact with the threshold below. Trace the slotted mounting holes. Punch or drill pilot holes in the center of your marks.

4. Secure Sweep

Using the screws provided, mount the sweep to the door. As you tighten the screws, adjust the sweep up or down as needed for good contact with the threshold. If you are installing an automatic sweep, install the bumper or strike plate as directed in the instructions.

INSTALLING A DOOR BOTTOM:

L- and U-shaped door bottoms, especially the types with a drip cap, offer added protection for the bottom of the door. Typically you must cut the door to accommodate an L-shaped model, but you can adjust a U-shaped one to suit the gap you have, provided there is at least the minimum required space. You may need to shorten the door.


U-shaped door bottom	L-shaped door bottom and drip cap

1. Measure

With the door closed measure the distance from stop to stop. Very carefully measure the gap between the bottom of the door and the top of the threshold. Measure at the door center and at the left and right sides to determine whether the gap is uniform and is within the tolerance of the product you are using.

2. Install

Measure, mark, and cut the door bottom as described for the door sweep above. Hold the door bottom in place. (For a U-shaped model, open the door to slide on the channel, and close the door carefully.) Adjust it until the seal material makes light contact along its entire length with the threshold. Then secure it with screws in pilot holes, as described for a door sweep (Steps 3 and 4 above).