Weatherstripping for Doors | Door Weatherstrip

Doors are one of the biggest culprits for letting in unwanted drafts, dust, and even small insects. To prevent these things from entering your home, we recommend installing high-quality weatherstripping around your doors.

Best Weatherstripping for Doors

Felt Weatherstripping
Foam Tape Weatherstripping
V-Strip Weatherstripping
Door Sweeps
Tubular Rubber, Vinyl, or Silicone Weatherstripping
Magnetic Weatherstripping

With so many weatherstripping options available, how do you choose the best one for your door? We’ll explain the pros and cons of each type and what they’re best suited for. But first, let’s go over what weatherstripping is and why it’s important for doors.

What is Weatherstripping?

Weatherstripping (also known as weatherstrip) is a material used to seal the thin air gap around windows and doors. It is usually long and thin, and comes in a variety of materials, including rubber, metal, foam, and vinyl. It creates a tight seal around the door gap without interfering with the door’s function. There are many ways weatherstripping can be applied to doors, which we’ll explore below.

Most homes already have weatherstripping around the entry doors and windows. However, after several years of use, the old weatherstripping can wear down. When this happens, it should be replaced with new weatherstripping. Installing door weatherstripping is a relatively straightforward and easy DIY project.

Weatherstripping for doors acts as a barrier for drafts, dust, and debris, moisture, and pests. A properly sealed door helps stabilize indoor temperatures. On the flip side, a door without weatherstripping (or worn down weatherstripping), will have an air leakage, and may let in hot or cold air. When this happens, your heating and cooling system has to work harder to maintain your home’s set temperature.

When you have properly sealed doors, you increase your home’s energy efficiency and decrease your monthly energy bills. As such, it’s important to make sure all of your exterior door’s weatherstripping is still in good condition. And, if it isn’t, it’s time for an upgrade.

Best Weatherstripping for Doors

Now that we’ve covered what weatherstripping is and why it’s necessary for your exterior doors, let’s dive into your different weatherstripping options. Which weatherstrip type you choose will depend on your budget, climate, door location, and frequency of use. It’s also important to note that you can use more than one type of weatherstripping. For instance, you may use one type for the bottom of the door and another for the door frame.

1. Felt Weatherstripping

Felt weatherstripping is an affordable, easy-to-install option for preventing drafts and reducing energy loss around doors. It usually comes in a roll and has an adhesive back. Some brands of felt weatherstripping have to be nailed, tacked, and stapled into the wall. With felt weatherstripping, you can cut to the length you need, making it a versatile option.

Made from wool or synthetic fibers, it works well in low-traffic areas or places where durability isn’t as important, such as interior doors and attic hatches. Though it provides a basic seal against air, it’s less effective in extreme weather and wears out faster than other materials, like rubber or vinyl

Best For: Low-traffic areas, windows, or budget-friendly solutions.

Pros:

Affordable
Simple to install
Flexible for small gaps
Versatile (can be cut to the length you need)

Cons:

Not very durable
Ineffective in harsh weather
Limited protection against moisture and pests
Lower lifespan

2. Foam Tape Weatherstripping

Foam tape weatherstripping is similar to felt weatherstripping in that it comes on a roll and most versions have an adhesive back. It is a step above felt weatherstripping in quality and durability.

It also creates a tighter seal between the door and the door frame. This is because the foam is expandable and flexible. When the door closes, it compresses the foam, creating an air tight seal. This unique aspect also makes it ideal for sealing irregular-sized gaps.

Foam tape weatherstripping is either EDPM rubber or closed-cell vinyl foam. It comes in a variety of lengths, widths, and thicknesses. It is highly UV and moisture-resistant. Some brands are even fire-resistant, making them ideal for safety-rated doors.

Foam tape weatherstripping is inexpensive and easy to install. While it is more durable than felt weatherstripping, it is not highly durable. This means it is more susceptible to damage and may be less efficient than other weatherstripping options. That said, the durability largely depends on the type of foam and brand.

Best for: Exterior or interior doors that receive moderate use, door bottom, door frame, attic hatches, irregular cracks, and corners.

Pros:

Affordable
Easy to Install
Relatively durable
Creates a tight seal

Cons:

Less durable for high-traffic exterior doors
Visible

3. V-Strip Weatherstripping

V-strip weatherstripping (also known as a tension seal) is a popular weatherstripping option due to its long-lasting effectiveness. This type of weatherstrip is shaped like a V to bridge the gap between the door and the door frame. When the door is closed, this shape creates a tight seal by pressing against the sides of the gap. It effectively blocks out air, moisture, debris, and insects.

Tension seal weatherstrips can be self-stick vinyl or metal, such as bronze, aluminum, or stainless steel. The durability, effectiveness, and longevity of V-strip weatherstripping depends on the material and brand.

Because of its durability, this weatherstripping option is more expensive than felt or foam tape weatherstrips, but it also means it’s more versatile in application. For example, it can be used for high-traffic exterior doors, such as patio doors.

Best For: Tops and side of exterior and interior doors; frequently used exterior doors.

Pros:

Durable and effective
Long-lasting
Invisible
Moderately priced

Cons:

Metal v-strips can be difficult to install (vinyl is easier)
Vinyl requires a flat surface for proper installation
More expensive than felt or foam tape
Can cause some resistance when opening or closing the door

4. Door Sweeps

A door sweep closes the gap between the door bottom and the threshold. This gap is usually the largest between the door and frame, so it can let in cold air, dirt, and even small rodents. As such, a strong and sturdy door sweep is important for exterior doors.

Door sweeps are typically attached to the door itself, and can be stiff rubber, vinyl, or bristles. Typically, heavy-duty door sweeps are used for high-use exterior doors, such as storm doors or the garage door. For barn doors, a barn door privacy sweep can be installed on the side of the doors to close the gap between the door and the door jamb.

Best For: Exterior door thresholds, garage doors, patio doors, storm doors.

Pros:

Reduces air leakage, dirt, and pests from entering the home from beneath the door.
Easy to install
Highly durable
Best weather strip option for door bottom

Cons:

Moderate to high price depending on brand, material, and durability
Visible
Can drag on carpet

5. Tubular Rubber, Vinyl, or Silicone Weatherstripping

Tubular weatherstripping features a rounded rubber, silicone, or vinyl tube attached to the mounting strip. The mounting strip is either self-adhesive or needs to be nailed or stapled into the door jamb.

When the door closes, it compresses the rubber tube to create an air barrier. It also reduces outdoor noise and keeps the home insulated from extreme temperatures. Tubular rubber weatherstripping is highly durable and long lasting, especially if you buy from a trusted brand.

It is much more reliable at sealing air leaks than felt weatherstripping, and possibly foam tape and V-strip weatherstripping. Because of this, it is a reliable option if you need to seal doors for winter. Depending on the material, brand, and quality, it is moderately priced.

Best For: Exterior door, storm door, garage door, and high-traffic doors.

Pros:

Durable and long-lasting
Flexible
Creates a tight air seal
Affective for harsh weather
Reduces outdoor noise

Cons:

Moderately priced
Can be visible depending on type
Can be challenging to install

6. Magnetic Weatherstripping

Long-lasting and durable, magnetic weatherstripping is a premium sealing option. It is ideal for steel doors, but can also be used for wood doors with magnetic reinforcement. Magnetic weatherstripping is similar in appearance and function to tubular weatherstripping. However, it creates an even more effective seal because the magnets hold the door firmly against the weatherstrip.

Magnetic weatherstripping is used for heavy-duty exterior doors and high-traffic entry doors. It can endure years of use, and is effective at blocking extreme temperatures and harsh weather. It usually comes in long strips of varying widths and thicknesses, allowing you to find the right size for your door.

Best For: Exterior doors, commercial doors, steel doors, storm doors, high-traffic entryways, and patio doors.

Pros:

Creates a tight air seal
Highly durable and long-lasting
Ideal for steel doors
Perfect for heavily-used exterior doors

Cons:

May not be suitable for wood doors without additional magnetic reinforcement
Can be difficult to install
More expensive than other weatherstripping options

How to Install Weatherstripping

Choosing the right weatherstripping for your door is only the first step. Once you've chosen the right weatherstripping from your local home improvement store, it's time to install it.

Most likely, the weatherstripping you purchase will come with installation instructions from the manufacturer. How you install the weather strip will depend on which one you purchase. However, it's helpful to review these step-by-step instructions on how to install weatherstripping to get a clear idea of the process.

1. Gather Tools

You’ll need your new weatherstrip, cleaning supplies, scissors, and a measuring tape. For products that need to be nailed or screwed into the wall, you’ll need a hammer and nails or a screwdriver.

2. Remove Old Weatherstripping and Clean the Surface

Before installing the new weatherstripping, you’ll need to pull out the old weatherstripping. Then, clean the door jamb and all three narrow sides of the door (top and sides). Clean the door bottom if installing a door sweep. Use a gentle cleaner and a non-abrasive cloth or paper towel.

3. Measure

Before cutting your weatherstrip, measure the length of the door jamb on either side of the door and the top of the door. If you’re weatherstripping the entire door frame, you’ll need three measurements: the left door jamb, the right door jamb (should be the same measurement as the left), and the top of the door.
For a door sweep, measure the length of the bottom of the door and the distance from the door to the floor.

4. Install Weatherstripping

Firmly apply self-adhesive weatherstripping around the door jamb. For weather strips that require nails, use nails or screws every few inches. Apply the door sweep to the bottom of the door. For this step, follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper installation.

5. Check Weatherstripping

After installing the door sweep and the weatherstripping around the door, open and close the door a few times. Thoroughly inspect the door gap, making sure it is fully sealed. Look for any air gaps and make sure the door still functions smoothly.

6. Maintenance

About every six months, check the weatherstripping on your doors and windows to ensure they are still in good working order. If you notice any cracks, damage, or air leaks, remove the old weatherstripping and install a new one.

Prevent Drafts with High- Quality Weatherstripping for Doors

The last thing any homeowner wants is a drafty home and high energy bills. Prevent drafts, moisture, insects, and noise by installing high-quality weatherstripping on all your exterior doors.

The best weatherstripping option for you depends on your budget, climate, and how frequently the door is used. Make sure to choose the right weatherstripping for your door to ensure long-lasting quality and durability.