5 Reasons to Install a Door Sweep (And How to Do It)
Do you have gaps beneath your doors? You’re not alone. They are quite common and caused by foundation settling, uneven floors, or simply a door that is too short for the frame. Door sweeps are a simple and cost effective way to fill door gaps, offering a secure door-to-floor seal and protection from all sorts of unwanted hassles. Whether you are a homeowner, business owner, or renter, consider installing door sweeps in your space. They’re simple, beneficial, and may help you save money.
1. Reduce Heat Loss
Door sweeps help prevent drafts from entering and heat from escaping, helping to keep your space comfortable and your energy bills low. In addition to installing door sweeps, it is recommended you seal all exterior gaps and cracks around your home for maximum energy savings.
2. Door Sweeps Reduce Moisture
Much like door sweeps work to prevent drafts, they help prevent the entry of moisture from rain, snow, dew, and even humidity. This helps keeps your space comfortable and dry, and helps avoid potential water damage.
3. Reduce Dust and Dirt
Dust, dirt, pollen, and debris flying around outside can easily enter the home from beneath exterior doors. Door sweeps are a simple way to help keep your home’s floors, surfaces, and air quality clean.
4. Prevent Pests
A mouse can enter a home through a hole the size of a nickel and bugs through a crack the width of a straight pin - so you better believe they can get through a gap under your door frame! Installing door sweeps blocks these access points and helps keep pests out. For maximum pest prevention, use sealant to fill all other gaps and cracks in your home as well.
5. Reduce Noise
Speaking of pests, door sweeps may also help reduce exterior noise (like from those noisy neighbors across the hall). This is particularly helpful in apartment buildings with busy hallways.
How to Install a Door Sweep
Installing a door sweep is simple. Sweeps come in a variety of materials and lengths, most of which can be trimmed and adjusted for a precise fit and secure seal - even on an uneven surface. Though specific door sweep features may vary, installation is generally the same.
Where to Install
Doors that swing inward - Install sweep on the inside bottom edge of door
Doors that swing outward - Install sweep on the outside bottom edge of door
Simple Steps to Install
1- Hold the sweep against the CLOSED door and align it flush with the bottom of the door frame
2- Trim the door sweep if necessary. You want it to run the length of the door, but not overlap onto the frame
3- Screw one end of the sweep loosely into the door, leaving the other end free for height adjustments
4- Adjust the other end, then loosely screw the second end in
5- Test by opening and closing the door to make sure the sweep does not obstruct its path, yet still creates a secure door-to-floor seal
6- If you are satisfied with the position of the door sweep, tighten the screws on both sides.