How to Replace Door Weatherstripping

The seal or weatherstripping on exterior doors are there to keep out rain, insects, drafts, and noise. However, these seals are prone to damage as time goes by. Wear and tear is one of the most common reasons why homeowners need to replace weatherstripping on a door. Fortunately, installing new door seals or weatherstripping is easy and this guide will show you how.

Let’s get started!

Types of Weatherstripping Used on Exterior Doors

When you set out to replace the weatherstripping on a door, you will soon find out that these seals come in many forms. Weatherstripping can be classified using the following attributes:

A. Types Based on How the Weatherstripping is Attached

The main ways that weatherstripping is attached include:

• A self-adhesive
• With nails or screws (typically these have a part called the “flange” which is the part that is nailed or screwed in place)
• By pushing the weatherstripping into a pre-cut kerf

The first two methods of attaching weatherstripping can work for a variety of doors. However, for you to use kerf weatherstripping, your door jamb needs to have a kerf slot or channel. This slot is meant to accept the weatherstripping fin that kerf weatherstripping have.

Kerfs are usually cut during the manufacturing process of the door and takes a significant amount of woodworking skills to do on your own – especially if the door is already installed. When in doubt, it is recommended to consult a professional.

B. Types Based on the Material Used

Weatherstripping is available in materials like rubber, felt, vinyl, silicone, and foam. Sometimes, these materials are even combined such as in the case of “vinyl clad foam” weatherstripping.

It is worth nothing that of these above materials, vinyl, silicone, or rubber are regarded as the top choices. These materials keep their form longer which means they can provide a tight seal for a longer span of time.

C. Types Based on Shape or Form

The most common shapes or forms of weatherstripping includes flat, v-type, and tubular/bulb. Whichever shape you choose, these are designed to compress against your door so that your door is sealed against the elements, drafts, and bugs.

Choosing The Best Weatherstripping For Your Door

A close examination of your door’s current weatherstripping can give you an idea of whether or not you can install kerf weatherstripping on it.

If your door does not have a kerf or slot to accommodate a weatherstripping fin, then you would need to choose between an adhesive-type weatherstripping or weatherstripping that is nailed in or screwed.

Opting for a nailed-in or screwed-on weatherstripping may be the best option if you have the tools, skills, and time to get this project done.

However, if you’re looking for the easiest and quickest weatherstripping to install (and your door jamb doesn’t have a kerf), we recommend getting weatherstripping with built-in adhesive.

Now that we’ve covered the various types of weatherstripping and a few tips on how to choose the best one for you, we’ll go into how to replace weatherstripping on a door.

How to Replace Weatherstripping on an Exterior Door

Let’s break down each step to replacing weatherstripping on an exterior door depending on whether the weatherstripping was or will be attached using adhesives, screws, nails, or the door’s kerf.

Step 1: Remove the Old Weatherstripping

Whether you are taking a sample to the hardware store or you’re ready to get started with your project, the first step is to remove the old weatherstripping.

Removing Weatherstripping With Adhesives

1. Using a putty knife, scrape off the old foam and adhesive.
2. Use an adhesive remover to remove the remaining adhesive residue.

Removing Nailed/Screwed-In Weatherstripping

1. Remove the nails using a putty knife or remove the screws using a drill.
2. Once all nails/screws are removed, the weatherstripping will simply fall off

Removing Kerf Weatherstripping

1. Wedge a putty knife into the side of the weatherstripping
2. Pry the weatherstripping out with the putty knife and pull the remaining weatherstripping out.
3. Clean out the kerf slot or channel using the putty knife to remove struck debris

Step 2: Measure the Jambs and Cut the New Weatherstripping

1. 1. Measure the top and side jambs of your door
   2. Cut the weatherstripping according to the measurements you got

Step 3: Do Needed Repairs

In case there are damages that have become apparent after taking off the weatherstripping, you can first work on those repairs before installing the new weatherstripping.

Step 4: Install the New Weatherstripping

Typically, you’ll install weatherstripping where the old weatherstripping was attached. In any case, you need to install the weatherstripping in such a way that the rubber, silicone, or vinyl part presses directly against the door when the door is closed.

Installing Weatherstripping With Adhesives

1. Wipe the door jambs clean.
2. Peel off the paper to expose the self-adhesive of the weatherstripping.
3. Carefully stick on the weatherstripping one portion at a time.

Installing Nailed/Screwed-In Weatherstripping

1. 1. Wipe the door jambs clean.
   2. Line your weatherstripping on the your door frame to make sure the measurements are exact.
   3. Nail or screw the weatherstripping into place.

Installing Kerf Weatherstripping

1. Wipe the door jambs clean.
2. Locate the fin of the kerf weatherstripping – this needs to lay flat against the jamb.
3. Push the fin of the weatherstripping into the kerf channel from one end to the other. Do this for the top and sides.

Get an Exterior Door Replacement with Weatherstripping at Burano Doors

That wraps up our article on how to replace weatherstripping on a door. In some cases, replacing a door’s weatherstripping isn’t enough because the door or frame is already worn out, warped, or corroded.

If you think you need a new door, Burano Doors is here to give you plenty of winning options. On top of durability, energy-efficiency, and style, our doors come with premium weatherstripping to keep your home sealed from the elements.

To learn more about our products, check out our collection of doors. You can also reach out to us to schedule a FREE in-home consultation.