Replace worn door weatherstripping
Replace a tired adhesive seal so the door keeps drafts out and still closes easily.
Home · 30–45 min · Easy
Before you start
Keep fingers out of hinge gaps and steady the open door. Stop if paint flakes, wood is rotten, or the door already binds. Do not scrape or sand suspect old paint, cover a latch opening, or replace a rated fire/smoke seal with ordinary foam.
Tools and materials
- Adhesive weatherstrip matched to the gap and exposure
- Scissors, tape measure, soft cloth, and mild soapy water
Check the problem
Confirm the seal is the problem
Look for a flattened, torn, or loose adhesive strip. Close the door normally: if it sags or rubs before the new seal goes on, fix the alignment first. A gap underneath calls for a door-bottom repair, not more foam on the sides.
Choose the right replacement
Match the sealing location, width, gap range, and indoor/outdoor rating. The strip should compress when shut without making the latch hard to operate. A seal pushed into a groove needs a matching kerf-in replacement instead.
Steps
Check the fit before removing the old seal
Photograph the old seal's route. Measure each run and the gap, then buy a suitable adhesive strip. Check the pack's application temperature and surface requirements; don't choose thickness by appearance alone.
Peel away the worn strip
Steady the door open. Pull the old adhesive strip off slowly by hand. Remove remaining adhesive only with a finish-compatible method recommended for the surface; stop if the coating lifts. Do not add new tape over old tape.
Clean and dry the contact surface
Wipe the bonding surface with mild soapy water, remove residue, and let it dry completely. Keep the latch and hinges clear.
Measure and cut each run
Use scissors to cut one continuous piece for each run. Follow the pack's hinge-side placement and corner instructions; don't assume every edge uses the same face. Check lengths against the door before exposing adhesive.
Press the strip into place
Peel back a short length of liner and press the adhesive onto the clean contact face. Continue gradually without pulling the foam tight. Join corners neatly without open gaps or bulky doubled layers; follow the pack's bonding time.
Check the seal and latch
Close and latch the door several times without slamming. Check that the seal contacts evenly and stays attached. If closing is hard, correct the size or placement rather than forcing the door. If the strip never touches, use a better-matched seal.
Door closes and latches normally; seal contacts continuously without gaps, peeling, or excessive force.
Tips
Thicker isn't automatically better
Too much compression can stop the latch working; too little leaves the draft.
Preparation matters
Adhesive needs a clean, dry, sound surface and the temperature specified on the package.