DIY Network

Weatherproof Doors All-seasonal tips for weatherizing your doors From "Home Maintenance" episode DHMW-105

In this first segment of the final episode of Home Maintenance, host Tim Hockenberry shares tips and instructions for weatherproofing your doors for the long term.

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	Host Tim Hockenberry provides long-term tips for maintaining your home year-round.
	Figure A
	Figure B

Materials:

White piece of paper
Caulking gun
Caulk
Weather stripping
Decorative trim
Utility knife

Weatherproof Doors

1. Visually inspect the "reveal" around exterior doors. Look for light coming through. If light gets through, air will too!

2. Put a piece of white paper down between the bottom of the door and the threshold, close the door then pull the paper out slowly. Check the amount of debris to establish the tightness of the seal.

3. Check around entryways for gaps. Caulk where necessary (figure A).

4. For large gaps you might need to use backer rod to fill the space. Measure the gap from side to side and cut a piece of backer rod to fit. Add a bead of caulk to one side of the cut piece and push it into the gap. Push it as far into the gap as possible, then push it into the space as far as it will go. Larger gaps might require one more piece.

5. Once the space is filled, caulk both the upper edge and the lower edge, and don't worry about getting a perfect bead, no one will see your handy work. What you are really after is to seal off any air penetration. Stick the piece of trim against the caulked area then drive in some finishing
   to secure it.

6. Check weather stripping around the exterior doors. If you need to replace old or damaged weather stripping, first you need to remove the old weather stripping. Determine the style of weather stripping you need and follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation. Take the foam strip and starting at the bottom, slowly move your way up the door frame (figure B). Make sure the foam sticks evenly into the corner created by the door frame and the door stop.

7. You can use a putty knife, or your 5-in-1 tool to help wedge the foam strip firmly into the corner seam. Once you have reached the top, simply cut off the excess and press the end firmly into the corner. Then remove the tape covering.

DIY Home Maintenance Seasonal Checklist "Take Care of Your House and It Will Take Care of You!"...and you can start by printing out DIY's PDF checklist file.