If you're installing a door, you'll need to install a door sweep to secure your door from noise and prevent air infiltration under the door. Do you know you can actually install your door sweep all by yourself? In this article, you will learn the step by step procedure on how to get it installed, the types of door sweep, how to remove worn-out door sweeps, and the benefits of installing one in your door.
Before You Install A Door Sweep
When you decide to install a new door, you may want to consider other aspects of your door or door frame that could benefit your home. The different sweeps available can help keep drafts at bay and ensure a tight seal every time your door is shut. Learning about the different types of sweeps can help you decide what would work best for your door and how to go about, including it.
If you want to personally install your door sweep without hiring an expert, you must take the time needed to carefully learn the step by step procedures in installing and attaching a door sweep. By doing this yourself, you're cutting down on your labor cost, at the same time eliminating a lot of the noise that comes in and out of your room.
A door sweep is a long strip of metal with a seal made of a material such as neoprene, silicone, or a nylon brush. This long strip of metal is
surface mounted to the bottom of the door. Ideally, the sweep should be installed so that comes in contact with the bevel on the threshold but
You can also choose an L-shaped or surface mount sweep. Some of these feature drip caps that help to direct water away from the bottom of the door. This can be particularly useful if your entry door will be outside and exposed to the elements.
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L-Shaped
L-Shaped and Surface Mount Sweeps. Sun Mountain's L-shaped and surface mount sweeps include a drip cap to direct water away from the door. L- shaped sweeps are provided on all 1-3/4″ thick exterior doors. Surface mount sweeps are supplied in all 2-1/4″ thick or thicker exterior doors. If installed on-site, Sun Mountain recommends sealing the top edge of the sweep with a bead of silicone at the time of installation, to prevent moisture from seeping between the sweep and the door.
U-Shaped
The U-Shaped door sweeps are usually made out of silicon and aluminum because of their durability. Silicon is the main insulator there, and the aluminum is the carrier for the silicon. Their shape enables them to simply slide underneath the door and can be adjusted so that it covers the gap to the threshold.
Installing a door sweep is relatively straight forward and can be erected using simple tools and less effort.
Select The Right Type
Door sweeps (bottom) can be used in a variety of homes, even rented houses. The most common door sweeps for exterior doors are standard, automatic, selfs-stick, and draft door weatherproofing. Choosing the right door sweeps for exterior doors is relatively easy when you know the specifics and follow the step by step procedure.
Standard Sweep
Standard door sweeps have weatherstripping attached to a heavy-duty aluminum carrier. The weatherstripping seals gaps from 1/2 to 3/4 inches. It is ideal for sweeping over a tile or hardwood floor. These types of door bottom sweeps are installed by being screwed into a steel or wooden door. The most common size is a 36-inch door sweep, but you may need a 42-inch door sweep. A standard aluminum door sweep comes with vinyl weatherstripping and is easy to install as it typically comes with nails that can be screwed into a wood or metal door.
Automatic door sweep
There are a few styles of automatic door sweep which remove the problem of drag on flooring or carpets. These sweeps are slightly more expensive and can be more challenging to install. They can also require a small pause after unlatching the door so that they are correctly retracted. An automatic door bottom is adjustable and often provides a better seal. An automatic door sweep is bulkier than a door sweep due to what is on the inside. When the door is opened, the activator “button” releases. The seal material is pulled up inside the door bottom, which allows the door to swing open and closed without the seal material dragging along the floor. Suitable for renters or homeowners not interested in making any permanent changes to doors.
Removing Existing Door Sweep
When you want to remove and replace a door sweep, probably because the existing one has worn out, replacing a bottom seal on a door isn't difficult. You do not have to remove your door off the hinges to install to remove or replace a door sweep. However, if the door sweep is glued or nailed onto the button door, you will have to get the door off the hinges. The door could be weighty, and you might need to employ extra hands to assist you, so you don't hurt yourself.
Step 1：Remove the door
To get to the glued or nailed bottom door sleep, there is no way out of it unless you remove your door off the hinges.
Step 2: Place it on a Stand
Take it to your garage and get a stand to relax your door.
Step 3: Get a Scraper
You don't need a unique tool; a scraper will do just fine. Hold tightly to the edge of the door while using the scraper to remove the glued door sweep.
What you'll need?
You only need essential tools to install a door sweep. These are; pencil, drill, saw, putty knife, hammer, metal-cutting scissors, and measuring tape.
To install a door sleep, you need to ensure you're purchasing the right door sweep with proper screws for your particular door. It is advisable to buy extra self-tapping screws as not all pre-packaged door sweeps come with them.
Metal Door Bottom Sweep
Its a type of door sweep that blocks air and sound with just a single metal strip. It is to be noted that you can only install this particular type on the side that swings inward. To install this door sweep, you can either you screw, glue, or nail to fasten it securely to the door. Below are the steps you should follow to install a metal strip door sweep.
Step 1: Take Measurement of your door bottom
Measure the width of your door then buy a door sweep that is at least as big as your door. With the door closed, measure the bottom of the door and transfer your marks onto the door sweep.
Step 2: Cut the Sweep
Cut the door sweep to the appropriate door bottom size using your heavy-duty tin snips or a hack saw cut the door sweep to fit the bottom of the door.
Step 3: Mark and drill holes
Most door sweeps come with pre-drilled holes, so you just need to line up the sweep with the drilled holes. However, some might not have been pre-drilled, and from time to time, these holes are in the wrong place, and those extra self-tapping screws you bought will come in handy. After cutting the door bottom sweep to the right measured specification, you will have to mark and drill pilot holes through which screw will be inserted to tighten the door sweep to the bottom of the door.
Step 4: Ensure contact with the floor
Place your door sweep against the bottom of the door, ensuring the rubber seal or nylon brushes come in contact with the threshold or floor.
Step 5: Loosely attach door sweep & adjust as necessary
The trick is to install the door sweep, so it contacts the threshold or floor evenly but is not too tight that it binds the door and prevents it from closing. This is where the oval slots [adjustment slots] come in handy.
Step 6: Adjust the Door Sweep
Install the screws in the middle of the oval slot, but don't over tighten them. Positioning the screws in the middle of the space allows you to micro-adjust the sweep up or down. Try opening and closing the door a few times to check the fit.
Step 7: Fasten securely to the bottom of your door.
This is the stage where you finish the job by tightening the screws. Once the sweep is secured correctly, then close the door to ensure it is a good fit and that there is no draft coming in underneath the door. If it is not a good fit, make the adjustments to ensure it is a good fit.
Slide-on Door Sweep
Installing a side door sweep is slightly different from how you will install a Metal door sweep. Also called U-Shaped door sweep. It's a type of sweep that extends and covers both sides of the door. Installation of this type is relatively easy as you only have to slide the door sweep under the bottom of your door to install.
Step 1: Measure the Width of Your Door
You need to ensure your door sweep fits the exact width of the bottom of your door. If it's too big, then measure and make the appropriate markups for cutting.
Step 2: Cut to Size
At this stage, you should get a saw to cut your door sweep to the correct size.
Step 3: Slip It On
Now all you need to do is slip underneath your door. The design of the door sweep uses tension to keep it in place.
Step 4: Adjust Accordingly
You can make the door sweep fit better by hammering it down lightly with a putty knife until it meets the threshold. This will create the airtight seal needed to prevent air and sound from infiltrating your room.
Benefits of Door Sweep
- Apart from eliminating noise that comes in and out, there are several benefits of installing sweeps to your house doors. These include improves the quality of air.
- When you seal your door, you prevent dust and pollen from entering the house. This leads to a better quality of air. It also helps keep insects away; hence you will be able to play your musical instruments without swatting flies away.
Conclusion
Whether it's for keeping outside out or making sure that inside stays in, getting a door sweep installed on your door can save you lots of money and periods of embarrassment. It's economical and relatively easy to fix.
Ensure you follow the instruction to install your door sweep correctly. The sound will not be blocked. I hope this helps!
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