How To Install BOTTOM DOOR SEALS--2 TYPES!! (Keep Out Bugs/Light/Water/Drafts/Sound...DOOR SWEEP!)

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How To Install BOTTOM DOOR SEALS--2 TYPES!! (Keep Out Bugs/Light/Water/Drafts/Sound...DOOR SWEEP!)
Large gaps/cracks across the full width of a door bottom can be very problematic. They might let in air, water, light and bugs. This short video from The Honest Carpenter will show you multiple ways to address this issue, and the products to use!
Gaps beneath doors are caused by space between the DOOR SLAB and the THRESHOLD or floor. This space is necessary! It lets the door function properly by preventing tension/rubbing between the two parts.
However, these gaps let light, air, bugs and water into the house as well.
All exterior doors should be equipped with some sort of DOOR SWEEP, or DOOR BOTTOM SEAL.
Nearly all new exterior doors come with STANLEY-TYPE door sweeps, which have two fins on the back that slot up into grooves in the underside of the door.
These sweeps can typically be pulled out and replaced by hand. But, it's sometimes necessary to trim the fins on the new sweep, or even cut it to length.
Some door sweeps clamp onto the bottom edge of the door and can be moved up and down to create a seal with the threshold or floor.
I like ALUMINUM + VINYL FLANGE sweeps. These simple seals can be attached to either face of the door using screws and a drill. They can be positioned up and down to create contact with the floor or threshold.
The aluminum spine of the sweep can be cut using a HACKSAW. The vinyl strip can be cut with just a utility knife.
Most aluminum and vinyl sweeps can be attached to the door with the supplied screws. However, for steel doors such as mine, you may need to use self-tapping screws capable of penetrating metal.
Thanks for watching! Be sure to visit us at The Honest Carpenter Website:
www.thehonestcarpenter.com

[@sophiahuber4756]

I am a woman and love, love, love to learn ways to deal with the house fixings since I am the only one who really cares for them. My son sent me your videos and here I am, and a new subscriber. Thank you very much for teaching us how to. 🥰

[@gwendolynkaren5933]

You are a woman. okay

[@Tinyteacher1111]

Same here, but I just look for them. My ex husband, boyfriends, son, are all non handy, and I think being handy is such a turn-on!

[@Tinyteacher1111]

@@gwendolynkaren5933 snotty remark.

[@dawn881]

hey sophia i, as a woman, also love this channel . the men in my life are not too handy and i also enjoy learning and this guy is a great teacher ...

[@khshkhshkhsh]

Why is it important you’re woman or man. You’re a person. Just watch the video and move on

[@SeeonX]

Wow I was soooo pissed to see the light gap and then you freakin nailed it with the second one. Sweet lord that was an emotional rollercoaster for me. Outstanding work!

[@smerk429]

Thanks I'm a subscriber.. Question please : Instead of putting the door draft stoppers on the Inside AND the Outside, can you just put it on the OUTSIDE ONLY ? Thanks. Anybody knowledgeable please reply soon

[@waynetyson3822]

I like the idea of the double sweep. Here in fire country, a retired fireman stayed home as a big wind-driven fire bore down on them. Glowing embers blew under the door like crazy, setting little fires around the house interior which they put out with water they had reserved in the bathtubs and sinks. As the flame front passed quickly under high winds, he then went outside and put out other small fires outside. Another one for your "keep out" list. However, I'm looking for silicone sweeps, not merely vinyl.

[@magicalmidget9731]

I accidentally bought these yesterday was just about to take them back,thanks for the video much appreciated

[@mizzsinasiababy]

Oh man I wish I had seen your video months ago when I was trying to find ways to stop my front door from minor storms and rain getting in. This is the best and most informative video I have found! Thanks heaps!

[@kattfranklin6933]

Thank you. As a woman, I appreciate your explanations and different solutions to the problems. As a perfectionist, I procrastinate, but as you said resolving the problem is more important.

[@monkeygraborange]

I really like the fact that you address idiot problems like this that the average person doesn’t realize they can fix themselves. I know more people who have asked me about hiring someone to solve really simple problems like this. I always say the first and best tool one can have is confidence!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Very true, Monkey! Sometimes I have to remind myself to document things like this, because I’ll look back and say, “I didn’t know how to do this once…there have to be plenty of people out there who still don’t.”

[@rbrown6476]

I agree! This gives me the confidence as an old woman, that I could have a go as well, with winter on the way and fuel bills set to rise ❤

[@buzoff4642]

Thank you! Tired eroding door seal, was dreading (been there done that) take the heavy door off the hinges, to replace it. What you give me is time back, and more energy reserved for other things, and I appreciate that.

[@arielrodriguez6980]

Great video! For me though the Aluminum and Vinyl flange hasn't worked well. The vinyl tends to slide out with time and the screws tend to get loose with time also.

[@HeirloomBuilders]

Great review. This is one of the best simple and inexpensive improvements you can make to your home! Love what you're doing. Keep it up, buddy!

[@harrypehkonen]

My door opens in (groan!), so I'll be putting in a threshold. And then a couple of those aluminum/vinyl sweeps, so they contact at the bottom only when the door is closed. Thanks for the pointers!

[@carenallen5841]

Dude..I love your helpful videos..I’m a 70 yr old. Female home owner…that is capable to do simple Home improvements thank you very much

[@RD-xh9ss]

My parents house had this issue. Now I know what to do. Appreciate the aliminum/vinyl suggestion. Thanks

[@jbwjr54]

Thanks for the great info and presentation. I need new sweeps on all my doors, and as you know they are all different. What a pain, since some of the I have to take off the hinges and man handle them. You have saved me hundreds of dollars when I had to replace a rotten door jam and was able to do it with your door jam video. So I am definitely going to take your information under advisement. Thanks for the great information and congratulations on your new digs and location.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you, jb!! I’m really glad to hear the videos have been so helpful! Good luck with the sweep change-outs. Just take it door by door 🙂

[@MandyWoodArtist]

brilliant using two - I have doors front and back to my workshop that have large uneven gaps and I am going to try this.

[@ivanwill]

Nice breakdown. We lived in our house for 10 years, before I looked into this. I was tired of feeling a cold draft coming in at the front door and back door. Albeit, the one I installed required removing the entire door - LOL

[@peehandshihtzu]

Very detailed explanation of these options and nice examples. I've also found myself using the add-on, lower thresholds in concert with these type sweeps in cases where it applied and they can really compliment certain applications. I appreciate you could have used one on your shop door but didn't as it would have impeded the accessibility to rolling items on wheels or casters through the doorway. It was a good call worth the mention. Great video, nice to keep your heat in and the bugs out. :)

[@TheToddbart]

Hello Ethan, thanks for all of your door weatherproofing videos. I've been trying to figure out how to get rid of gaps all around my door, with no luck. Your videos were perfect for my situation and gave us a very sealed door. I'm now a subscriber to your channel and enjoy your videos, great for our older house. Best, Todd

[@rg3291]

Thanks! This video is exactly what I needed for my leaking mud room door!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

😁

[@nunaubzness3266]

You do a good job of cutting to the chase in your videos. No nonsense, practical, common sense solitons explained well. Thanks

[@harveytr7106]

Perfectly timed. I’ve just been pondering this exact problem on my workshop build today. Thank you from the U.K.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Awesome, Harvey! Always happy to hear from the UK 🙂 🇬🇧

[@shastastan1935]

You have one of the best DIY channels with simple and easily understandable instructions with supporting video. Many Thanks!!

[@susanfrombflo8368]

I love your videos because you don't present "perfect world" scenarios, and my house is def not perfect. I need to replace the bottom nail-on sweep on my front door again (removal required) because the rubber strips begin to rip away on the door knob side almost immediately. I'm thinking the contractor installed it cockeyed.....

[@vince7735]

So much useful information covered in under 5 minutes!! Well done! Thank you!

[@valborchardt3596]

Thanks Ethan, just what i need for my door. Take care as always from South Africa

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thanks, Val! Happy to hear from South Africa! 😄

[@asiahdingle5824]

I keep getting water in my basement which is from an even bigger issue. The gap in the door isn't helpful so this is a really good tip without breaking my pockets. Thank you

[@mustangtonto5862]

Very timely for me as my basement service door allows rain water to enter the basement due to a worn out threshold & sweep. Thank you very much!

[@billlewis8392]

You get right to the point and straight to the steps. Plus, These sweeps look smooth AF. *FOLLOW*

[@marthahansen6123]

Thanks! I need to this on a garage side door. Big gap and mice love it.

[@ragmanintx]

This channel should have millions of subscribers. Awesome stuff every time.

[@cattigereyes1]

Interesting information thanks!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

😄

[@dennisboyd144]

I love your videos!!!! Very informative, you speak clearly, concise, not a lot of fluff, just good lnfo. You make it sound like...”yeah you guys got this, you can do it”. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us, keep it coming my man !!!

[@harleminthebuildn9234]

I LEARNED SOMETHING NEW TODAY. TOP MARKS MATE. THANX👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾🙂🙂🙂👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@michaelsherron7815]

Back-to-Back, another awesome video. Thanks,. The self-tapping screws was a help for me. Whenever I installed exterior doors where the door sweep was used, the screws very rarely catch on the stainless steel doors but just bore right through. I'll try the self-taps and see if that helps next time.

[@alfabrizio6005]

I think it would be a more helpful video if it showed how to recognize the more common door seals (with the door still attached) so that you know which one you have including measuring for the right width and etc.

[@MisAlizana]

i agree

[@DCS026]

I have had this issue on a screen door at our hunting cabin for years and it is always bugged me now, I know how to fix it thank you.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Awesome Douglas! They’re also make fiber sweeps, with a bottom like a broom head. That might work well in that situation too!

[@lchan207]

A big safety concern. At the end of your video, you suggest to extrude the bottom door seal out a little bit outside the edge of the door to cover the corner edge. It is a big safety issue. That extrude edge can caught your feet accidentally. For sure, it does hurt.

[@rebekahcrossman4690]

I believe it was only the vinyl part extending beyond the metal. Not really a safety issue.

[@smerk429]

Thanks I'm a subscriber.. Question please : Instead of putting the door draft stoppers on the Inside AND the Outside, can you just put it on the OUTSIDE ONLY ? Thanks. Anybody knowledgeable please reply soon

[@bohorustica8545]

Great info. Was hoping you would also address a garage door with gaps. Perhaps another future video? Thanks I always appreciate your sharing - you empower this girl tremendously :))

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thanks Boho! I’ll try to cover garage doors soon 🙂

[@jgriffingarcia1623]

Please do! I had the same thought watching this video. My garage is my workshop and the door (that rolls up and I hardly ever open) has a gap underneath that lets in moisture and bugs. Help!!!

[@curiouscat3384]

I tried everything, including the flange, but finally settled on the U-shaped sweep. It works really well with the multiple small flanges that adapted to an uneven floor better than the single flange. A couple years later I'm still draft free !

[@z.k5559]

First you install aluminum threshold on floor with concrete screws and seal it around with caulking , then you install door sweep , i watched this video and i see he doesnt know what he is doing !

[@curiouscat3384]

@@z.k5559 Certainly! The title is a bit misleading as he's not trying to do a comprehensive lesson on how to install a door and prevent drafts. He's simply reviewing two types of sweeps. I like a threshold with the flexible rubber insert down the middle. Allows you to put the sweep a little lower and the two will squish together as you close it.

[@chrisbrayley6271]

Thank you one more job to get off my list. The terminology used is great being able to go into the trade shop buy the correct product for the job. Have you got a tip for kitchen cabinets that have become out of a liniment not closing up. I know you have to adjust the hinges, what is your way? Thank you in advance Chris

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thanks Chris! Many of those cabinet hinges are slightly different-I just open a cabinet door, turn one screw slightly, close it again and check alignment. Then try another screw and repeat. Do this until you know what each screw position does, then you can easily adjust all doors accordingly. 🙂

[@sandrajohnson2489]

I am going to buy door sweeps for my two exterior doors. Thanks for the video!

[@escott1981]

Hello, while your video didn't really apply to my needs it did give me inspiration! The door sweep I was trying to install was a vinal U-shaped one. I slid it on and it was just a quarter of an inch too long! I didn't know what to cut it with. I tried a utility knife but that only scored the plastic (which was helpful later in knowing where to cut but didn't actually cut through), then I tried kitchen scissors but that just broke the plastic, leaving a jagged cut, not really a nice cut and couldn't cut through the underside with all the little flaps. Then I saw you using tin snips and while I don't have a pair of them, I did have a pair of gardening sheers and I thought I'd try that, and guess what? It cut through that plastic very nicely, leaving a nice looking sharp edge, I even used the sheers to clean up the bad edge the scissors left behind. So thank you for the inspiration!! I have virtually no carpentry skills but I sometimes don't mind doing some light projects if I can and have the right tools. I will be checking out some of your other videos. Thanks again!!

[@margarettodd1074]

Again another woman here, my two sons talk a good story lol….so here I am 👍👍👍🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@cjplay2]

So easy. My garage side door from 1955 had this issue and actual rain got in as well.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Yep, happens in this shop as well Chris. That’s why I love aluminum and vinyl-both impervious to water!

[@DaljitSingh]

Nice Job! Thank you for taking time and making these videos.

[@jenwhitedesigns]

One big additional consideration to the aluminum and rubber flange door sweep is that it will drag dirt and debris it comes in contact with across the floor. Over time, this can do a number to floor finishes, especially some of the less expensive vinyl flooring products sold today. We removed ours and replaced them with another product, just to be safe. Very helpful video. Thank you!

[@DudeSawdust]

Great info! Straight forward and useful. I’m now a more valuable human for my new knowledge 👏👍

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thanks for watching, Dude! 🙂

[@morganchetty7593]

What a great idea what a great video. I was thinking for so long how do I solve that bottom door gap. Thankyou very much for this brilliant great idea.

[@JulioMo]

Thank you for the video. I used your technique, and keep the outside out!

[@DanBurgaud]

That last recommendation is great! I use them too.

[@user-em6ie2be7x]

Thanks for the Video! I've had a huge gap in my front door & couldn't figure out what I needed to buy to keep Bugs & Lizards out.

[@gotta-date-with-hate]

Your channel is really informative...I've learned so much since subscribing and watching...

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you, Five!

[@kenhoyer8601]

That works when the floor that the door opens up on is level or lower. If the floor is higher, the sweep binds on the floor. You might address that.

[@gregorymosher5008]

Hey Ethan, I’ve been a service tech involved with window and door repair doing warranty and non warranty for the vast amount of manufacturers around here. Mostly vinyl windows as posed to wooden, but (not to toot my own horn) if you want any advice on glazing thermos, weatherstripping, hardware, adjustments etc I’d be happy to share my knowledge to help you with your consultation and KZbin videos! Keep it up!

[@gregorymosher5008]

Forgot to mention that I’ve been in that field working for 15 years and grew up around it as my father was a lead service tech in our province, cheers!

[@richricogranada9647]

I always try to be my own handywoman in my house, learning how to fix everything on YT to save money. I just don’t mess with plumbing and electrical but I wish I could

[@revrotunda3206]

I don’t like drilling holes into the door. The existing one that’s worn out on the door was slide on & appeared to be a rubber gasket type. Local hardware stores didn’t have what was on there so I’ll have to check big hardware stores like Home Depot. I like the Stanley brand sweep w/fins as that seems to be the type that was on there.

[@mamat792]

Nice! Interested in seeing the best solutions for a front door (something more aesthetically pleasing).

[@c50ge]

At 3:26 looks like a little repair to the concrete would be a good fix. Cement all works great. There are good videos how to. This will help keep the mice out

[@BurtBowers]

I would say you still have to get rain water in the bottom of that door, I have a small garage door installed three years ago it looks like it has good threshold to it good side weather seals but water yet gets in some how I even went as far as adjusting the threshold strip up higher to mesh with the original door sweep but after that & doing the extra caulking it still leaks water in, complete mystery as I said the door looks solid with all the weather stripping caulking but water is yet getting in, if I had to do it over again I would had gotten a door that opened outwards rather then inwards then I could had used an aluminum rubber sweep that would had forced the rain water to drain further away from the door threshold.

[@TruthSeeeker777]

Great video brother! thank you!

[@manamin7820]

I like an honest carpenter..😄

[@chrisfredrickson4658]

Thank you tHC! From the bottom of my basement!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

😁👍

[@manjuk1708]

Perfect answer to lizards dropping in my home. Thanks

[@colinbryan8265]

I have a 100 year house. The hinges lift the door as it opens, and drops as it closes. Fully open the door is one inch lifted. See if these hinges are available in your hardware store.

[@kathypastor189]

You're great. Right to the point, know what your talking about. Thank you !

[@elmerparedes1098]

Best subscription I’ve made. Hands down

[@MoranGuyVideos]

Hi, don't know why I stopped getting notify when you upload new video... subscribed to get it all...

[@brentjohnson6654]

Thanks for your video. I always learn from your videos . Without a threshold are you concerned with rain water? I am trying to weather in a shed that has a zero turn mower driving over the threshold and a water pump. Thanks again.

[@bromporke]

I gotta do this for my garage, our laundry is right near a door where bugs can get in. thanks!

[@monaali1898]

OMG i have the exact same door with exact same problem never thought of installing this on both sides to cover little gaps 🤦‍♀️ . Please make a video on how to fix that lock bar on this type of door.

[@darktoylord]

Video popped up randomly in my feed. I don't even need this. Not now at least. I'll file this info away for later. Great vid. Subbed :)

[@aaaabc1796]

I just used the duct tape to fix the door gap. Cheap and easy!

[@nathanhunter8921]

Thank you so much man

[@reportcred]

Thank you, I have that same problem right now.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

You’re welcome, Carmen!

[@chefspenser1480]

Another great job Ethan! Thank you.

[@TYoung-ml7jp]

Thanks for all your videos. Very helpful information.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

You’re welcome, T!

[@jvjdrn]

Great video! Thanks.

[@Chris-op7yt]

unfortunately doors open inwards here in australia, making sealing more difficult. i opted for a just right height rubber strip on the threshold. on the other edges it is most common to apply (and renew every few years) seals that get squashed by the door but, i found a seal that you install on the door jamb with door closed, which provides a perfectly adjusted fit. bathroom doors bottom seal brush seal is more appropriate. most of the "storm" bottom seals suck.

[@sjohnson9403]

I needed this information. Thank you!!!

[@305liveandlearn]

You are amazing, I love watching your videos 🍻

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you, Joel!

[@tinak.3022]

I believe this is what I need to keep bugs out of my house. Will this also work to keep out rain? Thanks! New subscriber! 👋

[@perpetualprosperity2963]

Thank you for the HONEST information bro 👏👏🙏🙏

[@kuhmpashun]

I think subbing to this channel is going to be an amazing resource. Great and concise info. Thank you! Sincerely, Professional Homeowner

[@erinobrien8408]

Great video!! What type would I use on a hollow-ish metal door on a manufactured home? I bought a sweep but I'm not sure how to best attach it. Thanks again for taking the time to share these useful tips!! They've saved many a DIY project for me!!

[@carlosdelcarpio7926]

Great advice and to the point. Thanks!

[@henrywatanabe7314]

Thank you, I always watch your video before I DIY. My door gap is around 2-1/4 inch, If I use a 36 by 3inch, will it be ok?

[@Neetabeeta1972]

What about shower doors that aren't contacting the threshold enough which is allowing water to come through on the bathroom floor?

[@PhilipLMcAlary]

Really helpful video! Many thanks 🙏

[@mikeforster8798]

Great video and love the content you cover. You are helping out a lot of people which is really cool.

[@mac.jenkin]

This was helpful, thank you!

[@johnzavala333]

Did my dad's spirit connect with you? He has a few doors with gaps. He also bought a few solutions to fix this. Unfortunately this fell into his 'To Do' list that he was never able to get around to, but I have taken over that list. Guess it's time to look at some doors. 🙏💕

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

You can pick right up, John 😄 Good luck with the thresholds-and thank you for watching!

[@jobellecollie7139]

My honey-do list is now the length of both of my out stretched arms, with each hand holding a piece of this list!! I have honey-do's but no honey to do them! And any "punch list" that some unethical repair people I've had do highly overpriced and poorly executed work done on my home. A "punch list" should be renamed "WISH LIST" because it is pure fairytale and myth!!

[@johnzavala333]

@@jobellecollie7139 Oh, bless you sweetie. 🙏 Just do what you can and what's in front of you. A little can feel like a lot. Give your time to family and friends. My folks are remembered by their generosity and not by their unfinished To Do list. Wish I was there to help but I'll include you in my prayers and send love and help your way. 💕

[@jameswilliams-ic1ly]

Thanks so much; Thanks for the great info and presentation**

[@ivy4559]

Omg thank you! Your videos are so helpful!

[@Tinankalubo]

Thanks you very much

[@susana5052]

Excellent video! Thank you! I need exactly what you did here. Subbed!

[@flabbergastednut]

I used an all vinyl sweep on my front door, no need to use a hacksaw. It installs exactly like the aluminum/vinyl one you used, and is about the same price.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

I’ve seen those ones, 999! Have they ever popped off before?

[@flabbergastednut]

@@TheHonestCarpenter No, it's been on my door for 6 years and the only issue I've had is one of my cats chewed on the top a bit. It looks bad, but the function is still fine.

[@MaMa-qh4dy]

I have used the same vinyl/rubber sweep on metal door. The adhesive holds very well and no need for drilling.

[@flabbergastednut]

@@MaMa-qh4dy I haven't seen one with adhesive, mine is screwed to my door.

[@ColoradoBiker]

Is it possible to replace the bubble seal on a door threshold? I have several exterior door threshold seals that have become worn out and now need replacement. These doors lock into the threshold so I’m trying not to replace them if I don’t have to… thanks!

[@artthrower7773]

Cool thanks I'm going to use this 👍

[@CincinnatiDan]

Looks OK for a ‘shop’ door. Any suggestions for a nicer looking solution for a finished back door?