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View Full Version : Best way to seal exterior doors


chris_n_nashvil
Dec 17, 2008, 10:25 AM
Hey all. I have 3 exterior doors, and 1 garage door.

The exterior doors were not installed properly, and I've corrected as much as I can, without going to the trouble of rehanging. The doors are at least now fairly square. Plum is another problem however.

I've added the foam weatherstrip, that didn't work well. I installed the rubber/vinyl, which didn't work well either. I finally purchased and installed new compress strip in the doors, which helped some. So I've decided that I'm not going to be able to get a solid seal with any of these products. I've started some research into more permanent weather stripping solutions. If someone can give me some input into the pros and cons of these products, as well as any other product suggestions, that would be great.


Spring Bronze - Seems like this is a good idea. But I've seen vinyl/rubber products that achieve the same result at a fraction of the price. Can't find these products or do I know what they are called.

Almost Airtight Nylon Brush - This seems like the most complete solution. But very pricy.
Almost Airtight Nylon Brush Seals --A Permanent Replacement to Weatherstripping-- 800.482.4587 (http://www.almostairtight.com/)

METAL/FELT, METAL/VINYL - Don't know much about this product at all. Not sure how long felt would hold up. Frost King - WINDOW DOORS WEATHERSTRIPS (http://www.frostking.com/windoorweather.php)

Okay, that's it for now. Hopefully I can figure something out before we get into the coldest months here in Tennessee. Thanks.

chris_n_nashvil
Dec 17, 2008, 10:38 AM
ask for help at lowes or home depot or something!!!

Ummm... yeah thanks. I did, that's why I'm asking here. They weren't much help.

freddymagic
Jan 21, 2014, 05:29 AM
The bummer is that if you don't have correct hanging doors in the first place... but you know that already. Being in the military, we rent our homes and have experienced a lot of ill fitting doors.

Sounds like have tried all the usual methods, there is no miracle cure for bad fits, but what I have found to be the best solution is to double the thickness of the foam strips, best to glue the strips together first before applying. Make sure you use the thinner strips. On another note, I have sealed some doors successfully by using a combo of thinner foam on frame first then apply the rubber seal... again glue foam to rubber first.

I had to replace some seals once a year, and some I never had to touch again with the above solutions. Good luck my friend!