Step By Step Instructions Of Replacing Door Sweep Without Removing Door
A door sweep is a narrow strip that usually secures or affixes to the bottom of an exterior door & is generally used to seal gaps between the underside of the door and the threshold. It is especially designed to seal your home against air, water, pests, as well as other unwanted intrusions. The bottom-most portion of the door sweep is a soft, flexible vinyl or bristle insert that is usually used to seal the gap between the bottom of the door and the door's threshold. Due to the fact that it is flexible, this portion can drag through the threshold or floor as the door is opened and closed. A door sweep can be the best option when it comes to insects, dust, debris, rain, as well as drafts coming into your house. If the underside of your exterior door does not have a door sweep, this might be the line or path for outside elements. Or if the existing sweep of your door is cracked or peeling apart, then it is not doing its job. The best thing to do is to replace or install a new door sweep, all without removing the door.
Thing's You Will Need
- Hacksaw & Scissors
- Cordless Drill
- Drill Bits And Driver Bits
- Tape Measure & Pencil
- Door Sweep
Step 1: Measure Door & Cut Door Sweep Frame
First of all, calculate or compute the width of the door at the bottom, with the help of a tape measure. It is very important to consider the door stops, too, and not just the actual size of the door. Transfer the taken calculation to the door sweep by marking with the help of a pencil on the aluminum section. Using the hacksaw, cut the aluminum frame of the door sweep as long as you reach the sweep insert.
Step 2: Cut Door Sweep Insert & Mark Position Of Door Sweep Drill Holes
Now, using the scissors, cut the remaining vinyl part of the insert before closing the door. On the inside of the door, position the door sweep at the underside of the door in order to make sure that the bottom edge of the sweep insert touches the threshold. You need to take assistance from someone in order to hold the sweep in place as you start marking the centers of each of the oval holes of the door sweep. It is important to specifically mark the centers of the oval holes, due to the fact that this will give you space to later adjust the door sweep up or down.
Step 3: Drill Pilot Holes & Attach Door Sweep
Next, select a drill bit that is narrower compared to the screws provided with the door sweep kit. Drill pilot holes at each of the marks before taking hold of the door sweep in place. Transfer to the driver bit in the drill before screwing the door sweep onto the door. Be careful when you tighten the screws in order to avoid stripping out the heads or warping the aluminum frame.
Step 4: Test Door Sweep
Open as well as close the door several times, and at the same time observe and listen to the door sweep. The door sweep should firmly, rigidly and securely touch the threshold, however, it should not stick or catch as the door is opened or closed.
Step 5: Adjust Door Sweep
If necessary, adjust the door sweep by moderately loosening the screws as well as sliding the sweep up or down. For uneven thresholds, you can even adjust only a part of the sweep in order to match the profile of the threshold.