Getting Started: Why Insulate Your Doors?
As your home ages, the wood around your door frames can settle or warp. This is a natural part of the aging process. Over time, the weatherstripping around doors may also crack or lose its shape. Both issues can create small gaps that allow air to pass through. Here are a few key reasons why repairing the insulation around your doors is an important part of home maintenance:
- It helps control indoor temperatures: Proper insulation keeps cool air from escaping in summer and holds in warm air in winter.
- It improves comfort: A stable indoor temperature creates a cozier and more comfortable living environment.
- It reduces external noise: While it’s not the same as soundproofing, insulating around doors can help minimize street noise and create a quieter space inside.
The Best Ways to Insulate Doors
Here are some simple, effective methods for protecting your exterior doors from annoying leaks that can reduce your home’s R-value.
Install New Weatherstripping
One of the easiest and most effective ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency is to replace defective weatherstripping. This seals gaps around the door, helping to maintain indoor temperatures. In addition to eliminating hot and cold spots, new weatherstripping can reduce the amount of dust and pollen entering your home, which is especially helpful for anyone with allergies. It can also cut down on excess humidity that decreases comfort and might lead to mold growth.
Installing weatherstripping around a door frame is an affordable weekend project with big benefits. Most weatherstripping products come with easy-to-follow instructions and can be installed with just a few basic tools DIYers often already own. To learn the correct installation technique, check out our step-by-step guide.
If you’re also dealing with air leaks around windows, we can help with that too. Follow the instructions in our detailed how-to.
Install a Door Sweep
Installing a door sweep is another effective way to block drafts. It can be done as a standalone project or along with replacing weatherstripping for extra protection. A door sweep is a simple strip of rubber, vinyl or synthetic bristles that attaches to the bottom of a door to seal the gap between the door and the threshold. This helps keep out drafts, as well as dust and insects that might creep in.
Like weatherstripping, installing a door sweep requires only basic tools and skills, making it a cost-effective upgrade you can easily tackle on your own. To get started, see our related article How to Install a Door Sweep.
Fill in Spaces With Spray Foam Insulation
Applying spray foam insulation that’s made for doors around door frames and doorknobs is another cost-effective way to seal cracks that lead to drafts. This method is also especially useful for doors that open into uninsulated spaces with large temperature differences, such as attics or garages. One major benefit of spray foam is that it expands and conforms to tight areas, ensuring a long-lasting seal.
When working with spray foam, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly. Wear work gloves, eye protection and a respirator to avoid prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals. For more help with this project, check out How to Apply DIY Spray Foam Insulation, which includes a video overview.
Upgrade Your Entire Home’s Insulation
If you’ve sealed your door frames and still have trouble maintaining a desired indoor temperature, or your HVAC system seems to be working overtime, it might be time to re-insulate your entire home. Whether you plan to handle it yourself or work with a professional, our how-to guide offers tips and step-by-step instructions for an insulation upgrade.
Recap: Key Takeaways
- Why Insulate Doors: Sealing gaps around door frames helps prevent drafts, maintain consistent indoor temperatures and reduce energy costs. Some types of insulation also help reduce noise and block pollen, insects and excess humidity.
- Weatherstripping: This simple, low-cost solution seals cracks and can be installed using common household tools and basic home improvement skills.
- Door Sweep: This helpful addition to the bottom of a door can be installed along with new weatherstripping or used as a standalone upgrade. Door sweeps also help block insects and debris.
- Spray Foam Insulation: Spray foam insulation designed for doors is great for sealing cracks around doors that lead to uninsulated spaces like garages or attics, and it's an easy solution for filling tight gaps. However, working with spray foam insulation requires extra safety precautions to protect your eyes, skin and lungs from harsh chemicals.
- Whole-Home Insulation: If insulating your doors isn’t enough, you may need to upgrade your entire home’s insulation to improve its R-value and overall comfort.
Ready to Tackle Door Insulation?
If you’re looking to try your own door insulation project, you’ll need the right products and safety wear to ensure success. Here are some of the most trusted items Lowe’s customers rely upon.
