Insulating a front door: seals, door bottom and energy gain

A poorly insulated front door lets in cold air, noise and sometimes moisture. Yet most leaks are sealed in an hour with a few self-adhesive seals. Here is the method for gaining comfort and reducing your heating bill.

Finding where the air comes from

• Run a damp hand along the edges of the door: the coolness indicates a leak
• Check the gap between the door and the floor (often the most important)
• Look at the condition of the existing seals: hardened, cracked or detached
• Test the sliver of light visible between the door and the frame when it is closed

Choosing the right seal

• Self-adhesive foam seal: simple and economical, for small cracks
• Rubber or silicone lip seal: durable and effective, for standard doors
• Door bottom brush: ideal for filling the gap under the door
• Door bottom flap: folds down automatically on closing, perfect on tiled floors

Fitting the draught-excluding seals

1. Clean and degrease the surfaces where the seal will be stuck
2. Cut the seal to the right length (measure each side)
3. Stick it starting from the top then the sides
4. Press firmly along the whole length
5. Test the closing: the door must close without forcing

The bottom of the door

The gap under the door is a major leak. A brush fixed under the door or an adhesive flap blocks the air without hindering the opening. On an uneven floor, prefer the brush whose bristles mould to the surface.

Adjusting the hinges

If a draught comes from the frame itself, the door is perhaps badly positioned. Adjustable hinges often allow recentring the door in its frame. Otherwise, retighten or slightly move the hinges to press the door against the seal.

With these simple actions, your front door will no longer let through air, noise or moisture, and your home will be noticeably more comfortable from the first winter.