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Sealing your doors with weather strips is a quick and easy way to prevent draughts and reduce energy consumption, especially during colder months. Follow this D.I.Y. guide to boost your home’s insulation.
Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.
Start by cleaning the door frame to make sure the surface is free of dirt and debris, which could prevent the door seal from sticking properly. Use a damp microfibre cloth to wipe down the frame, paying special attention to the often-neglected overhead areas that tend to collect dust.
Choose a door seal that fits your gap size. To install the door seal, begin at the top corner of the door frame. Peel off the backing strip and press the door seal down firmly onto the frame. Make sure it’s straight and aligned with the frame as you work your way down. Trim off any excess at the bottom with a sharp utility knife.
Do this all around the frame until all gaps are sealed, except for the gap at the bottom of the door.
For the bottom of the door, use a metal weather seal, which is especially designed for the task. Close the door and mark the necessary width on both sides of the door frame where the door seal will be attached. Next, measure the required length on the door seal. Cut it to length using a hacksaw to ensure it fits perfectly at the bottom of the door.
Using the screw points under your door seal as a guide, mark the spots for screws 45mm up from the bottom of the door. The screws will be used to secure the door seal. Pre-drill the holes and then install the screws, leaving them slightly loose so that the weather seal can slip on over them.
Slide the door seal over the loosely inserted screws, then tighten the screws to secure the seal in place. Make sure the seal fits snugly against the door.
Next, attach the end caps of the seal, and grab the activator. (This is the bit that pushes the seal down when the door closes.) Screw it to the door frame in the spot that works best to depress the seal.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
