Why Your Door Not Closing Tight Against Weather Stripping? [Issue Solved]

Door weather stripping is essential to keep your home warm in the winter. But what happens when your door is not closing tight against weather stripping? There are a few possible reasons for this; fortunately, it is usually an easy fix. 

One of the most common problems at our door repair shop is doors that aren’t sealing properly against the weather stripping. This is usually due to a misaligned strike plate, warped door, or loose screws. 

This post will let you know of some common reasons why your door might not be closed tight against weather stripping. 

Reasons Behind Door Isn’t Closing Tight Against the Weather Stripping

Weatherstripping is a crucial component of any door, and it’s essential to ensure the door is in a good condition. Water can be a cause of the problem. If so, then you have to repair the water damaged wood door. Here are a few reasons your door might not be closed tight against the weather stripping –

Old Weather Stripping

If your weather stripping is old, it may need to be replaced. You can check the condition of your weather stripping by looking for cracks, tears, or gaps. If you find any of these, it’s time to replace your weather stripping.

Warped Door

One of the reasons your door may not be closing tightly against weather stripping is that the door is warped. When a door is warped, it doesn’t make complete contact with the weather stripping, which can cause gaps. 

If your door is warped, you’ll need to adjust the hinges so that the door sits flush against the weather stripping.

Disoriented Shape

Another reason your door may not close tightly is because the weather stripping has lost shape. Over time, weather stripping can become compressed or distorted, which can create gaps and cause the door not to close correctly. 

If this is the case, you’ll need to replace the weather stripping.

Misaligned Door Frame

If the door and the frame are not properly aligned, the door may not close correctly. This is usually caused by a settling foundation or another structural issue. 

If you notice a draft coming from around your door, check the weather stripping to see if that’s the cause. Replacing or repairing the weather stripping is relatively easy.

Additional Read: 4 Ways to Measure Cabinet Handles for the Perfect Fit

How to Adjust Door Weather Stripping?

If you’ve ever felt a draft coming from your door, it’s probably due to worn-out weather stripping. 

Weatherstripping is a seal that goes around the edge of your door to keep out drafts, dust, and other unwanted airborne particles. Over time, weather stripping can get worn down and lose its effectiveness. 

You’ll need to gather a few supplies – new weather stripping kit, a putty knife, and a utility knife. You can find all of these items in any  local hardware store. Once you have your supplies, follow these simple steps –

• First, look closely at your door and identify where the draft is coming from. Then, look at the weatherstripping and see if it’s loose or not sealing correctly. If the weatherstripping is damaged, you’ll need to replace it. But if it’s just out of place, you can try to adjust it.
• To adjust the weatherstripping, start by lifting it from the door.
• Start by removing the old weather stripping from your door. Use the putty knife to pry it off gently.
• Clean the surface. You can use a knife and cloth for the cleaning part.
• After cleaning, you can make the door close tighter.

How to Make the Front Door Close Tighter?

There are a few ways to make your front door close tighter –

Using a Jamb Stop

One way is to use a door jamb stop. This small metal or plastic piece is inserted between the door jamb and the door frame. When the door is closed, the stop holds the door closed against the jamb. This prevents the door from swinging open when you open and close it.

Using a Door Spring

Another way is to use a door spring. This is a metal coil that you place against the door jamb. When you close the door, the spring pulls the coil against the doorjamb, closing the door more tightly.

Additional Read: How to Board Up Sliding Glass Doors With Plywood? 3 Easy Steps.

Frequently Asked Question

How do you improve weather stripping on a door?

If you want to improve the weather stripping on your door, you can do a few things. First, you can check the seal around the door to ensure that it is intact and not cracked or damaged. You can also add weather stripping around the door to make it more effective. Finally, install a door sweep on the bottom of the door to help seal drafts.

Is foam or rubber weather stripping better?

Foam weather stripping is generally cheaper than rubber and easier to install. It also does an excellent job of sealing drafts and insulating your home. However, foam weather stripping can compress over time, reducing its effectiveness. 

Rubber weather stripping is more expensive, but it is also more durable and weather-resistant. It will last longer than foam and does a better job sealing out drafts.

Final Words

The most common causes are gaps in the weather stripping or damage to the doorframe. You can fix this problem by replacing the weather stripping or shimming the doorframe. And that’s basically how you fix the issue of the door not closing tight against the weather stripping.

If the problem is minor, then you can clean the door area. The debris can cause the problem also.