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Feel cold air on your ankles near the door? You are not imagining it. Hydro One says air leakage accounts for 25 to 40 per cent of the average home's heat loss in winter, and the gap under a door is one of the easiest leaks to fix. Here is how to do it in about ten minutes.
Step 1: Find the draft
On a cold, windy day, hold the back of your hand or a strip of tissue near the bottom of the closed door. If it moves or you feel cold, you have a draft. At night, shine a flashlight from one side while someone checks for light on the other side: light means air.
Step 2: Measure the gap
Close the door and measure the gap at the bottom and the door's width and thickness. A gap under about 1 cm is easy to seal with a sweep; a bigger gap or a worn threshold may need a hardware fix (Step 4).
Step 3: Pick the right fix
| Fix | Best for | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Slide-on draft stopper | Renters, interior doors, no tools | about $30 |
| Stick-on door sweep | A permanent seal on any door | about $17 |
| Weatherstripping (sides and top) | Drafts around the frame | a few dollars at a hardware store |
01 · HF-S07 · RENTERS & INTERIOR DOORS
Everlasting Comfort Under-Door Draft Stopper
A two-sided foam guard that slides onto the bottom of the door and moves with it.
02 · A PERMANENT FIX
GroTheory Door Draft Seal (2-pack)
A silicone door sweep that sticks to the bottom of the door to seal the gap.
Drafts around the sides too? Hydro One notes that a properly fitted door should close firmly without air leaking at the sides, top or bottom, and that rubber weatherstripping for the frame costs only a few dollars.
Step 4: When it is the door, not the gap
Many exterior doors have an adjustable threshold: look for screws in the threshold and raise it slightly until the door just touches. If the door is warped, rattles when closed or lets in light around the frame, it may be time for a new door or a professional fix. Near Loretto and Toronto, our sister service Homzy can send someone to do it.
Questions people ask
What is the fastest way to stop a draft under a door?
Slide a two-sided draft stopper onto the bottom of the door. It takes a minute, needs no tools and moves with the door.
How do renters stop a door draft without damage?
Use a slide-on draft stopper instead of adhesive sweeps or screws. It comes off without marks when you move.
How much heat do drafts waste?
Hydro One says air leakage is 25 to 40 per cent of the average home's heat loss in winter.
Do door draft stoppers work on carpet?
Slide-on foam stoppers work on low carpet. On thick carpet, measure first, as the door may drag.