A drafty front door makes the entrance cold, raises heating costs, and can let in water and snow during Ontario winters. The good news is that many drafts come from a few common, fixable causes.
1. How to Find Where the Draft Is Coming From
- On a cold or windy day, hold your hand around the edges of the closed door.
- Look for daylight around the frame or under the door.
- Check for frost or ice forming on the inside edges in winter.
- Look for worn, flattened or torn weatherstripping.
2. Worn or Damaged Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping seals the gap between the door and the frame. Over time it compresses, cracks, or tears, and stops making contact with the door.
Replacing worn weatherstripping with a profile that fits the frame is often one of the most effective draft fixes.
3. A Worn Door Sweep or Threshold
The sweep at the bottom of the door and the threshold beneath it seal the most exposed gap. A torn sweep, a damaged threshold, or an incorrectly adjusted threshold can let in a steady flow of cold air and water.
4. Door Misalignment
If the door has dropped or shifted on its hinges, it may press tightly on one side while leaving a gap on the other. New weatherstripping will not seal properly until the door is realigned.
Signs of misalignment include:
- Uneven gaps around the door.
- The door rubs at one corner.
- The lock is hard to turn.
- Weatherstripping is crushed on one side and loose on the other.
5. Damaged Door or Frame
A warped, cracked or rotted door or frame can prevent a tight seal no matter how much weatherstripping is added. Old doors with poor insulation can also feel cold even without visible gaps.
6. Repair or Replace?
When the door and frame are in good condition, new weatherstripping, a new sweep, threshold adjustment and realignment usually solve the draft.
If the door is damaged, poorly insulated, or the frame is deteriorated, a new insulated entry door may be the better long-term option. Adding a storm door can also reduce drafts on an older entry door.
For more information on improving exterior doors, see Natural Resources Canada’s guide to upgrading windows and exterior doors.
Entry Door Repair & Replacement in Toronto & the GTA
AEO Services Inc. repairs drafty doors, replaces weatherstripping, sweeps and thresholds, and installs new entry doors across Toronto, the GTA, York Region, Durham Region and Simcoe County.
Explore our Front Entry Door services, our Custom Storm Doors, or submit a service request online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there cold air coming under my front door?
Usually because the door sweep is worn or the threshold is out of adjustment or damaged.
Will new weatherstripping fix a drafty door?
Often yes, as long as the door is properly aligned. If the door has shifted, it needs to be adjusted first.
Does a storm door help with drafts?
A well-fitted storm door adds a second barrier in front of the entry door and can reduce drafts and wind exposure.