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Weatherstrip an exterior door in 30 minutes

Drafty front door? Replace the weatherstripping for $15 and feel the difference tonight.

Last reviewed May 31, 2026 by the EveryDIY.ca editorial team

30–45 min $15–$30 CAD CAD pricing

Diagnose

Close the door on a piece of paper. Try to slide the paper out. If it slides easily, weatherstripping isn't sealing.

What you need

  • Replacement weatherstripping (Q-Lon or compression bulb type — $15)
  • Utility knife
  • Tape measure
  • Door sweep (if your bottom gap is bigger than the existing sweep handles)

Steps

  1. Measure the three sides of the door frame (top + 2 sides).
  2. Pry out the old weatherstrip with a flat screwdriver. It usually clips or screws into a kerf (groove) in the frame.
  3. Cut new strip to length with a utility knife. Mitre the top corners at 45° for a tight seal.
  4. Press into the kerf along all three sides. Close the door to check fit — it should compress slightly but the door should latch without slamming.
  5. For the bottom, install a new sweep or adjustable threshold if the gap is bigger than ~6 mm.

When the door is the problem

If the door itself is warped, no weatherstrip will fix it. A new pre-hung steel exterior door is $400–$900 installed in Canada.

Editorial note. Wear appropriate PPE. When in doubt — especially with electrical, gas, or structural work — hire a licensed Canadian tradesperson. See our safety policy.