Stop Drafts At The Door

Common Types of Door Sweeps

A) Least visible

Not crazy about seeing a sweep? This hidden device’s metal housing fits into a groove routed into a wood door’s bottom edge; the sweep automatically raises and lowers. When the door closes, a pin on one end is pushed in, lowering the gasket flush with the threshold. Opening the door releases the pin and lifts the sweep.

Easy Fixes for Drafty Windows and Doors

Shown above (a): National Guard Auto Door Bottom 335N-36, $37; Zoro

B) Easiest to install

If you don’t have a solid wood door (or don’t want to alter yours), a surface-mount automatic door bottom may work. Fastened to the door’s outside face, a spring-loaded vinyl strip swivels up when the door opens. It’s long-lasting and won’t impede swing—but it will be visible from outside. Shown above (b): M-D Building Products Flex-O-Matic Door Sweep 07179, $11; Home Depot

C) Best for uneven floors

An automatic door bottom only maintains tight contact with a flat surface. If your threshold isn’t level, a brush-style sweep that conforms to the floor’s contours is a better option. The dense nylon bristles on this UL-listed, commercial-grade sweep block drafts and smoke. Shown above (c): Hager Door Bottom Sweep with Brush Insert, $16; Global Industrial