Drafts sneaking in around your entry or patio door can undo all the comfort you expect from a well-sealed home. Beyond the chill on your ankles, a persistent door draft forces heating and cooling systems to work harder, raising energy costs year-round. The good news is that most leaks have identifiable causes—whether a subtle door gap at the threshold or a warped slab that no longer sits square in its frame. This guide walks you through a systematic approach to finding and fixing the problem, then explains when it makes sense to call Rite Window for a professional solution.
Confirm the Source of the Draft
Visual inspection
Stand outside on a sunny day and look in. Light shining between the door and frame indicates an opening large enough for air to pass through. Move along the perimeter from the top hinge to the latch side, then crouch to check the threshold.
Hand test
On a calm day, move your palm slowly around the edges while someone inside turns on a bathroom fan or kitchen exhaust. Airflow directed outdoors will exaggerate any leaks and you’ll feel cool spots where sealing has failed.
Flame or smoke test
Hold an incense stick or a thin strip of tissue near suspect spots. Movement of the smoke or paper points to a breach. Keep the flame at least a couple of inches from surfaces to avoid damage.
Diagnose the Type of Problem
Once you’ve confirmed that a draft is present, the next step is diagnosing the type of problem causing it so you can apply the right solution.
- If you see light under the door, it’s likely due to a worn or missing door sweep or an out-of-adjustment threshold—this can usually be resolved by installing a new sweep, raising the threshold, or adding a draft stopper.
- A draft near the latch side often means the weatherstripping has flattened or the strike plate is misaligned; replacing the foam gasket or shifting the strike plate inward typically fixes the issue.
- A visible gap at the top hinge corner may point to a sagging door, which can be corrected by tightening the hinge screws or replacing them with longer ones that anchor into the framing.
- If the gap runs unevenly along the entire side, the door slab may be warped or swollen; slight distortion can sometimes be sanded, planed, and sealed, but more severe cases call for full door replacement.
- Finally, if you feel a cold breeze through the door panels, your door may be hollow-core or uninsulated—upgrading to an insulated fiberglass or steel model is the best long-term solution.
How to Seal Door Gaps Step by Step
A. Replace or add weatherstripping
- Remove the existing strip by pulling gently from the kerf (the groove in the frame).
- Clean the surface with mild soap and let it dry.
- Install new compression weatherstripping of the same profile, pressing it fully into the groove.
- Close the door several times to seat the gasket.
B. Adjust the threshold
Many modern thresholds have screws hidden under plastic caps. Turning them clockwise raises the threshold to close the door gap underneath. Turn each screw a quarter-turn at a time and test the fit.
C. Install a door sweep
Cut a metal-back sweep to the width of the slab, pre-drill pilot holes, and attach it so the flexible vinyl fin just kisses the threshold. Too tight and the fin will wear out quickly; too loose and you won’t stop drafts in doors effectively.
D. Realign the strike plate
If the latch bolt is barely engaging, loosen the two screws holding the strike. Shift it toward the interior until the door closes snugly. Fill any exposed wood with toothpicks coated in wood glue, then re-tighten.
E. Address hinge issues
Loose hinges let the door sag and create gaps on the latch side. Replace short screws in the top hinge with 3-inch screws driven into the wall stud to pull the slab back into alignment.
Dealing With Warped or Swollen Doors
Wood reacts to humidity, sometimes bowing enough that no amount of adjustment will seal it. Minor warp (less than 1⁄4 inch) can be relieved by planing the high edge and refinishing the cut surface to block moisture. If the distortion exceeds that tolerance—or if rot is present—replacement is the safest route. Rite Window offers insulated fiberglass and steel entry doors that resist moisture, maintain shape, and arrive with high-performance weatherstripping already installed.
When to Repair and When to Replace
The right fix depends on the severity and source of the issue. If you’re dealing with minor problems like gasket fatigue, slight hinge sag, or an adjustable threshold that needs tuning, a DIY repair or quick service call should be enough. More serious concerns—such as repeated condensation, soft or spongy wood, or failing glass seals in sidelights—typically warrant a full door system replacement. For homes with historic doors that have unique designs, a custom replacement door is often the best route to preserve character while improving function. And if you’re facing consistently high energy bills paired with outdated single-pane glass, upgrading to modern, low-E, insulated doors can significantly boost efficiency and comfort.
Replacement adds upfront cost but delivers long-term gains: tighter seals, improved security hardware, and factory finishes that last decades. Rite Window installers handle everything from accurate measurement to final trim work, ensuring the new unit fits precisely and performs as specified.
Preventive Maintenance to Keep Drafts Away
- Annual hardware check – Tighten hinge and strike screws each fall.
- Inspect weatherstripping – Compression seals should spring back when pressed; replace flattened sections.
- Clean tracks and sills – Dirt under sliding patio doors can hold them slightly ajar.
- Re-seal wood doors – Apply a fresh coat of exterior polyurethane or paint every few years.
- Check alignment after storms – Strong wind can rack a frame; small adjustments now avert bigger gaps later.
Why Choose Rite Window for Door Solutions
New England and Mid-Atlantic weather can put doors through freeze-thaw cycles, salty spray, and humid summers. Rite Window’s entry, patio, and custom front doors are engineered to withstand these extremes while keeping interiors draft-free. Benefits of working with our team include:
- Energy-efficient cores in fiberglass and steel options
- Multipoint locking systems for security and tight compression
- Precision installation crews who handle flashing, insulation foam, and interior trim without shortcuts
- Style customization—glass panels, sidelights, decorative hardware, and stain or paint finishes tailored to your home
Every project begins with a free consultation and exact measurements, so replacement doors arrive ready to install with minimal disruption.
A drafty door can stem from something as simple as worn weatherstripping or as complex as a warped slab. By following systematic diagnostics—checking light penetration, feeling for cold spots, and testing latch alignment—you can pinpoint the source of the leak. Many homeowners solve minor problems with new seals, threshold tweaks, or hinge screws, learning how to seal door gaps on their own. When gaps persist, or when you want the assurance of modern energy performance, Rite Window stands ready with professional installation of high-quality entry and patio doors that eliminate drafts and enhance curb appeal in one upgrade.
Stop letting conditioned air slip through cracks. Whether you need quick repairs or a full door replacement, contact Rite Window and make door drafts—and the higher energy bills they cause—a thing of the past.
