Do you happen to notice a lot of sound coming through your door even though it is closed? There is more than likely a gap underneath your door so you will need to install a door sweep.
How do you install a door sweep? Follow these 5 simple steps:
- Measure the length of your door bottom
- Cut door sweep to the correct door bottom size
- Mark and drill pilot holes
- Loosely attach door sweep & adjust as necessary
- Fasten securely to the bottom of your door
One of the most common ways for sound to enter your room is through that gap. An effective, cheap, and easy fix is installing a door sweep. It creates a seal along the bottom of your door that prevents air and sound from infiltrating your room. How do you install this correctly though? In this post, I will provide simple step-by-step instructions on how to install a door sweep. This will help to soundproof your door.
How to Install A Door Sweep
Below are the steps to install a metal strip door bottom and U-shaped door sweep. It is fairly simple and should take no more than 10 minutes. You will need a pencil, drill, putty knife, hammer, and metal-cutting scissors.
How To Install A Metal Strip Door Sweep
Here are five simple steps to quickly install a metal strip door bottom. Take precaution if you decide to use a power drill and metal shear cutters as these can be harmful if not used correctly.
What side of the door does a metal sweep go on?
For metal strip door sweeps, you only need to install it on the inside of your door. This is the side that swings inwards when you open your door to go outside. Make sure you on the correct side before moving on to the steps below.
Step 1 – Measure The Length of Your Door
First, hold the door sweep up against the bottom of your closed door to see if it will fit. If it’s too big, then measure the width of your door and markup your door sweep accordingly. This will prepare it to be cut to the correct size.
Step 2 – Cut Door Sweep To Size
Carefully cut your door sweep to size (if necessary) using these heavy-duty aviation scissors sold on Amazon.
Step 3 – Mark & Drill Pilot Holes
Place the door sweep against the bottom of the door where you want to install it. Hold it there while you take your pencil and mark each screw hole. Remove the door sweep and drill pilot holes. These are small, thin holes that will help guide the screws to attach your door sweep to the bottom of the door.
Step 4 – Loosely Attach Door Sweep & Adjust As Needed
Use a screwdriver or drill to insert screws and attach your door sweep loosely. Make any adjustments needed.
Step 5 – Fasten Securely
Once you feel confident there are no gaps, fasten all screws tightly so your door sweep remains attached to the bottom of your door.
How To Install A Slide-On Door Sweep
If you have a U-shaped door sweep it should take you 2 minutes to install. This one is easier and quicker to install than the metal strip. It is installed directly underneath the door.
Step 1 – Measure the Width of Your Door
First, you need to make sure your door sweep it fits the width of the bottom of your door. If it’s too big then measure and make the appropriate markups for cutting
Step 2 – Cut to Size
Use strong, durable shears to cut your door sweep to the correct size.
Step 3 – Slip It On
Now all you need to do is slip underneath your door. The design of the door sweep uses tension to keep it in place.
Step 4 – Adjust Accordingly
You can make the door sweep fit better by hammering it down lightly with a putty knife until it meets the threshold. This will create the airtight seal needed to prevent air and sound from infiltrating your room.
Types of Door Sweeps
First, let’s cover the types of door sweeps you can install. The majority of doors in your home or apartment are wood. Wood doors are typically compatible with two main types of door sweeps. These are the most common ones available and easy to install.
- Metal Strip Door Sweep – This type of door sweep uses a single metal strip to block air and sound. It is only installed on the side that swings into your room. The installation requires you to either screw, staple, or nail the strip to the bottom of your door. I recommend using this door sweep.
- Slide-on Door Sweep – Also known as a U-shaped door sweep, this type of door sweep covers both sides of your door. You simply slide this door sweep under the bottom of your door to install. I recommend checking out this door bottom to install.
Do You Need To Remove Your Door?
Note that you do not need to remove your door to install a door sweep. This task is easy enough to do without having to do any extra work. So don’t worry about having to unhinge your door. I will give you instructions in this post on how to install your door sweep without removing the door.
Remember this is one of the most important parts to soundproofing your room. The door is one of the biggest entrance ways for sound so you need to make sure this has the best soundproof design. Since there is typically a gap at the bottom of the door you will need one of the types of door sweeps mentioned in this post. Make sure you follow the instruction to install your door sweep correctly or else sound will not be blocked. I hope this helps!
