During the damp winter months, it is especially important to have waterproof external doors. When it comes to keeping your home dry and comfortable, a completely watertight door is essential. For the best results, perform all of the procedures in this method to make your door watertight. IPX ratings are good to know about waterproof strength of any material.
How to waterproof exterior door?
To waterproof exterior door, you do not need a lot of expensive tools. The following waterproofing materials are required:
- Weather stripping
- A sweep for the door
- The door paint
- Caulk
- Measuring tape
Precautions
- Install a drop cloth in the door frame to catch any paint or other debris that may fall from the ceiling throughout the project. Prepare your second workstation by putting down a drop cloth outside the door or in the garage, basement, or any other location you decide to use.
- If your second workspace doesn’t have direct access to the outdoors and hence adequate ventilation, consider installing a fan there. To increase the flow of fresh air, simply install a fan near the open door or window.
How to waterproof a door: 5 steps
Step 1: Weather stripping and Caulking
The door frame and the outer wall of the house should be inspected for signs of damage. Use a caulking gun and steady pressure on the trigger to apply a bead of exterior silicone caulk if it isn’t already there. After you’ve filled up the gaps, use a putty knife to remove any leftover caulk.
Step 2: Painting the door
Paint the top and sides of the inside of the door frame with exterior primer before sanding it smooth. If the floor of the room behind the door has a different wood finish than the threshold, include it. Afterwards, apply two coats of exterior paint in the appropriate colour to the door frame, allowing six to eight hours between coats for each to dry, and repeat this process for the entire door frame.
Paint the front of the door, as well as its top, bottom, and both sides, with primer and paint. When you paint the room behind the door, save the back (internal) side for a colour that contrasts with the front and sides. If you’re using a pre-treated wood door, you may skip this step.
Step 3: Use Door sweep
Close the door and hang it up. With a tape measure, measure the top and sides of the door frame. A door sweep should be measured for the bottom of the door as well. Cut your weather stripping and door sweep to the appropriate length using these measurements. If the weather stripping is made of wood or metal, use a hacksaw; if it is made of rubber, use a knife.
Step 4: Assembling
The flange of the weather stripping should be flush with the door when it is installed. Assemble it with a hammer by nailing it into place about two inches apart using nails provided in the weather stripping kit. Repeat this process for the other two pieces of weather stripping that are meant for the door frame’s side panels.
Step 5:Finishing Of Door
Place the door sweep so that the flange of the sweep touches the threshold of the door frame at the bottom of the door. The screw holes should be marked. Put the door sweep back in place and secure it with screws after drilling the holes.
How to weatherproof a wood door?
When it comes to waterproofing wood, painting it regularly is essential to keeping them watertight and avoiding mould from forming. If your door is infested with dampness, it will begin to decay and will need to be replaced soon.
A fresh coat of paint can extend the life of your door and keep it watertight for years. The instructions below will show you how to waterproof wooden exterior door.
- Remove all door handles, knockers, and other fixtures.
- Once you’ve removed all of the old paint, wipe it down with white spirit to get rid of any remaining dust.
- To begin, use a paint primer to cover the door completely.
- Allow the primer to cure for four hours before applying the second coat (some primers may dry quicker).
- With your paint, ensure that you paint along the grain of the door.
- Before applying a second coat, allow at least four hours for the first to dry.
- At least four hours must pass before reinstalling any door hardware.
How to seal an exterior door frame?
When door frames are installed, they are typically caulked to keep moisture out. However, Caulk can degrade over time, opening the door for water intrusion.
This is how to re-caulk your door:
- At least 8°C/46°F is required for a dry day with low humidity.
- A sharp knife can be used to remove the old caulk.
- Before you begin caulking, clean and repair any damage to the frame.
- Prep the caulk by loading it into the caulk gun and snipping the end off.
- Apply a long, continuous bead of caulk up the side of the frame by starting at the bottom and working your way up.
- Using a damp rag, wipe away the excess caulk.
- Repeat this procedure on each side of the frame until it is completely caulked.
- Permit the caulk to dry for 24 hours.
How can I check if my waterproof exterior door is leaking or not?
Waiting for it to rain is the most effective technique of determining whether or not your waterproof exterior door is leaking anymore. However, there are various other methods you can use to check the seal. From the inside of the house, light a candle or some incense and move it around the doorway; if the smoke travels extremely suddenly, this could suggest a draught.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: My door’s bottom is prone to water damage. What can I do to keep the door’s bottom dry?
Answer: Removing the old weatherstrip or door sweep from the bottom of your door is necessary. In addition to preventing water from getting in under your door, both of these seals have other benefits. To remove a door sweep, simply unscrew it from the inside of the door using a screwdriver.
Question: What’s the best way to seal a door permanently?
Answer: The gap between the water-resistant door and the sill is filled with foam weatherstripping. Foam weatherstripping should be used on the sill’s sides and top. Press it into place after you’ve cut it to size. When the door is closed, the foam compresses and forms a positive airtight seal around the door.
Question: Are PVC doors waterproof?
Answer: Plastic doors are also becoming more popular in industrial buildings since they are low-cost and low-maintenance. As a result of its waterproof nature, this material is more long-lasting than wood or metal alternatives. It is non-corrosive and has a low risk of moss.
Question: How come my door is leaking water?
Answer: Doorway leaks can be caused by a lack of caulking around the doorway, as well as other issues. Like, weatherstripping that is cracked or degraded or weatherstripping was not installed correctly.
Conclusion About Waterproof exterior door
The steps outlined above should be performed regularly to keep not just water but also noise out of the door system. More significantly, keeping your waterproof exterior door in good shape will ensure that it will last a lifetime.
