Methods For Weatherproofing And Sealing Wood Exterior Doors?

This Old House general contractor, Tom Silva, shares tips for fixing drafty doors and enhancing energy efficiency. To seal a gap in a door, follow these simple steps:

1. Prep the door by removing the hardware, creating a plastic boot around the door, removing the old finish, and choosing a stain finish step.
2. Apply a clear topcoat using high-quality exterior-grade polyurethane or spar varnish, applying multiple thin coats to build up protection.
3. Sand the door with 120 grit sand paper or 180 grit sand paper for a softer look.
4. Use a caulking gun, weatherstripping, wood putty, sandpaper, and exterior-grade paint or clear sealant to protect the wood.
5. Check for draughts and seal around the door. Seal the bottom of the door and keep on top of maintenance.

In summary, sealing a gap in a door requires two components: weatherstripping, which covers the sides and top of the door, and a sweep, which fills the space between the threshold and the door. To achieve a long-lasting, waterproof, and weatherproof finish, use a varnish or lacquer coating, which may not provide the same level of visual appeal as oil or paint. For exterior doors, an outdoor-rated polyurethane 2 part clear coat is highly recommended, which will cure very hard and protect the door.

To maintain the door’s appearance and longevity, follow these steps:

1. Remove the hardware, create a plastic boot around the door, remove the old finish, choose a stain finish step, apply a clear topcoat, and sand the door with 120 grit sand paper or 180 grit sand paper.

In summary, this comprehensive guide provides a step-by-step guide on how to properly seal and paint an exterior door, ensuring it lasts for years.

What is the best coating for exterior doors?

Epoxy sealer is a durable solution for entryway doors, providing protection from UV rays and water damage. It prevents wood expansion and contraction in extreme weather conditions, making it a time-consuming but long-lasting choice. Paint is a popular wood finish due to its versatility, durability, and easy application. However, it doesn’t penetrate the wood and acts as a barrier between external weather conditions and the wood underneath.

If you want a finish that allows the wood grain to show through, paint might not be the best choice. Epoxy sealer and exterior varnish are both effective in protecting the wood from extreme weather conditions.

What is the best sealant for exterior doors?

GE-branded 100 silicone sealant, like GE Supreme Silicone Window and Door sealant, is recommended for sealing doors and other surfaces exposed to water and harsh weather. This sealant is 100% weatherproof, flexible, and won’t crack or shrink with temperature changes. If you’re a WordPress user with administrative privileges, you can regain access by entering your email address in the box below and clicking “Send”. If you’re blocked in error, contact the site owner for assistance.

How to weather seal a wooden door?

To seal a section of a door with mechanical weatherstripping, use a router to cut a dado into the bottom of the door, seal it with tung oil, insert the weatherstripping, and secure it with screws. If you notice drafts in your entry doors, replace your weatherstripping. Sealing gaps around wood doors is a simple way to make your home more comfortable and energy efficient. Weatherstripping helps keep warm air in during winter and cool air in during summer, especially important for wood doors that can expand and contract with changing temperatures. There are several types of weatherstripping available for wood doors.

What is the best protection for exterior wood doors?

Polyurethane is a durable, moisture-resistant clear finish that is particularly well-suited for use on wooden entry doors. To apply, two coats should be applied, with a light sanding between each coat. The application of a fresh coat should be repeated every two years. The product enhances the natural beauty of wood, provides excellent durability, and is straightforward to apply and maintain.

How do you waterproof a wooden front door?

To waterproof a wooden door, use varnish or lacquer for a long-lasting, waterproof, and weatherproof finish. While it may not provide the same visual appeal as oil or paint, it provides the strongest protection. Regular maintenance and refinishing are crucial for long-term protection against rain and damp. Inspect the door regularly to see if moisture is still beading on the surface, and if it starts to absorb, refinish with another layer of paint, varnish, or oil.

How do you protect a solid wood exterior door?

To maintain the lustrous look of exterior wood doors, follow these steps: remove the old finish with a chemical product, sand the wood surface, remove dust with a vacuum, wipe down with a lint-free cloth, apply two to three coats of exterior wood finish or paint to the edges of the door, and rehang the door. These tips will help keep your doors looking sophisticated and welcoming year after year.

To dust your entry space weekly, shake out your door mat, sweep the porch, drive, and walkways, blow away accumulated leaves in autumn, and shove back snow in winter. Use an extendable duster to tackle spiderwebs, dirt, and dust under the roof of your porch and around windows, and finish by wiping down your door with a dust rag.

What to seal a wood exterior door with?

To seal in a stain on exterior doors, apply a clear coat using an outdoor rated polyurethane 2 part clear coat. This hardens and protects against water and sun. Apply the first coat lightly using an airless sprayer or a gravity fed HVLP gun with an air compressor. Scuff the entire door with a 180 grit sanding sponge after 15-30 minutes to knock down raised fibers. This step is crucial for a smooth final product.

After scuffing, wipe the door down with a clean rag to remove chalky dust. Apply a medium to heavy final coat to the entire door and allow it to dry. Curing time takes over 24 hours and continues to harden over the next few days or weeks. Avoid excessive abuse until the door has had 2 weeks to fully cure.

How to weatherproof an external door?

Weatherstrips are a simple and effective way to weatherproof an exterior door, reducing cold air infiltration. They can be easily installed and can be customized to fit the door’s specifications. While it’s common to overlook weatherproofing during summer, it’s crucial for autumn and winter. Leader Doors offers tips on how to weatherproof doors, including checking for small gaps and removing debris. Most doors have a rubber seal to prevent draughts or water from entering through the door’s edges. However, there are additional ways to ensure doors remain weatherproof throughout any season.

A visual inspection of the door and surroundings can help identify any gaps, and if not immediately visible, a piece of white paper can be placed underneath the door’s bottom. If debris is present, the seal may need reinforcing.

How do you seal raw wood for outdoor use?

The application of a combination stain and sealer represents an efficacious methodology for the sealing of raw wood intended for outdoor use. This approach effectively protects the wood from the detrimental effects of ultraviolet radiation and moisture, thereby preventing the occurrence of warping and other forms of deterioration.