How-to replace an exterior door sweep
Replacing an exterior door sweep is not hard, just a pain. You have to take the door off the hinges to gain full access to the bottom of the door. You will need to lay it flat.

1. Remove what is left of the old sweep including old staples and loose caulk or sealant.

2. Size the sweep to your door. Meaning, if the sweep is a little longer than the door, trim it to the exact width of your door. If the sweep extends beyond the edge of the door you will only tear the new sweep off all the faster.

3. Clean the bottom of the door with a solvent like mineral spirits or acetone. The cleaning will ensure fresh silicone will better adhere to the door.

4. Apply a heavy bead of silicone along the body of the door, spread it evenly along the complete surface of the door.

5. With an insulation staple gun, , apply staples between the ribs of the sweep into the bottom of your door. You will need to press the stapler onto the surface of the sweep to fully sink your staples.

Note: Do not staple through a fin or you will nullify the sweeps ability to deflect air and water!********* Apply staples about ever 4” across the bottom of the door on both the front and back side of the sweep (inside and outside bottom edge of the door.) Also apply at least one staple within ½” inch of each end of the sweep.

6. Re-hang door onto hinges.

7. Adjust your bottom sill cap. When opening and closing the door, the door should shut with minimal resistance. If the door sticks or you have to force it closed, your sill cap is too high. IF the door closes too easily, with not bottom resistance, you door sill cap is too low.

8. Across the bottom of your sill, you have large Phillips head screws. Turning the clockwise lowers your sill cap and counter clockwise raises your sill cap. If the cap is not moving, it is dirty. It is not a bad idea to completely remove the cap and clean underneath the cap in channel with which it resides. That channel must be free of dirt and moisture for the will to work in the optimum fashion.

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