A Comprehensive Guide to Fix the Bottom Gap of Storm Door

I hate the cold air coming from the bottom gap of the storm door. And if that was not enough, rats join the disaster to really worsen the situation. Luckily, this can be solved with knowing exactly how to fix gap at bottom of storm door.

To fix the storm door bottom gap, you need a weatherstrip, door sweep, vinyl tape, or threshold. Just pick one method based on the gap size.

If the 2 lines seem unclear and confusing, don’t worry as I’ll explain all the techniques below in a more detailed way. Let’s Get Started!

4 Ways To Fix Gap At Bottom Of Storm Door!

It’s okay to find the storm door having a huge gap underneath as this can be fixed using easy techniques. Under this segment, I’ll share the instructions below:

1. Use The Weatherstrip

If the gap at bottom of the storm door is 0.5″ – 1″, I’ll suggest adding the weatherstripping to solve the issue. To do it rightly, follow the given directions:

• Measure the depth and width of the storm door. You also need to measure the distance between the exterior trim underneath and the end of the door jamb. This will help you to understand the gap.
• Get reliable weatherstripping that is sleek to fit your door without leaving space like the M-D Building Products 68593.
• Based on the width of the door, cut the weatherstrip using a scissor or utility knife.
• Gently hold the weatherstrip on the right height so that the door underneath seems less visible.
• Mark the dots of the weather strip using the pencil or marker on the door. If needed, I’ll suggest you use 2 clamps to hold the weatherstrip to mark in a straight line.
• Then, drill the 3 – 5 spots with the driller.
• Install 3 – 5 small-size screws on the holes using the screw gun or screwdriver.
• If the size of the weatherstripping tape need adjustment, be sure to use the utility knife to cut the excess area.

2. Attach Door Sweep

Another way how you can simply fix the storm door gap at the bottom is the usage of the door sweep. Here’s the procedure:

• Take the measuring tape and measure the width of the storm door.
• Bring the door sweep and mark its surface based on the measured width.
• Trim the door sweep using a sharp utility knife or hacksaw.
• Hold the item on the door and mark the screw holes using the marker.
• Drill the holes and clean the surface.
• While holding the door sweep on the right angle, insert the screws in each hole, and tighten them out with a screwdriver.

3. Add Vinyl Tape Under The Door

Using the vinyl trim that contains adhesive tape will help the storm door gaps around 0.25″ – 0.5″. Do the following direction:

• Measure the width of the door. Remember or write it down.
• Find out a good-quality vinyl trim like the FONUNO vinyl floor transition tape.
• Cut it using a sharp knife or scissors.
• Then, insert it underneath the door.
• Test it out.

4. Install Door Threshold

In case the gap under the storm door is more than 1″ – 2″, then it’s wise to install the door threshold or replace the previous type. Let me show you the procedure:

• Remove the sill by cutting it with a wood cutter machine.
• Use a pry bar or screwdriver to remove the threshold.
• Again, run the wood cutter machine to cut the interior of the threshold and take it out. You might need to use hand pressure and a screwdriver.
• Take a small brush to remove all the wood dust and grimes.
• Use a putty knife to remove the adhesive paste on the floor.
• Measure the width of the door sill area.
• Based on the measurement, cut the threshold part using a hacksaw or woodcutter.
• Hold the threshold in the door sill and mark the screw holes.
• Drill the marked holes with the driller.
• Clean the surface using the brush.
• Attach wall plugs inside each screw hole and hammer them to set properly. Cut the excess area using a utility knife.
• Insert the nuts underneath the threshold and hammer them to set them in the right spot.
• Use some glues on the threshold and door sill area.
• Insert it underneath the door jambs.
• Add the screws on each hole and tighten them out using the screw gun or screwdriver.
• Bring the upper wooden structure that the threshold contains and insert the washer underneath each hole. Put on the screws to hold the washer.
• Put on the upper wooden structure on the threshold part and tighten out the screws.
• After doing so, mix wood dust and glue using a putty knife. Then, cover the edges of the door jamb using the paste.

Ending Note

Fixing the gap at bottom of the storm door is an easy task that takes not more than 10 – 15 minutes. You’ll need to spend some money to get the tools, which cost around $20 – $60 at max.

A simple tip for budget-conscious folks is to insert a carpet piece underneath. This will somewhat solve the bug situation temporarily. Hope This Helps!