What Is a Door Sweep?

Quick answer

The strip along the door's bottom edge that closes the gap over the threshold.

Door sweep in context

The strip of rubber or bristle attached along the bottom inside face of an exterior door to close the gap above the threshold. Screw-on aluminum sweeps with slotted height adjustment outlast stick-on ones, and the blade should just touch the threshold. A dragging sweep tears itself off within a month.

Fixes that use this

Outdoors & Seasonal

How to Replace a Worn Door Sweep Before Winter

If cold air comes in under the door, the sweep is probably torn or missing. Replace it in 20 minutes for $8–$15 and stop the floor-level draft.

Time20 min Cost$8–$15 easy

Pests

How to Stop Ants in the Kitchen

Kitchen ants follow food, water, and scent trails. Clean the trail, seal the entry point, and use bait so the colony carries it home for good.

Time20–30 min Cost$3–$12 easy

Related terms

Weatherstripping

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