Door SweepGenerating image…
Caulking & Weatherproofing
Door Seals
Budget: $5-$10 (basic adhesive or screw-on) | Mid-range: $10-$25 (heavy-duty aluminum) | Premium: $25-$60 (automatic drop-down)

Door Sweeps: Under-Door Draft Blockers & Bottom Seals (2026)

Prepared by Lumberama's Building Materials Team
|Last updated May 25, 2026|Sources & methodology

Door sweeps attach to the bottom of doors to seal the gap between the door and the threshold or floor. They block drafts, dust, light, insects, and noise from passing under the door. Available in screw-on aluminum, adhesive-backed, and automatic drop-down styles for various door types.

Key Features

  • Blocks drafts
  • light
  • bugs
  • and noise; Screw-on and adhesive mounting; Aluminum
  • rubber
  • and brush styles; Interior and exterior versions; Automatic drop-down models available

Specifications

Types: screw-on
adhesive
automatic drop-down | Materials: aluminum flange with rubber/vinyl/brush insert | Widths: 28"
32"
36"
42" | Insert: replaceable on many models | Gap coverage: up to 1"

Applications

  • Exterior door draft sealing; Interior door noise and light blocking; Garage-to-house door sealing; Commercial door air sealing; Insect and pest prevention

Installation Overview

Screw-on: close door, position sweep with seal touching threshold, mark holes, drill pilot holes, screw in place. Adhesive: clean door bottom, peel backing, press in place. Automatic: mortise into door bottom or surface-mount per manufacturer instructions.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ Easy and inexpensive draft solution; Immediate energy improvement; Simple installation; Available for any door type

Cons

  • ✗ Can drag on carpet or uneven floors; Adhesive types may peel off; Must be properly positioned; Rubber inserts wear out over time

Top Brands

M-D Building Products
Frost King
Pemko

Code Requirements

Energy codes may require door sweeps as part of air sealing requirements. Fire-rated doors may require specific sweep types. Smoke gaskets required on fire-rated doors in some jurisdictions.

Buying Tips

Measure your door width and the gap size before buying; Screw-on models last longer than adhesive; For interior doors, automatic drop-down sweeps seal only when the door is closed and lift when opening to avoid floor drag

Frequently Asked Questions

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