News 17/12/2025 18:13

Quick Ways to Stop a Draft Under Your Front Door — While You Wait for the Handyman

That cold breeze sneaking in under your front door can make your whole home feel chilly — and it’s especially annoying when you can’t get help until after the holidays. Good news: there are fast, inexpensive, and effective fixes you can do right now with things you probably already have at home.

1. Confirm Where the Draft Is Coming From

Before you start blocking air, double-check where the cold is entering:

Place your hand near the bottom edge of the door on a cold day — you’ll feel the draft.
You can also use a flashlight or candle: if the flame flickers toward the door, that’s airflow.

Knowing the size of the gap (small vs. large) helps you choose the best fix.

2. Roll Up a Towel, Blanket, or Mat

A classic and effective quick fix:

Roll up a towel or small blanket.
Push it snugly against the bottom of the door.
This works especially well for larger gaps (around ½ inch or more) and helps block most of the airflow.

3. Make a DIY Draft Snake

Instead of a towel, you can make a draft stopper using things around the house:
What you need:

Old clothes, dish towels, or scrap fabric
Filling like rice, sand, or crumpled newspaper
Twine or rubber bands

How to make it:

Lay the fabric flat and fill it with your material.
Tie or secure the ends.
Place it along the bottom of the door — it’s reusable, heavy, and blocks air well.

4. Use Pool Noodles or Pipe Insulation

If you have pool noodles or foam pipe insulation:

Cut them to the width of your door.
Slice lengthwise and slide under the door.
This blocks drafts while still letting the door open and close normally.

5. Apply Temporary Weatherstripping

You can buy inexpensive self-adhesive foam weatherstripping at most stores:

Clean the bottom or sides of the door first.
Peel and stick the weatherstrip where the draft is coming in.

This seals the gap until a permanent solution can be installed.

6. Block With Rugs or Heavy Curtains

Soft layers help insulate:

Place a thick rug or mat right in front of the door.
Hang a heavy curtain or blanket over the door (even temporarily) to trap warm air inside.

7. Use Tape as a Temporary Seal

Not beautiful, but it works:

Painter’s tape or duct tape can patch small gaps around the door edges.
Press it down smoothly so it stays put.

8. Cardboard, Foam, or Bubble Wrap Patch

For bigger temporary bulk:

Cut cardboard or foam to size.
Tape it in place under the door to bulk up your barrier.

This works for larger gaps where thin weatherstripping isn’t enough.

9. Create a Furniture Buffer

Place a piece of furniture near the draft source:

A bench, chair, or even a narrow shelf can help block airflow.
It won’t stop the draft completely, but it reduces the impact.

10. Use Heat and Fans Strategically

Not a direct seal — but helpful:

Turn on your heater and direct airflow toward the draft area.
A fan blowing warm air toward the door helps counteract cold air creeping in.

11. Patch Existing Weatherstripping

If your current weatherstripping is cracked or coming off:

Press it back into place.
Use a bit of tape or adhesive as a temporary patch.

12. Draft-Blocking Solutions That Still Let the Door Open

Some DIY options move with your door:

Double-sided draft stoppers attach to the door bottom.
Felt or fabric strips on both sides create a moving seal.

These are great if you still need regular access through the door.

13. Get Ready for the Handyman

While you’re fixing it today, make it easier for the professional later:
✔ Measure the size of the gap
✔ Take photos of the area
✔ Note what fixes you already tried
✔ List any noise or seasonal changes you notice

This saves time and helps your handyman plan the right long-term solution.