Different names, but it’s all the same
Door sweeps and door bottoms are different terms for the same door part.
They help seal the bottom of your door against weather and pests for a more energy-efficient home.
There are four main types: strip, bristle, under-door, and automatic.
You can find these helpful door additions at a hardware store for $9 to $100.
If you’re wondering whether door sweeps or door bottoms are better for your home, these terms actually refer to the same door part. Although they’re a small part of your door, the sweep and bottom keep your home sealed against the elements. Here’s a breakdown of the types, pros and cons, and costs to remember when adding this part to your door.
You can use the term door sweep or door bottom to refer to the same part of a door. As the name suggests, it attaches to the bottom of the door to keep elements like wind and rain out of your entryway. One variation of this part has bristles, which is likely where the name “door sweep” comes from.
A door bottom is a key part of your door’s seal against weather, moisture, and insects. Installing a sweep or bottom will prevent cold drafts and increase your home’s energy efficiency.
It’s helpful to note that some manufacturers refer to certain types of door sweeps and bottoms by one of the two names. If you’re shopping for one, it’s better to pay attention to the type of sweep or bottom rather than what it’s called. If you hire a door repair pro to help you install a door sweep, they can also help you choose the best option for your door.
There are several types of door sweeps and bottoms, with the strip and bristle models being the most common.
Strip: Strip door sweeps and bottoms have a metal or plastic mount with a vinyl strip. Installation for peel-and-stick sweeps and bottoms takes a few minutes, while a more long-lasting screw-on mount only takes ten minutes.
Bristle: Bristle options have a metal or plastic mount with nylon or PVC bristles. They don’t create a seal as tight as the strip types and can allow some moisture and air to enter.
Under-Door: These are U-shaped on the top and snap onto the bottom of the door. They have two to five vinyl fins, which create a better seal at the bottom of the door than the strip and bristle types.
Automatic: Automatic door sweeps and bottoms are also called spring-action sweeps. Automatic ones move up when the door is open and back down when the door is closed. The installation process is more complex for this type, requiring a router and some carpentry skills.
The pros of door sweeps and bottoms outnumber the cons. The advantages include lower heating and cooling bills and preventing rain from seeping beneath the door during storms. They help keep your home nice and cozy in the winter by preventing unpleasant, cold drafts from blowing in from under the door.
Installing a door sweep and bottom has no disadvantages, although there are some cons for specific types. For example, moisture can get stuck between under-door sweeps and wood doors, potentially causing warping and wood rot in extreme cases. To avoid this, paint the bottom of the door before installing your new door sweep.
Another sweep and bottom type to look out for is the peel-and-stick ones. These are easy to install since you don’t need any tools, but they don’t last as long as screw-on mounts and can fall off unexpectedly. Some models have a powerful adhesive that makes it almost impossible to readjust them if you accidentally install them crooked.
Sealing gaps and weatherstripping can save up to 20% in annual energy bills according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Your installation costs depend on the sweep type. If you’re going the DIY route, your costs are only for the part, which ranges between $9 and $20, unless you opt for a high-end bristle sweep or an automatic one.
If you hire a door repair company near you to add this part to your door, expect to pay around $70 for the installation.
| Type of Door Sweep or Bottom | Average Cost (Materials Only) |
|---|---|
| Strip | $9–$16 |
| Bristle | $13–$60 |
| Under-door | $11–$20 |
| Automatic | $20–$100 |
If you don’t know which door sweep to buy, look into getting a strip or bristle sweep. They’re easy to find at the store, work well for most doors, and the simple installation is DIYable. Before buying one, measure your door width and make sure the one you want is long enough. Most door sweeps are 36 inches long, and you can cut them down to size with a hacksaw.
Your door sweep should be replaced every three years or sooner if it’s in poor condition. Signs it’s time to replace your sweep include visible damage or an increase in cold drafts. This is also a good time to redo the weather stripping on the door, which should also be replaced every three years.
