Door Sweep vs. Door Bottom: Get the Clarity You Need on This Door Part

Different names, but it’s all the same

A front door of a house with a door sweep
Photo: Mint Images / Mint Images RF / Getty Images
A front door of a house with a door sweep
Photo: Mint Images / Mint Images RF / Getty Images
Get quotes from up to 3 pros!
Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you.
Geo Icon

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. 

What’s a Door Sweep vs. Door Bottom?

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. 

Types of Door Sweeps and Door Bottoms

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.

Pros and Cons of Door Sweeps and Bottoms

Close-up of a door bottom
Photo: altitudevisual / Adobe Stock

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.

Angi Tip
Caroline Gilbert
Director, Content & Editorial, Angi

Cost to Install a Door Sweep or Door Bottom 

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 BottomAverage Cost (Materials Only)
Strip$9–$16
Bristle$13–$60
Under-door$11–$20
Automatic$20–$100
Need professional help with your project?
Get quotes from top-rated pros.
The homeowners guide to door installers
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Mother opening front door and hugging her children
Aug 22, 2024
Aug 22, 2024
Welcome home! How much does exterior door installation cost when it's time to add a new entryway to your front or back porch? Let's take a look.
Screen door mesh close-up
May 10, 2024
May 10, 2024
Create more usable space by installing a garage door screen, which allows for entertaining or working with plenty of fresh air and zero bugs. Here’s how much installing a garage door screen will cost you.
A family walks through front door
May 22, 2024
May 22, 2024
The frame is a crucial part of a door’s looks and proper functioning. Here’s how much you can expect to pay to replace a door frame in your home.
A screen door mesh on a house door
May 21, 2024
May 21, 2024
Is it finally time to fix the mesh in your screen door? Keep bugs out and cool breezes comin' by replacing the screen door mesh in just about an hour.
A red cellar door next to a window with a dog
Aug 30, 2023
Aug 30, 2023
If you’re building a storm shelter, you'll definitely want to learn how to install a cellar door. Explore the process and tools needed right here.
An automatic door closer
Oct 26, 2023
Oct 26, 2023
It’s right there in the name, a door closer should keep your door closed. If yours isn’t, you can use this guide to learn how to adjust the door closer yourself.