With the uncertainty in climate in today’s time. It is important to have taken certain precautions. One of the best ways to protect your houses and yourself against certain weather conditions is to have waterproof doors. Yes, you read that right. Waterproofing your door can ensure that you have a safe place from flooding on the streets due to excessive rain. This can be a very useful trick, especially when flooding is becoming more and more common due to climate change. This way, you can keep your houses warm and dry, away from dampness.
Why Waterproof Doors?
Waterproofing, as the name suggests, means making something water-resistant and allowing no water intrusion when in contact with water. This has become a very popular thing as of late. With time, your front doors may become somewhat old. This means that they cannot be barriers to climate change. Extreme weather, in this situation, can become troublesome. They will not be able to prevent water flow if any is directed toward your house. This can become a huge problem, and you might have flooding in your house whenever there is excessive rain. This can also mean that your house no longer stays warm.
If you have old worn-out doors that can no longer stop wind or water, then do not fret; we have some solutions for you, and if you are looking to waterproof their doors, you have also ended up at the right place.
Worn-Out Doors
If you have old worn-out doors, there are certain things you can do to make them work properly again. These methods can also waterproof your old worn-out doors, so consider this a bonus.
The following can be done to make your old doors new ones again;
· Repair
The old doors to be fixed needs to be repaired first. Any spots, marks, or dents need to be sanded first. This means you must use sandpaper and rub it on the affected spots. If the other door parts need fixing, that must also be carried out. If the door has any wet stops, it is best to dry them out as soon as possible.
· Wooden Doors
Water is more damaging to wood. This makes wooden doors a greater target. If the door has been damaged previously and is worn out, use sandpaper and even it out, and then once it is even, apply paint on it. Repaint the door to give it a better-finished look. The recommended amount of paint is two coatings.
· Air Gaps
Wind and water can easily pass through if the edge where the frame meets the door has been damaged. This can result in your house getting flooded or colder easily. It is important to check this and close the gaps before it gets too late. If the weather seal is damaged, you need to replace it for your door to fulfill its purpose. If not filled properly, these gaps be the reason for water entering your house. This can cause many problems and ruin many of your things. Moreover, this can also be why your house does not stay warm in winter, as it will allow cold air to pass through. So, it is very important to fill these gaps properly.
How to Waterproof Doors?
Waterproofing your doors is important. There are many ways you can prevent water from getting into your home. Following are some of the ways you can waterproof your doors;
· Weather-stripping
Installing weather stripping can make it very easy to prevent water from flowing inside your home. Weather stripping allows you to seal the gap between the door and the frame. This will not allow any water to come through these gaps. There are certain steps you need to follow to install weather stripping. To start the process, you have to get some good-quality weather stripping. Once you have obtained such weather stripping, it is time to head home to our door. Now peel off the non-adhesive part of the weather stripping. The recommended length is 10cm. Attach the length you have peeled off right at the bottom of the frame. The stripping should be attached where the door and frame meet when the door is closed. Apply the length not peeled off smoothly along the door length. Then do the same for the other direction, i.e., top to bottom. Once the application is done, close the door. Keep the door closed for a few minutes to seal the stripping.
· Door Sweep
Attaching a door sweep at the bottom of a door also creates a seal. If there is a gap between the bottom of the door and the floor, then this is a potential threat. This can result in water seeping through and entering the house. Attaching a door sweep will create a barrier, preventing water from passing. The first step to installing a door sweep is to match your door’s width to the sweep and cut out the perfect width. The next step would be marking your door and drilling holes where the screws will be put in. Once the holes are done, attach your sweep to the door. Open and close the door a few times to see if it is smooth and if there is no problem. Once you are sure, fix the screws.
· Paint Your Door
Painting your door regularly can also ensure that your door is waterproof and stays safe. Water can damage your door, and rot can occur. This will eventually mean that you have to remove your current door and get a new one in place of it. To avoid such a situation, you can get your door regularly painted to keep it away from dampness. Before painting your door, first, sand your door and clean it thoroughly to remove any dirt or grime. To give it a good paint and look, apply a paint primer first and then two coats of paint, each with four-hour intervals. This will ensure that your door stays dry and protected from water damage.
· Caulk
Caulk is another great method for waterproofing your door. This process is done when you initially get your door installed. As time goes on, caulk can break and lose its effect. This can then mean that water can seep through. To reapply caulk, you must wait for a dry day with no sign of water nearby. First, clean the old caulk off with a sharp tool. Once the old caulk is gone, clean the door to remove any dirt and repair it if needed. Get a caulk gun and start applying it to the door frame. Apply the caulk on all sides using the caulk gun. Once all the sides are done, leave it for twenty-four hours to dry.
· Door Thresholds
Another important thing that can be used to protect your door against water is door thresholds. These can be attached to the bottom of your doors. They are shaped so that no water can get near your door. Any time water comes close, and it is diverted away because of the shape of the threshold. These door thresholds ensure no water cones close to your door, protecting your door and your house.
Protecting your house and your door from water damage is very easy. All you need to do is apply these methods, and you are good to live in these uncertain weather conditions!
