| How to Weatherproof a Door Posted: 06 Jun 2022 05:00 PM PDT Doors are frequently a source of drafts in your home, which can end up costing you big bucks in heating and cooling bills. Even if you're not particularly handy, there are some quick and easy fixes you can do, like installing an adhesive weatherproofing strip or a draft-fighting door sweep. For a more permanent fix, you can install tension strips or an integral door sweep to improve insulation. [Edit]Things You Should Know - Line the sides of the doorframe and the top jamb with weatherstripping and install a door sweep to seal the door and reduce drafts.
- Installing a storm door is a key upgrade if you're trying to protect your doorway from the elements.
- Insulating any glass on your door with plastic film can help keep cold air out.
- You can fill in irregularly-shaped gaps or missing chunks of weatherstripping with foam tape, which can be cut to length and stuck to your door or doorframe as needed.
[Edit]Doing Quick and Easy Fixes - Use adhesive weatherproofing strips. [1]
 - Stores carry a wide variety of adhesive weatherstrip. Buy a few types and see which work best.
- A surface must be very clean and very dry or the strip will fall off before too long. On cold days, the surfaces will be slightly damp from condensation, so dry the surface with a hair drier. Clean it using fine sandpaper or a rough sponge.
- Remove the backing of the adhesive strips a little at a time as you press them into place on the door jambs and along the edges of the doorframe.
- Nail in one tiny nail at each end of every strip you stick on. Use brass "weatherstrip nails".
- Modern doors are usually designed with grooves along the sides and jambs that weatherstripping can be inserted into.[2]
- Sometimes it can be difficult to apply an adhesive strip by yourself. Asking a friend to help you out can make this process quicker and easier.
- Depending on the fit of your door, you may not be able to attach adhesive strips along every edge of the door. If a strip prevents the door from closing properly, it should be removed.
- Adhesive strips are usually sold in different widths and thicknesses, which will allow you to choose the best size for the gaps along the edges of your individual door. Measure gaps with a tape measure or ruler.[3]
- Install door insulating felt. One of the benefits of this kind of felt is you can trust it to last for at least a year or two even though it's relatively inexpensive. Cut the felt into strips long enough to stretch along each edge of the door, then use nails or staples to fasten it around the edges.[4]
- The felt should be thick enough that it compresses when the door closes, but it should not interfere with the closing of the door.[5]
- Normal carpentry staples should work for attaching felt to your door, but for improved durability, you may want to use heavy-duty ones.
- When you replace insulating felt, you'll have to take out the staples before reattaching the new piece. This can create unsightly holes where the felt was installed.
- Add a weatherproofing door sweep.[6] Unattached door sweeps slide underneath the gap at the bottom of your door, closing it off at either side with where the sweep thickens. Open your door, and at the center of the sweep (where it thins like a trough) insert the sweep under the door.[7]
- On newer doors, there is usually a groove in the bottom of the door for inserting a sweep.
- Some unattached door sweeps can get bunched up and make it difficult to open or close your door. In these cases, use masking tape to hold the sweep in place.
- Some door finishes may be damaged by tape. If you decide to use tape to hold your sweep in place, attach the tape to an out-of-sight part of the door.
- Use a threshold adapter to close any gap between the bottom of the sweep and the threshold.
- Mount a door sweep to the inside surface of a door
- Almost all door sweeps are 36" long. Buy one of these and cut it to size with a hacksaw or metal shears.
- If the gap under the door is too wide for a standard door sweep, buy an extra wide model.
- If there is no threshold, the door sweep will drag along the floor and wear out soon. Carefully mount the threshold to barely contact the floor.
- If the door is metal, use the screws in the package, but drill a small pilot hole in the door for each screw. You may need to use the drill to drive in the screws.
- Cover door windows with insulating plastic film. Door windows can also contribute a great deal to draftiness. Apply two layers of double-sided tape side-by-side around the window frame. After about 15 minutes, peel off the backing of the tape and then press the plastic film insulation into place.[8] You can also purchase insulating plastic that already has an adhesive strip attached.
- You can improve the insulating power of this plastic by inserting a layer of bubble wrap in the space between the window and the film.
- Most kinds of plastic film insulation require at least an inch or two (2.5 to 5 cm) of film extending beyond all sides of the window.
- Depending on the brand of insulation, you may need to use a hair dryer to bond the film to the adhesive. Always follow the insulation's instructions for the best results.[9]
- Weatherproof inside and out for improved efficiency. If you can apply a weatherproofing product on both sides of your door, in many cases this will double its efficiency. A second, outer layer of weatherproofing adhesive strips or insulating film can greatly reduce draftiness for relatively little effort.[10]
- Replace weatherproofing products as necessary. Over time, weatherproofing products will wear down and start to lose efficiency. At the start and end of every season, look over the weatherproofing materials used on your doors. Replace any that look old or deteriorated.
- If you notice cracking, discoloration, unnatural stiffness, looseness, or peeling, it's probably time for you to replace the weatherproofing material.[11]
[Edit]Installing Tension Strips - Measure and mark the length for the strips. Your tension strips will need to be as long as the top and bottom of your door. In some situations, your door may only have space for a tension strip along the top or bottom. After measuring the door, mark the strip at the appropriate length.
- Cut the strips and fold them if necessary. Use scissors to cut your tension strips at the mark(s) you've made. For V-seal tension strips, after cutting, you'll need to fold the strip in half lengthwise, usually along some kind of a seam.[12]
- Some tension strips are made from durable material, like heavy-duty plastic or metal. These kinds of strips may require tin snips to cut.
- Fasten the strips into place. Tack-fastened tension strips should be pounded into place with a hammer at the top and/or bottom of the door. These can then be opened slightly with your fingers to make a tighter seal. V-seal weather strips often have an adhesive backing. For these strips, remove the backing and press the strips into place.[13]
- Opening the V-seal will cause the strip to rise off the ground so it touches the bottom of the door when closed, improving the seal.
- Heavy-duty seals may be difficult to open with your hands. In situations like this, use pliers or a prying tool, like a sturdy screwdriver, to spread V-seals open.
[Edit]Attaching a Door Sweep - Evaluate the gaps around the edges of your door. If your door was installed in its jamb snugly, you may need to purchase an especially thin sweep. The best way to ensure you buy the right sweep for your door is to measure the gaps with a tape measure.[14]
- If you have a sweep already in place that isn't doing the job, you may need to remove this first. In most cases, sweeps can be popped free with a prybar.
- Attach bristle sweeps to the door bottom. Bristle sweeps usually fit easily underneath most doors. Certain bristle sweeps even have small wheels, which are ideal for uneven floors. Screw bristle sweeps into place along the bottom of your door with a screwdriver.[15]
- Use an integral sweep to seal large bottom gaps. Integral sweeps generally add a bit to the height of your door. Because of this, unless there is a large gap along the bottom, you'll need to adjust the height of the door or remove some wood from its bottom. Screw in the integral sweep to the bottom edge of the door, and under door drafts should diminish, if not totally disappear.
- If you end up shaving wood off the bottom of your door to make room for an integral sweep, make sure you seal it to prevent it from weathering or rotting unevenly.[16]
- Integral sweeps are also useful if you want the sweep to be less noticeable or if you want it to appear like the sweep is a natural part of the door.
- Most weatherproofing products are widely available at hardware stores and home centers.
- Before putting in weatherproofing, clean doors thoroughly with water and a mild detergent, like dish soap. This is especially important for adhesive products, which can lose strength when contaminated with dust.
[Edit]Warnings - Follow the directions that came with your weatherproofing products for best results. Using these incorrectly could result in damage to your door or a poor seal.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Bristle sweep (or integral sweep)
- Door insulating felt
- Door sweep (unattached)
- Fasteners (like screws or tacks)
- Hammer
- Insulating plastic film
- Pencil (or suitable writing utensil)
- Scissors (or tin snips for metal/heavy-duty tension strips)
- Screwdriver
- Screws
- Tape measure
- Tension strips
- Weatherproofing adhesive strips
[Edit]References |
| How to Teach Gratitude to Adults Posted: 06 Jun 2022 09:00 AM PDT If you want to teach a friend or relative about gratitude, remind them of all the people, places, and things that enrich their life. Suggest that they try gratitude exercises, such as keeping a journal, and to express gratitude to their loved ones regularly. If they're dealing with hardship, let them know that gratitude isn't only about listing good things. Point out how obstacles can make them stronger and help shed light on the positive aspects of their life. [Edit]Developing a Grateful Mindset - Bring up the subject of gratitude gently. Think about where your loved one is coming from before giving them advice about being grateful. Try to be sensitive and empathize with them. Let them know that you just want to help them notice the positive aspects of their life.[1]
- For instance, they might be going through a rough spot, juggling a lot of responsibilities, or trying to cover up insecurities.
- Try saying, "I don't want you to think I'm judging you. It's easy to overlook the good things in life, especially if you have a lot going on. You have a lot to be grateful for, and I just want to help you recognize that."
- Explain that gratitude can improve their overall well-being. If you're trying to convince a friend or relative to be more grateful, start by telling them how gratitude is linked to mental and physical health, and provides a variety of benefits, such as increasing mental strength, improving sleep, and increasing self-esteem.[2] When you're grateful, you acknowledge the connections you share with people, events, and things. Because of this, cultivating gratitude can deepen your relationships and help you recognize the world's beauty and complexity.[3]
- Tell them, "Gratitude can help you notice the good things in your life, but that doesn't mean you should overlook the bad. You can also appreciate the lessons you learned from hardships or the people that helped you overcome them."
- Recommend that they list things they usually take for granted. Paying attention is the key to cultivating gratitude. Ask your friend or relative to think about small aspects of their life that go unnoticed. If they need help, give them a few examples of easily overlooked things that you couldn't live without.[4]
- For instance, it's easy to overlook things like having air to breathe, the feeling of the sun on a warm spring day, having food and shelter, and the sound of your favorite song or musical instrument.
- Try saying, "It's really easy to get caught up and forget about basic things that make our lives worth living. When I'm feeling down, I try to think about how great it is that I can take a bubble bath at the end of a long day, or how much I love taking a drive and singing along to my favorite songs."
- Ask them to imagine losing someone or something they love. Tell your loved one that, while it might seem dark, contemplating life without the people and things you value most is a good way to deepen your sense of gratitude. Let them know that you get that it's uncomfortable to think about losing a relative, pet, or home, but that it can help them focus on how these things bring them fulfillment.[5]
- Cultivating gratitude isn't just about listing everything that's good in your life. The key is to acknowledge that your life wouldn't be the same without the person or thing you appreciate.
- Take them on a walk around their favorite park or nature trail. Ask them to name a nearby place that makes them happy, then take them there. Walk around, enjoy each other's company, and take in nature's sights, sounds, and smells.[6]
- Experiencing nature can foster a sense of gratitude for the countless ways the planet sustains life.
- If they dislike the outdoors, you could take them to one of their favorite indoor locations. For instance, if they're a foodie, go to a restaurant they've been dying to try. If they love art, spend an afternoon at a gallery or museum.
- Give them tips about how to stay positive during a rough patch. It's hard to be grateful after a few bad days in a row. Remind your loved one that being grateful doesn't mean they should ignore the challenges they face. If they're in a rut, let them know you understand that things seem bleak, but try to help them find bright spots.[7]
- For example, they might say, "Everything seemed to go wrong today. I locked myself out of my house, made a major mistake at work, and broke my cell phone."
- In response, you could say, "That was definitely rough, but at least you got through it! Good thing you gave your sister a spare key and she could help you. You can afford a new phone, and now you have an excuse to treat yourself. As for work, sure, you might need to learn from your slip-up, but I know you'll get past it."
- If the person is not willing to see the reasons for gratitude in specific or small scale things, then encourage them to look at the big picture, such as the fact that they are alive and how that in itself is a gift.
- Remind them of how they've overcome past hardships. Mention that, in a way, it's possible to be grateful for hardships. Explain that hardships can help them recognize the positive aspects of their life. Ask them how an obstacle taught them a lesson, or ask about the people who helped them overcome hardship.[8]
- For example, suppose they suffered an injury that resulted in a lifelong disability. They can be grateful that they survived the injury, appreciate their loved ones who help them with daily tasks, and have faith that adapting to their disability will make them a stronger person.
[Edit]Trying Gratitude Exercises - Advise that they start each day with a gratitude meditation. Ask your friend or relative to set each day's tone by reviewing the 2 or 3 things they appreciate most. Before they even get out of bed, they should stretch their arms out and breathe in as deeply as they can. As they stretch and breathe, they should concentrate on what or who makes them most grateful.[9]
- Suggest that they think or say something like, "I am so fortunate to have people who love me, that I've slept in a warm bed, and that I didn't go to bed hungry. No matter what happens today, my life is filled with goodness."
- You might also recommend a gratitude app, such as Insight Timer, to help make it easier for the person to practice gratitude meditation.
- Tell your loved one to write in a gratitude journal for 15 minutes a day. Ask them to set a time each day to write in their journal. Recommend they write in the evening, so they can reflect on their experiences that day. Additionally, note that the best time to write is when distractions are at a minimum.[10]
- Let them know that they can use a pen and paper or electronic device. Tell them to use whichever method they prefer.
- They could make a list of 5 to 10 things they appreciate about their day, or they could write a paragraph-long reflection about a single event.[11]
- Mention that specific descriptions, like "An old friend gave me a call today and it was wonderful to reconnect," are more effective than vague ones, like "I'm grateful for my friends."
- Suggest that they keep a gratitude jar or box. They could start by decorating a box or large glass jar. Each day, they should write things that they're grateful for on small strips of paper, then place the strips in the jar or box. As the jar fills up, it serves as a visual reminder of all the good things in their life.[12]
- When they're feeling down, suggest that they reach into the jar and read a few notes.
- Mention that they can get creative with drawings and collages. If they're more of a visual thinker, tell them that they can express their feelings in images instead of words. Suggest that they make a collage with photographs or drawings of the people, places, and things that make them happy.[13]
- They could also make sketches of specific interactions that made them grateful, like their neighbor bringing them soup when they were sick, their plant that started blossoming, or of the the sun coming out after a week of clouds and rain.
- Exchange regular gratitude notes with each other. You and your loved one could send each other a daily text or email expressing something you appreciate about the other. You could each save the notes in a file on your phone or computer, then read them when either of you needs a pick-me-up.[14]
- If noting qualities that you appreciate about each other seems awkward, you could express your gratitude indirectly by reminiscing about your friendship.
- You could send each other regular "throwback" texts or emails, like, "Remember when we went to that concert and you got to go up on stage?" or "The funniest picture of us came up on my social media memories today. We've had so many great times!"
[Edit]Expressing Gratitude to Others - Give examples of how they can thank people for small gestures. Let them know that there are plenty of little things they can thank people for every day. Tell them to say "Thank you" when someone holds the door for them, when they check out at stores or dine out, and when someone pays them a compliment.[15]
- Suggest that they look the person in the eye and thank them sincerely instead of responding automatically to be polite.
- Have them write thank-you notes to people they appreciate. Recommend that they write out a thank-you note by hand to someone who's made a difference in their life. While it's great to thank someone when they do something nice for you, a thank-you note doesn't have to be about something recent or an action. They could just write about the person's qualities and why they're grateful to have that person in their life.[16]
- For example, they could write to a friend, "You're such a dedicated, hard-working person. You've always been such a great influence on me, and you inspire me to pursue my goals."
- Suggest that they deliver thank-you notes in person, if possible. Tell them that they should read their note to the person they're thanking face-to-face whenever possible. It's great to get a thank-you note in the mail, but it feels even better to hear someone thank you in person.[17]
- For people that live far away, they could also read their note over the phone.
- Tell them to thank their partner and close friends frequently. If they're in a relationship, mention that thanking each other at least once a day can help couples strengthen their bond. Tell them to thank their partner for specific actions and to randomly thank them for being who they are.[18]
- If they're not in a relationship, let them know that expressing gratitude regularly can help strengthen friendships, too.
- Encourage them to give small gifts to express their gratitude. You could also suggest that the person give small gifts to people who they are grateful for. They don't need to do this all the time, but giving someone a small gift now and then is a great way to show appreciation for them.
- For example, they could give a coffee mug to a friend to thank them for helping them through a breakup.
- Or, they could give a small potted plant to a coworker for helping them to complete a project.
[Edit]Examples of Gratitude In Practice - If believe your loved one is experiencing depression, telling them that they should be more grateful might not have much of an effect.[19]
- If you notice signs such as withdrawal from normal activities, sudden weight changes, or constant sadness lasting more than 2 weeks, let your friend or relative know that mental health professional can help. Remind them there's no difference between maintaining their physical and mental health.
[Edit]References |
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