A solid wood door is very hard to close. Silicone spray on weatherstripping doesn't work. Any suggestions?

Question

There is a glass storm door to "keep in" the air-conditing, and copper weatherstripping on three edges. The storm door makes the closure more "air-tight", and I have considered putting in the screen, but prefer not to do this during summer or winter for a variety of reasons.

I have thought about "screwing down" some of the weatherstripping, and would prefer not to have to "shave down" the sides of the door to make it smaller, as this is a job that would probably require a carpenter. An alternative would be a steel door, but I prefer the wood.

Is there some simple fix?

Thank you!

Answer 1

It's not clear if the problem is the door doesn't close because the in-between space is too airtight, or if the door sticks before it closes completely because of the weatherstripping. As you close the door, if there is air trapped before it closes completely and you cannot compress the air to close the door, you need to make some way for the air to get out, a small hole that would not make much of a dent in your AC or heat bill.

If it's the weatherstripping, take it out and use something less bulky or, if the door is still tight, don't use it at all.

A simple belt sander will do to make the door edges a bit smaller. If you need more than a bit to come off, take the weatherstripping out and use the kind that does not sit inside the door jamb.

Answer 2

Try pam or some spray cooking oil .

Answer 3

not if you want to keep the cold out and the heat in