Replace a perished uPVC door seal

Fit a new rubber seal around your uPVC door frame to stop draughts and keep the door closing snugly.

DS-01Check the old seal and measure upOpen the door and look at the rubber seal running round the frame or the door edge. Measure its full length with a tape measure, going right round every side and into the corners. Cut a short offcut of the old seal and take it to a hardware shop, or match it online — seals come in different profiles (bulb, wing, or co-extruded) and the wrong shape won't grip the groove. Buy seal sold by the metre and get about 500mm more than your total measurement, to allow for trimming.

5 m · Replacement uPVC door seal (per metre)

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DS-02Pull out the old sealStarting at a corner, grip the old seal and pull it firmly out of the groove that runs round the frame. It usually comes away in one long piece, sometimes brittle and in bits if it's badly perished. Note where it started and finished, as your new seal will follow the same route.

DS-03Clean out the grooveWipe out the empty groove with a cloth and warm soapy water to remove old dust, grit and any bits of perished rubber left behind. Dry it thoroughly — a damp groove stops the new seal gripping properly. Check the groove isn't cracked or damaged; if it is, the seal may not stay in place and the frame itself may need attention.

1 each · Cloth

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DS-04Start fitting the new sealBegin at the same point the old seal started, usually near a corner by the hinges. Push the seal's fixing lip into the groove by hand, a short length at a time, making sure it sits flat and doesn't twist.

DS-05Work the seal around the whole frameKeep feeding the seal into the groove all the way round, easing it gently round each corner rather than pulling it tight. Pulling it taut will make it shrink back and leave gaps once fitted. Press along its length with your thumb every so often to check it's properly seated.

DS-06Trim and finish the joinWhen you reach your starting point, overlap the two ends slightly and mark the cut line. Trim the seal square with sharp scissors or a craft knife, then push the cut end firmly into the groove so the join sits neat and tight.

1 each · Craft knife or scissors

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DS-07Test the door closes properlyClose the door fully and check it shuts without excessive force and without rattling. Run your hand round the frame with the door shut to feel for any gaps where the seal isn't compressing evenly. If one area feels loose, the keeps (the metal catches on the frame) may need a small adjustment with a screwdriver — check your door's handle manual for how, as this varies by manufacturer.

DS-08Tidy upBag up the old seal and any offcuts and put them in general waste. Wipe down the frame and door edge to remove any dust or fingermarks from fitting.

1 each · Bin bag

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