Storefront Door Sweep Is Stuck - How To Fix It

A storefront door sweep is a brush or vinyl type weatherstripping door seal that is mounted at the bottom rail of the door. One of the most common storefront door repairs is when a door sweep gets stuck at the bottom of the door. In this how to guide we explain what causes storefront door sweeps to get stuck and how to fix the problem.

What Can Cause A Storefront Door Sweep To Get Stuck

Door Sweep Holder Not Peened

A door sweep consists of two main components, the holder assembly and the brush or vinyl sealing material. The brush or vinyl material is designed to slide into the aluminum holder of the door sweep. When a door sweep is installed, the installer is suppose to use a hammer and peen or slightly dent the edge of the door holder on each side to prevent the brush or vinyl material from sliding out. If your door sweep is stuck, chances are the brush or vinyl material has slid out and has wedged it self in the door and frame.

Solution

With some force you can swing the door open. Look at the brush or vinyl weatherstripping and try to maneuver it so that the door can open easier. Once the door is open, bend the brush or vinyl back into place and slide it inside of the aluminum holder. Properly peen both sides of the door sweep so that the brush or vinyl cannot slide out again.

Door Sweep Is Not Adjusted To The Proper Height

A door sweep should be installed so that the brush or vinyl makes contact with the surface of the floor or door threshold, however it should not impede the opening or closing of the door. Slowly swing the door open and closed and watch the bristles of the brush door sweep. If the bristles are bending and compressing as the door opens, the the door sweep is not adjusted to the proper height.

Solution

Most door sweeps include slotted holes that the attachment screws go through. Loosen the screws and raise the door sweep to the proper height, so that it seals the gap beneath the door, but does not add excessive resistance to the point where the door gets stuck.

Door Sweep Gets Stuck When Door Is In The Full Closed Position

Sometimes the door sweeps installed are not the correct length. A door sweep should span the width of the door, but not hit the door frame. If the door is very hard to get in the close position, check the door sweep. Most likely the door frame is hitting part of the aluminum door holder. This could be because the door sweep is too long, or caused from the door sweep shifting when the installer was attaching the screws to the door sweep.

Solution

Remove the door sweep and trim it down using a hack saw, or check to see if the door sweep can be shifted over slightly so that it does not hit the door frame.

Door Sweep Is Catching An Obstruction

Look beneath the door as it opens and closes. Are there any obstructions in the path of the door sweep? Is there a new rug that was added outside of the building. Are there any rocks that the door sweep is hitting. Is there anything stuck in the door sweep brush bristles?

Solution

If there are any obstructions remove them. If there are no obstructions, check to see if the door opening and closing friction is caused by another storefront door component such as the closing device or pivot hinges.

Conclusion

It is very common for a storefront door sweep to get stuck. If you find that your storefront door sweep is damaged or falling apart, we recommend purchasing Tahoma storefront door sweeps. Our products are long lasting and designed for the most abusive storefront door applications. Shop today and receive FAST, FREE shipping!







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