Enhance Your Door | BetterDoor

How to Seal Drafty French Doors

Written by BetterDoor | 5/4/18 5:43 PM

French doors are a beautiful addition to any home. They add natural light, and can make a room feel more spacious, open, and inviting. Who wouldn’t want a set of French doors to welcome them inside or give you the perfect view of your backyard?

Unfortunately, French doors tend to come with a few concerns.

Drafts, leaks, and even bug infestations are all common complaints of homeowners with French doors in their home. Double doors can often have an unwanted gap where the two panels don’t quite meet.

Is there a way to enjoy the beauty and light French doors provide while also avoiding the hassle of drafts and leaks? We recommend checking the astragal you have installed on your French doors. Is it still fighting deflection? Are the bolts creating a tight seal? If you notice your astragal is not pulling its weight, it may be time for a new one.

What is an Astragal?

An astragal is a vertical strip which attaches to the inactive door panel, locking it in place. It seals the gap most French doors have. You can learn more about astragal systems in our blog.

Why Do I Need an Astragal for my French Doors?

An astragal is an essential piece of hardware for your French doors. Here’s what installing a quality astragal can do for your home:

  • Keep your French doors more secure.

  • Block air drafts and keep your heating or air conditioning inside so you save money on your monthly energy bills.

  • Prevent water leaks during heavy rain or snow.

  • Keep bugs, dust, and debris from getting into your home.

Choosing an Astragal System

There are several types of astragals available. The type you choose will depend on the spacing available, your French doors, and the type of astragal you already have installed. Astragals come in a variety of finishes to match your hardware style and can be easily installed by homeowners.

We offer a variety here at BetterDoor through the Endura Ultimate Astragal line. You can reach out to our support team at support@betterdoor.com and we’ll guide you to the best option for your doors!

French doors are a beautiful addition to any home. Shop for replacement astragal systems, weatherstripping, and everything else you need to install and maintain your French doors at BetterDoor.com.