How to seal the gap at the front entry door

[KevinPlant]

We’ve just moved into a newly built house and noticed a visible gap at the front entry door.

Is there anything we can do to fix this?

[JacobZ]

Hi @KevinPlant,

Is it possible to get some photos of the door jamb with the door open and some light?

Generally, there should be a doorstop that the door closes against, which will cover gaps like this. A doorstop is a small timber trim, usually 42 x 18mm, which runs around the top and both sides of the door jamb so the door has something physical to close against. 

The lighting isn't great, so I can't be certain, but it doesn't seem like there is a door stop at the top of your door jamb. Is that correct?

If so, then installing a doorstop is likely the best option.

Once I can see the door jamb, with better lighting, I will assist further.

Jacob

[KevinPlant]

Hi, @JacobZ, there should be a door stop there. Do those photos help?  

[R4addZ]

Hi @KevinPlant 

You will probably have to consult with the builder on this one as it looks to me like the door is not conventionally hinged. Looking at the picture of the top of the door in the door frame. Normally the hinges are down the left side so the whole door swings away from any door stop, in your picture though it seems to still be against the front of the frame suggesting it is pivoting in some way which would preclude the door stop.

Maybe a picture of how the door is hinged and if possible a picture of the top of the door as it looks as if there may be some form of weather strip across the top of the frame.

[JacobZ]

Hi @KevinPlant,

As @R4addZ mentioned, it looks like you have a pivot door, which swings in a different way than a conventionally hinged door, which would make a traditional door stop impossible.

My understanding is that they typically have a specialised seal called a drop seal rebated into the top and bottom of the door. When the door closes, there is a button on the hinge side of the door that compresses against the door frame, which pushes a rubber seal out of the rebate and up against the top of the door frame.

If you have a look at the top of the door on the hinge side, do you see a rebate or anything that sounds like this?

There may actually be a seal there; it is just not operating as intended.

Have a look and let me know what you find.

Jacob