10 Door Draft Stoppers (Best Design for Each Situation)
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Welcome to the best door draft stoppers review and buying guide to help make your purchase decisions easier.
Best draft stopper for front door:
Sunolga 38” Weighted Door Draft Stopper 2.2LB
The Sunolga stopper is well-weighted with elastic cotton and glass beads to minimize leaks. Its washable fabric casing with a zipper gives you flexibility in filler types to suit what you want it to do for your main entrance door.
(Scroll down for review details)
Best interior door draft stopper:
Magzo 38” Door Draft Stopper
With a choice of 32, 36, and 38 inches long stoppers, it is easy to find one to suit your door’s width. Its more than 2 lbs weight performs incredibly well in blocking draft, noise, and light.
(Scroll down for review details)
Best exterior door draft stopper:
Suptikes Door Draft Stopper Weather Stripping
The 3-layer silicone draft blocker design is ideal for stopping draft, light, smoke, and noise to maintain a comfortable interior. Silicone is excellent for exterior doors as it does not absorb moisture.
(Scroll down for review details)
Best weighted door draft stopper:
Decorealm Heavy Duty Door Draft Stopper
It weighs 3.5 lbs for the 36-inch, the heaviest draft stopper on the list. Three size options are available – 30, 32, and 36 inches – all of which are star-performers. It is well worth the price you pay.
(Scroll down for review details)
Best under door draft stopper:
Double-Sided Door Draft Stopper
This double-sided stopper easily slides under the door to block draft, noise, and dust on both sides. You can cut the foam tubes to suit your door’s width.
(Scroll down for review details)
Best door draft stopper for large gaps:
Suptikes Large Gap Door Draft Stopper
The extra-wide silicone draft stopper can cover gaps of close to 2 inches and do so rigidly with its 3-layer design.
(Scroll down for review details)
Best door draft stopper for noise:
Decorealm Heavy Duty Door Draft Stopper
The Decorealm stopper is heavy, measuring 36 inches long and 3.5 inches diameter of stylish herringbone fabric weighted with ceramic beads. It performs exceptionally well as a noise absorber.
(Scroll down for review details)
Best door draft stopper for bugs:
Suptikes Door Draft Stopper Weather Stripping
You want an inexpensive blocker made from a material that stops bugs in their tracks, and this 3-layer silicone stopper is your go-to solution for most door types.
(Scroll down for review details)
Best door draft stopper for carpet:
Joyxeon Adjustable Door Draft Stopper
You need a draft stopper that stays on the door when swinging the door over the carpet flooring, and the oxford cloth on this Joyxeon stopper will do just that while blocking cold draft, dust, and light.
(Scroll down for review details)
Best door draft stopper for smoke:
3M Silicone Door Seal Weather Stripping
The brown or black color option of this silicone weather stripping material is ideal for stopping smoke from blowing in through the gap under the external doors.
(Scroll down for review details)
Best door draft stopper for cold:
Sunolga 38” Weighted Door Draft Stopper 2.2LB
The 38-inch and perfectly-weighted draft stopper blocks hot or cold air in either direction efficiently, providing you with savings in air-conditioning and heating bills.
(Scroll down for review details)
Best door draft stopper for garage doors:
Suptikes Large Gap Door Draft Stopper
Garage doors are wide, and the gap underneath them brings in draft, dust, and bugs. The extra-wide, multi-layered design and extendable length using multiple pieces are ideal for garages.
(Scroll down for review details)
Best door draft stopper for sliding glass doors:
3M Silicone Door Seal Weather Stripping
The transparent option makes excellent weather stripping for sliding glass doors or windows. Their see-through nature blends in seamlessly.
(Scroll down for review details)
Best door draft stopper for double doors:
Magzo 38” Door Draft Stopper
These stoppers come in 3 lengths – 32, 36, and 38 inches –welcomed flexibility for double doors as you typically only open one side at a time. They are well-weighted for optimal draft and noise blocking performance.
(Scroll down for review details)
THE 10 BEST DOOR DRAFT STOPPERS REVIEW
#1 Sunolga 38” Weighted Door Draft Stopper 2.2LB
As far as blocking cold or hot draft to save on the electricity bill and minimizing noise, so you have a quieter environment indoors, nothing beats a fabric stopper filled with insulating and weighted materials.
The Sunolga draft stopper is one of the best on the market that meets those requirements.
Its fabric casing is removable and machine washable. It contains high elasticity cotton and glass beads for improved insulation and added weight to hold it firmly at the door.
The outstanding features of this stopper include its 38-inch length and triangular-shaped design. The size covers most houses’ front doors adequately, and the shape better fits the door and floor 90-degree angle to prevent leaks at both ends of the door.
When installed properly, its triangular form allows you to attach the stopper to the door with a hook-and-loop on the non-slip surface, sufficient to perform the blocking functions but without having its entire weight resting on the floor.
The reduced contact area decreases resistance when opening or closing the door. It will also help the hook-and-loop fastener last longer as the stopper slides easily, translating to less pull force against the fastener.
If you have a metal door, try inserting magnets inside the stopper to increase hold. The zipper means you can insert any filler to suit your purpose.
What you get with this draft stopper:
- 38-inch length fits wider front doors.
- Weighs 2.2 lbs.
- Triangular-shaped fabric casing with a zipper.
- Machine washable.
- Hanging loops at both ends.
- Choice of 5 colors, from beige to black.
Drawback:
- Nothing notable.
#2 Magzo 38” Door Draft Stopper
The Magzo, at 38-inch length, is as long as the Sunolga, but you also have the 32-inch and 36-inch options. These lengths let you choose one that suits your doors as internal and double doors come in various widths.
These draft stoppers perform just as well for windows.
At more than 2 lbs for even the shortest length, you have a heavyweight stopper that blocks cold and hot air and noise, so your room is comfortable without spending extras on heating or cooling.
If you have carpet flooring, the Sunolga (#1 above) will work better as it does not rest its entire weight on the floor.
What you get with this draft stopper:
- 32, 36, and 38 inches length options.
- Well-weighted at more than 2 lbs.
- Polyester wadding and glass beads fillers.
- Hanging loops at both ends.
- Choice of beige, brown, or gray.
Drawback:
- Common feedback: it does not cover the entire door’s width – always buy a little longer than your door’s width so the gaps at both ends are covered.
#3 Suptikes Door Draft Stopper Weather Stripping
Silicone-type draft stoppers are typically inexpensive and require no maintenance once installed. They are well-suited for blocking draft, light, and bugs.
The Suptikes silicone draft stopper stands out from the competition with its 3-layer design that provides better performance in blocking noise for a quieter room.
It is also ideal for rental apartments that share a noisy common corridor – cheap and effective is the way to go.
Unlike fabric draft stoppers, the silicone stopper can get wet but does not absorb water, suitable for external door uses.
However, note that silicone-type draft stoppers are not suitable for stopping rats as the material is too soft to withstand the biting.
What you get with this draft stopper:
- 39-inch long – can cut to the required length.
- 2-inch wide – covers gaps up to 1 inch.
- Comes with a pre-fixed adhesive strip for easy installation.
- Adheres to wood, glass, metal, and plastic doors.
Drawback:
- The white is translucent. If you don’t want light coming through, opt for the gray or black stopper.
#4 Double-Sided Door Draft Stopper
Most two-sided door draft stoppers on the market are made from sealable fabric casing with two foam tube fillers, one on either side of the door. You are essentially buying a pre-sewn fabric casing and the foam tubes as a bundled purchase.
You cut the foam tubes to the precise length to fit the door’s width, slot them into the casing, and seal it ready to use.
However, most two-sided draft stoppers face the same problems of not staying in place when you open or close the door and sliding under the door if the gap is too big.
You can counter them by inserting rice or any type of beads together with the foam tubes for extra weight and applying double-sided tape at both ends of the door.
What you get with this draft stopper:
- Foam tubes for you to trim to size; fits any door width.
- Covers gaps up to 1.6 inches.
- Washable fabric casing.
Drawback:
- Light – may need weighted material to hold it down.
If you wish to make a homemade two-sided door draft stopper, there is a simple step-by-step guide towards the end of the post.
#5 Suptikes Large Gap Door Draft Stopper
Door leaves typically measure less than an inch shorter than their frame’s height to allow for the tolerance necessary to install the hinges holding the leaf to the frame. Door installations would thus leave a small gap under it so you can swing the door open or close without obstruction.
However, a bigger-than-average error in gap estimation does happen, leaving you with a large gap underneath it. A large gap under any door is an open highway for hot or cold drafts, dust, and bugs.
This silicone draft stopper measures more than 3 inches in height, sufficient to cover a large gap of more than an inch. The 39-inch overall length means you can trim it down to fit your door.
Its 3-layer design ensures you still get a rigid stopper even when it overhangs more than an inch under the door.
What you get with this draft stopper:
- L39 x W3-2/5 inches.
- Covers gaps of up to 1-4/5 inches.
- 3-layer silicone design ensures rigidity.
- Comes with a pre-fixed adhesive strip for easy installation.
- Adheres to wood, glass, metal, and plastic doors.
Drawback:
- This is not a drawback, but if you plan to use the stopper to stop rats when you have a huge gap under the door, you’ll be better off looking for a tougher building material as a solution.
#6 Decorealm Heavy Duty Door Draft Stopper
The Decorealm is the most expensive door draft stopper on the list, but the price tag comes with exceptional performance and build quality.
You have an option of either the 30, 32, or 36-inch length, each at 3.5-inch diameter, with the longest weighing in at 3.5 lbs. The ceramic bead fillers help with the weight, enabling it to effectively insulate against cold draft and noise.
The stopper also has a zipper, so you can remove the filler and machine-wash it.
What you get with this draft stopper:
- 30, 32, or 36-inch length.
- Sleek herringbone wool blend fabric exterior.
- 3.5 lbs.
- Excellent draft and noise insulator for doors and windows.
- Double satin hanging loops.
- Choice of charcoal, chestnut, oatmeal, and pewter colors.
Drawback:
- The price.
#7 Joyxeon Adjustable Door Draft Stopper
Although the Joyxeon stopper suits all kinds of flooring – tile, marble, and wood – it is handy if you need a draft stopper on a door that swings over the carpet.
The easy-to-clean oxford cloth exterior covering the 2-inch diameter sponge stick is waterproof and dirt-resistant.
More importantly, it can slide relatively smoothly over the carpet when opening or closing the door than stoppers made from other materials.
Installation is a breeze with the cut-to-size sponge stick and a hook-and-loop fastener.
What you get with this draft stopper:
- Adjustable, cut-to-size sponge filler.
- Fits doors or windows from 32 to 39 inches wide.
- Easy-to-clean oxford cloth exterior.
- Compatible with most flooring types, including carpet.
- Hook-and-loop fastener included.
Drawback:
- Nothing notable.
#8 3M Silicone Door Seal Weather Stripping
A silicone draft stopper seals doors and windows effectively and cheaply.
The 16 feet roll is sufficient to cover up to 5 doors, although you may use more if you are weather stripping sliding glass doors or windows. It comes in 25, 35, and 45 mm widths, so you can choose the appropriate size to suit the gaps you are covering.
The transparent and white options are excellent for glass sliding doors, so the weatherstripping is less noticeable.
A silicone draft stopper is multi-purpose, and you can use it to block any gap that falls within an inch. Installation is easy as you simply need to measure, cut to size, and stick.
What you get with this draft stopper:
- Flexible silicone for covering gaps of up to 1-inch.
- Suitable for weatherstripping external windows and doors, including bathroom doors.
- Choice of white, transparent, brown, and black.
Drawback:
- This is not a drawback, but a problem if you didn’t clean the door surface before applying the weather stripping as dirt and oil compromises the adhesion.
#9 Tuffen 37” Weighted Under Door Draft Blocker
It comes in only one length – 37-inch; if you have door openings less than that, the Tuffen door draft blocker is ideal for preventing hot or cold draft, dust, smells, light, and noise.
The 2.3 lbs overall weight is more than adequate for it to perform to your satisfaction.
If you do open the door often and do not want adhesive damaging the door, you can opt to use the draft blocker without the hook-and-loop fastener or hang it by the loops at either end when not in use.
What you get with this draft blocker:
- L37 x W3.5 inches.
- Covers gaps of up to 3 inches.
- 2.3 lbs.
- Hanging loops at both ends.
- One color: gray.
- Hook-and-loop fastener provided.
Drawback:
- Only 1 length.
#10 Fowong Weighted Under Door Draft Stopper
The Fowong draft stopper’s sofa cloth outer casing is machine-washable for easy cleaning. Its polyester wadding and glass bead fillers provide excellent insulation and weight for blocking draft, noise, and smells.
Installation is easy with the hook-and-loop strip provided with the draft stopper.
The draft stopper comes in 30-inch and 36-inch lengths with a loop at each end for you to hang it when not in use. Although door widths vary, the 36-inch should suit most doors in your house.
Aesthetics is not a concern as the three earthy colors available would blend well with most door colors and home décor.
What you get with this draft stopper:
- Polyester wadding and glass beads fillers for better insulation and weight.
- Washable fabric casing.
- Hanging loops at both ends.
- Available in 30-inch or 36-inch length.
- Color choices: brown, gray, and white.
- Hook-and-loop fastener provided.
Drawback:
- Not as heavy is the DECOREALM, MAGZO, or Sunolga draft stopper.
Door Draft Stopper Guide (incl. DIY draft stoppers)
What is a Door Snake?
With its long and slender shape, a door snake is just another name for door draft blockers. You can buy or make them yourself inexpensively.
The step-by-step guides below let you make straightforward yet practical door snakes.
Door Draft Stopper Benefits
An appropriately-sized door draft stopper with the right material and weight can benefit most doors – blocking hot or cold draft, smoke, smells, noise, light, or bugs.
However, your choice of a single or double-sided draft stopper provides you specific benefits over the other, depending on how you use and maintain it.
The benefits of a single-sided door draft stopper:
- Easily removable when not in use, so you can keep it cleaner.
- You can opt for a heavier draft blocker – more efficient in stopping noise (see DIY single-sided draft blocker below).
- It can be longer than the door’s width – more adaptable to a broader range of door widths.
- Suitable for internal and external doors.
A double-sided door draft stopper has these added installation benefits:
- Blocks hot or cold draft, smells, noise, and bugs effectively.
- Stays in place when opening or closing door – less work for you.
- Additional covering for optimal performance.
- Suitable for internal doors and external doors protected from the rain.
In arid regions, weighted door draft stoppers under external doors provide the additional benefit of preventing the loss of indoor humidity – either introduced by a whole-house humidifier or other types of humidifiers.
A draft stopper is one of the essential items to have at home if you are renting an apartment and need to block the noise and smell coming from the corridor.
How to Make a Double-Sided Door Draft Stopper?
You can use various methods and materials to make your DIY draft blocker, depending on its exact purpose and where you want to use it.
It can be one or two-sided.
A double-sided door draft stopper is an excellent draft and noise blocker for internal doors and external doors that do not get wet.
You can make a double-sided door draft stopper with this step-by-step guide:
You need: Textured cloth, scissors, sewing kit or machine, foam tubes, rice, or dried beans.
Step 1: Cut 2 lengths of foam tubes – one is the door’s width, excluding the door frame; the other is the door’s width, including the frame.
Step 2: Measure, cut, and sew the fabric accordingly to form a 3-compartment casing: the shorter foam tube (where the door closes), mid-section that goes under the door, and longer foam tube (where the door opens).
Step 3: Leave one short end of the fabric casing open for the fillers.
Step 4: Insert the 2 foam tubes; fill the mid-section with rice or dried beans as a weight to hold the draft blocker in place under the door.
Step 5: Sew the casing’s short end. Open the door and insert the draft stopper under it.
If you still want to make a double-sided draft stopper but can’t bother with sewing the fabric casing, watch the video below on making one using foam tubes and fabric glue:
Alternatively, if you want the quickest and cheapest method to make a homemade door draft stopper, and aesthetics is not a concern, do this:
- Buy a straight pipe insulation tube made of rubber or polyethylene.
- Cut it down to the exact width of the door leaf (without the door frame).
- Cut the insulation tube length-wise on one side.
- Open the door, and slot the insulation tube under it.
- Suitable for gaps under the door of less than 2/3 inch, but you can choose the right tube thickness to suit the gap.
These insulation tubes are common building materials, and you can buy them inexpensively.
They typically come in black, so you don’t need to worry about them getting dirty.
If and when the tubes wear out, discard and replace them.
How to Make a Single-Sided Door Draft Stopper?
The one-sided draft stopper is relatively simpler to make
Follow these steps to make a homemade one-sided door draft stopper:
You need: Textured cloth, scissors, sewing kit or machine, polyester fiberfill, rice, or dried beans.
Step 1: Measure your door’s width, excluding the frame. Cut a textured cloth to size with an extra inch on both ends to make the fillers’ casing.
Step 2: Fold the cloth length-wise and the inside out. Sew the edges, leaving one short side of the casing open for inserting fillers.
Step 3: Turn the casing on the right side out.
Step 4: Insert the rice or dried beans and polyester fiberfill fillers – alternate 3-inch rice or beans and 3-inch polyester fiberfill until you complete the whole casing’s length.
Step 5: Sew the remaining short end of the casing, and it is ready to use.
Step 6 (optional): If you want to adhere the draft stopper to the door, use a hook-and-loop fastener (see below, after the video).
Making a single-sided door draft stopper:
A single-sided draft stopper that adheres to the bottom of the door when opening or closing would require a hook-and-loop fastener:
Best Hook-and-Loop Fastener:
Strenco 1-Inch Self-Adhesive Hook and Loop
What Do You Fill a Door Draft Stopper With?
The filler of a ready-made draft stopper you buy can be any material that insulates against the draft, smoke, or noise and gives it sufficient weight that holds its entire length down to minimize leakage.
For your homemade door draft stoppers, you can fill them with:
- Dried beans.
- Polyester fiberfill.
- Uncooked rice.
- Foam cylinder.
- Styrofoam balls.
How to Remove a Door Draft Stopper?
Draft stoppers come in various types, but those that require adhering to the door with a hook-and-loop fastener or another adhesive would need careful removal.
You can remove door draft stoppers by using a hairdryer to heat up and soften the adhesive, sufficient for you to peel it off slowly. Clean off the adhesive residue on the door with soapy water or vinegar.
