Whether it's a front door, rear door, or external side entrance, upgrading an outdated door is one of the easiest ways to improve the overall comfort, energy efficiency, and kerb appeal of your house. However, although most homeowners concentrate on selecting the ideal finish, style, or contemporary hardware, there is a minor but crucial element that is frequently disregarded:
The weather bar.
This seemingly insignificant addition, sometimes referred to as a door rain deflector, door drip bar or weather drip, can greatly increase the lifespan of your door, lower drafts, enhance insulation and shield the frame's base from water damage.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore:
- What a weather bar actually is
- The benefits of fitting a weather bar on your new or existing door
- Why older doors are especially vulnerable without one
- How weather bars help with energy efficiency
- The difference between timber, aluminium, and uPVC weather bars
- How to choose the right style for your home
- Installation tips and maintenance advice
- And why upgrading your door should always include upgrading your weather protection
Let’s get started.
What Is a Weather Bar?
A weather bar is a protective strip fitted to the bottom of an exterior door or the door’s threshold. Its primary purpose is to:
- Deflect rainwater away from the door
- Prevent water ingress and moisture buildup
- Reduce draughts entering through the gap at the bottom
- Protect the timber of the door and frame from rot
- Maintain an effective seal between indoors and outdoors
Depending on the design, you may see weather bars referred to as:
- Rain drips
- Door drip bars
- Threshold weather bars
- Door weather deflectors
- Timber weatherboards
- Aluminium weather bars
Regardless of the name, the function is the same: to provide a barrier that stops water from collecting along the bottom edge of the door.
Why Weather Bars Matter When Upgrading Your Door
When homeowners replace an old door, they often focus on:
- Panel designs
- Glazing options
- Colour and finish
- Security upgrades
- New handles, hinges, or letterplates
Unfortunately, one of the most important protective elements often gets forgotten.
1. Older Homes Often Suffer from Water Damage Around the Door Base
Many older UK homes—especially Victorian, Edwardian, and pre-war properties—were built without modern thresholds or proper rain deflectors. This leads to several issues:
- Moisture soaking into the bottom rail of the door
- Rot developing over time
- Cold draughts entering the hallway or porch
- Continuous damp patches around the skirting near the doorway
- Swollen timber making the door stick in humid weather
Upgrading the door alone won’t fix these problems unless you also upgrade the weather protection.
2. A Weather Bar Extends the Lifespan of Your New Door
Modern external doors—timber, composite, or uPVC—are still vulnerable at the base, where they take the brunt of rainfall and splashback. A weather bar prevents:
- Water from sitting on the threshold
- Paint or finish peeling early
- Timber swelling
- Cold air infiltrating the home
By directing water away, you reduce long-term wear and tear.
3. It Improves Energy Efficiency
With rising UK energy costs, draught-proofing is more important than ever. A weather bar helps:
- Seal the bottom of the door
- Stop cold air from entering
- Reduce reliance on heating
- Prevent warm indoor air from escaping
Even a small gap under the door can significantly impact temperature retention.
4. Weather Bars Prevent Wind-Driven Rain From Causing Damage
The weather in the UK is notoriously erratic. Strong winds and heavy rain can push moisture beneath an exposed door. By directing the flow away and downward, a weather bar helps stop seepage and water pooling.
How a Weather Bar Works
A weather bar is angled or profiled so that rainwater hits the deflector and is pushed outward.
Think of it like a small roof for the bottom of your door.
Here’s what it does:
Creates a Barrier
It blocks rainwater from entering the smallest gaps between the door and the threshold.
Redirects Water
The sloped design forces water to drip or roll away rather than collect.
Supports Door Seals
Paired with a threshold seal or brush strip, it forms a robust defence against weather intrusion.
Helps Maintain Door Shape
Timber is naturally absorbent—but if moisture never reaches it, swelling and warping are minimised.
Signs Your Old Door Needed a New Weather Bar Years Ago
If you’re upgrading your door now, check whether you’ve spotted any of these issues around the old one:
- Dark, damp patches at the base of the door
- Rot or softness in the bottom rail
- Peeling paint or bubbling varnish
- Cold air coming through the bottom
- Water pooling on the threshold
- Door sticking during wet or humid weather
- Gap visible under the door when closed
If any of these sounded familiar, you definitely need a weather bar on your new door.
Types of Weather Bars: Which One Should You Choose?
Weather bars differ from one another. The material, style, and design of your door will determine which type is best for your house.
Below are the most common types used in UK homes.
1. Timber Weather Bars (Traditional Style)
Timber weather bars are the classic choice for:
- Period properties
- Listed buildings
- Cottage-style homes
- Timber external doors
These bars are usually made from solid hardwood such as:
- Oak
- Sapele
- Iroko
They can be painted or stained to match the door.
Benefits:
- Perfect aesthetic match for traditional doors
- Highly durable when sealed correctly
- Adds character and authenticity
- Can be custom-shaped for unique door designs
Considerations:
- Requires occasional repainting or oiling
- More expensive than metal alternatives
- Must be installed accurately for best results
2. Aluminium Weather Bars (Modern & Low Maintenance)
Aluminium weather bars are commonly seen on:
- Contemporary front doors
- Composite doors
- uPVC doors
- Commercial and high-traffic buildings
They offer sleek modern styling and excellent durability.
Benefits:
- Rust-proof and weather-resistant
- Minimal maintenance required
- Lightweight yet strong
- Modern appearance suits contemporary architecture
- Compatible with almost all external doors
Considerations:
- Not always suitable for heritage or period homes
- Limited colour options unless powder-coated
3. uPVC Weather Bars (Budget Friendly)
Often used in conjunction with uPVC doors, these bars provide:
- Affordability
- Easy installation
- Low maintenance
Benefits:
- Cost-effective
- Matches uPVC door frames
- Water-resistant
Considerations:
- Not suitable for timber doors
- Can discolour with UV exposure over time
- Less robust than aluminium
Weather Bar or Threshold Seal—What’s the Difference?
Many homeowners confuse weather bars with threshold seals. While both improve weather resistance, they serve different purposes.
Weather Bar
- Attached to the door itself
- Designed to deflect rainwater
- Protects the door from direct moisture
Threshold Seal
- Attached to the threshold or floor
- Creates a sealed gap when the door closes
- Stops draughts and insects
For maximum protection, the best approach is to install both.
Why Your New Door Installation Should Always Include a Weather Bar
Some installers omit the weather bar when replacing an old door, either because they believe the threshold offers adequate protection or because the homeowner didn't ask for one.
But here’s why you should insist on it:
1. Protects Your Investment
A new external door is a significant purchase. A weather bar helps maintain its integrity for years longer.
2. Ensures the Warranty Remains Valid
Many door manufacturers require adequate weather protection. Missing a weather bar could void the warranty on long-term durability.
3. Improves Energy Efficiency Immediately
More sealing means fewer draughts and reduced heat loss.
4. Enhances Kerb Appeal
A neatly installed weather bar gives the door a polished, complete appearance.
How to Choose the Right Weather Bar for Your Door
When selecting the perfect weather bar, consider the following:
Door Material
- Timber door → Timber or aluminium bar
- Composite door → Aluminium bar
- uPVC door → uPVC or aluminium bar
House Style
- Period cottages → Timber
- Modern new-builds → Aluminium
- Victorian terraces → Either, depending on door style
Colour
Choose a finish that complements your:
- Door colour
- Frame
- Threshold material
Exposure to Weather
Homes exposed to constant rain or coastal winds will benefit from a heavy-duty aluminium bar.
Maintenance Preference
Prefer low upkeep? Choose aluminium or uPVC.
Budget
Timber and powder-coated aluminium are premium choices, while uPVC offers affordability.
How to Install a Weather Bar (DIY Guide)
Many homeowners opt to install a weather bar themselves. If you're confident with basic tools, here’s how:
Tools Needed
- Drill
- Screws
- Measuring tape
- Sealant
- Saw (for timber bars)
Installation Steps
-
Measure the width of the door
Ensure the weather bar is cut to fit perfectly. -
Hold the bar against the bottom of the door
Align it so it slightly overhangs to direct water away. -
Mark screw positions
Always pre-drill when attaching to timber to avoid splitting. -
Apply exterior sealant
This prevents water ingress behind the bar. -
Secure the bar firmly
Use corrosion-resistant screws. -
Check the door opens freely
Adjust if needed.
While this is a simple process, many people prefer professional installation, especially with more complex composite doors.
Weather Bar Maintenance Tips
To keep your weather bar working effectively:
Timber Weather Bars
- Repaint or re-oil every 1–2 years
- Check for cracking or splits
- Ensure screws remain tight
Aluminium Weather Bars
- Wipe clean periodically
- Inspect for dents or loosening
- Lubricate adjoining seals
uPVC Weather Bars
- Clean regularly
- Check for discolouration
- Tighten screws if movement occurs
Good maintenance ensures long-term weatherproofing.
Do Internal Doors Need Weather Bars?
No, as its function is to prevent weather exposure, weather bars are only used for external door applications.
Internal doors do not require weather protection.
Common Mistakes Homeowners Make When Upgrading a Door
When replacing a door, avoid these pitfalls:
Choosing a stylish door but ignoring structural protection
Your door can look fantastic, but without a weather bar, damage will follow.
Assuming new doors come with weather bars automatically
Many do not—they must be added as an optional extra.
Not updating the threshold to match the weather bar
The two components must work together to perform effectively.
Skipping draught-proofing
A weather bar stops rain—but you still need a bottom seal for draughts.
Using the wrong material
Timber bars on uPVC doors—or vice versa—look mismatched and perform poorly.
The Benefits of Adding a Weather Bar to Your Door Upgrade
Here’s a quick summary of why weather bars should never be overlooked:
Protects the door from rain and moisture
Stops water pooling and prevents rot.
Extends door lifespan
Reduces warping, swelling, or decay.
Improves insulation
Minimises heat loss.
Stops draughts
Keeps the home warmer and more comfortable.
Enhances security
Dry, stable timber is harder to compromise.
Adds to the door’s visual finish
Makes the installation look clean and complete.
Low cost but high impact
Small investment, major protection.
Conclusion: Never Upgrade Your Door Without Upgrading the Weather Protection
Your home's attractiveness, energy efficiency, and security can all be enhanced by replacing an old door, but if you don't have the proper weather bar, the bottom of your door will be exposed to the UK's infamously rainy climate.
A correctly chosen and well-installed weather bar:
- Protects your investment
- Prevents long-term damage
- Enhances insulation
- Boosts kerb appeal
- Saves money on maintenance and heating
The weather bar is an essential finishing touch that guarantees longevity and function for many years to come, whether you're installing a brand-new, contemporary composite door or repairing a classic timber one.
So, if you’re upgrading your old door soon, remember:
“Don’t forget the weather bar!”
It’s the small detail that makes the biggest difference.
For more information about our interior or exterior doors or door accessories, give us a call at 01603 622261 and speak to a member of our expert team today or Email us at sales@doorsuppliesonline.co.uk. We look forward to hearing from you.