The Money Mustache Community
Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Do it Yourself Discussion! => Topic started by: jpdx on December 09, 2018, 01:55:10 PM
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Hi smart people. I have a mail slot on my original front door. I love the door, and I love having my mail delivered through the slot. I do not like that the slot feels very drafty in the winter.
Many people suggest adding an additional flap to the interior to prevent drafts, but my interior has a solid metal cover which provides security -- it allows mail through but prevents a burglar from sticking their hand in the slot and turning the dead bolt. Any clever ideas how to air seal this baby?
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I agree with you about getting mail through the slot--I like it so much I installed a mail slot to replace our outdoor mailbox! I glued fleece backing to the metal flap. On the inside of the door we have a frame around the opening. I plan to loosen the screws and insert a flap of felt that will be held in place by pressure between the frame and the door. Could you do the same with your security cover?
Also, at night we stuff a roll of cloth into the mail slot.
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Glad you are on the case! How will the flap of felt make a good seal?
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We have a mail slot I've been meaning to address since we moved in, so no direct help here. BUT...
When putting something in a neighbor's slot it appeared they had some kind of pouch or sleeve on the inside of the door. I've been thinking a pouch could be nice because it could hold letters and prevent the mail being scattered around the entryway every day. But, it could be a problem for large/weird packages that come through the slot.
But, a basic fabric sleeve that's larger than the slot would be more flexible in terms of larger envelopes, etc. and it could simply 'flop' down to cover the slot and insulate it the rest of the time.
This is definitely not worth the amount of time I've devoted to thinking about it so far. =)
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I used foam weatherstrip tape with the adhesive backing. It's not fully airtight, but much better than previously, and the mail slot still functions.
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Glad you are on the case! How will the flap of felt make a good seal?
Honestly, I don't think it will make a *good* seal. I think it will somewhat improve the situation by impeding the draft a bit.
My husband, tbh, is not a fan of this plan on aesthetic grounds, because the felt flap will hang down over the bottom edge of the frame.