I have a pretty old PVC entry door and even when it's completely closed, I can feel cold drafts coming through the sides. The rubber seals look worn out. Do I need to replace just the seals or change the whole door? What does that usually cost at a carpenter's?
Lip seals (the "door bottoms") really work well for blocking side drafts, especially if you pick ones with the right density so they press firmly against the frame. Before replacing them, check that your frame isn't warped or the door itself hasn't gotten bent out of shape, otherwise even new seals won't make a difference. If seals alone do the trick, you're looking at just a few dozen euros, but if the door has shifted, then you really need to think about replacing the whole thing.
Start by replacing the weatherstripping - it's way cheaper and often that's all you need. Rubber or foam seals wear out over time, especially on older PVC doors. You can find them at hardware stores or online, and they come in adhesive rolls that are ready to stick on. Clean the frame really well before applying the new seals, and remove any leftover bits from the old one. If you install them properly, that should block the drafts.
If it's still not enough after changing the seals, then you'll want to look at the door itself. It might be slightly warped or misaligned, which creates gaps. A carpenter can adjust the hinges or check that everything is square. As for prices, honestly it varies a lot depending on your area and which carpenter you go to, but replacing just the weatherstripping is really affordable (just a few euros for the materials), while replacing the whole door costs way more. Try the seals first - you've got nothing to lose.
Worn-out seals are clearly your problem here, no need to go overboard. Before you think about the whole door, go grab some replacement seals (rubber or foam depending on your model) from a hardware store - they're cheap and take twenty minutes to swap out. If you're still getting air leaks after that, only then should you start looking at a more serious renovation, but honestly nine times out of ten that's all it takes to fix the issue.
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