Best External Door Weather Bar for Yorkshire Weather: 2025 Expert Review
DR Joinery
Expert Joiner & Bespoke Fittings Specialist
Living in York, we are no strangers to horizontal rain. One of the most common issues I see in Victorian terraces and rural cottages is water ingress at the bottom of external doors. If water sits on the threshold, it eventually wicks up into the timber end grain, causing rot, swelling, and sticking doors.
A proper external door weather bar (often called a rain deflector) is the first line of defence. It pushes water away from the vulnerable seal at the bottom of the door. Whilst it seems like a simple piece of kit, choosing the right one matters. Cheap plastic can crack in the frost, and poorly fitted bars can trap water rather than repel it.
In this review, I'll compare three weather bars that I encounter regularly. I will look at a budget mechanical fix for utility doors, a premium peel-and-stick option ideal for uPVC, and a colour-matched solution that blends in with painted timber joinery.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "Universal Fit"
"Manufacturers claim these bars fit 'all' external doors."
Every door in York is different. If you have a traditional timber weather bead or a specific threshold height, a standard bar might foul the frame. Always measure the clearance between the door face and the frame before buying.
The Spec: "Peel-and-Stick Adhesion"
"Tape alone is strong enough to hold the bar forever."
On smooth uPVC, it works well. On painted timber that might be flaking or damp, tape can fail. For timber doors, I always favour a mechanical fixing (screws) to ensure it stays put during heavy storms.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
Exitex Rain Deflector 914mm – Aluminium Door Rain Guard
Exitex
This is a classic, no-nonsense aluminium weather bar. It relies on a mechanical fix (screws), which I prefer for timber doors as it guarantees the bar won't fall off in a gale. It's basic, but for back doors, sheds, or workshop entrances, it does exactly what it says on the tin.
The Good
- Excellent price point for solid aluminium
- Mechanical fixing is more secure than tape on old timber
- Includes end caps to cover sharp sawn edges
The Bad
- Requires drilling into the door (irreversible)
- Mill finish looks a bit industrial for front doors
- Screws provided can be soft; consider using your own stainless ones
Installer Tip:
When fitting this to a hardwood door (like Oak), always drill a pilot hole for the screws. If you don't, you risk shearing the screw head off or splitting the timber. Also, run a bead of clear silicone along the top edge after fixing to stop water getting behind the bar.
Priced at £11.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonuPVC Door Weather Bar – Peel & Stick Rain Deflector/Drip Board
HomeSecure
If you have a modern uPVC or composite door, you really don't want to be drilling holes into it, as this can void your warranty and damage the thermal chambers. This HomeSecure bar uses a high-bond tape that is incredibly strong on smooth surfaces. It's a cleaner, more modern solution.
The Good
- No tools or drilling required - prevents damage to the door
- Very secure bond on smooth surfaces
- Clean, modern look suitable for front entrances
The Bad
- Most expensive option in this list
- Tape adhesion is not suitable for rough, flaky, or rotten timber
- Slightly shorter length (870mm) - check your door width
Installer Tip:
Preparation is critical here. Using an alcohol wipe or meths to thoroughly clean the door surface before sticking the bar on. If there's any grease or grime, it will fall off within a week. Once stuck, don't try to move it.
Priced at £19.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonExitex Rain Deflector 914mm – White Aluminium Door Rain Guard
Exitex
This solves a common visual problem: ugly silver metal bars ruining the look of a crisp white painted door. In York, many conservation properties have white painted timber joinery. This bar offers the durability of aluminium but with a white finish that blends in seamlessly, providing protection without being an eyesore.
The Good
- White finish blends perfectly with painted timber or uPVC
- Aluminium core ensures it won't warp like plastic alternatives
- Mechanical fixing ensures long-term stability
The Bad
- Paint finish can scratch if aggressive tools are used during fitting
- Requires drilling
- End caps are plastic and may discolour slightly over many years
Installer Tip:
When cutting this bar to size, wrap masking tape around the area you intend to saw. This stops the white finish from chipping and protects the surface from the hacksaw blade. File the cut end smooth before popping the end cap on.
Priced at £12.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a weather bar and a draught excluder?
Can I fit a weather bar to a rotten timber door?
How high should I mount the weather bar?
Do I need a professional to fit a weather bar?
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