On my Jotul Oslo, I replace the side door gasket ever 4-5 years. It's the door I use, as the front door has it's issue's. I can tell when it's time for a new gasket, as the latch closes with very little spring compression left. I did the ash door, 10 years ago, with one size larger as spec'd. The front door has never been replaced , in 22 years.
I decided the do the dollar bill test on all my doors. Here's how to do it. On each door, on each side, middle, and as many other places, put a crisp dollar bill halfway in. Close the door on it. Close the latch normally. Pull the bill out slowly. It should be somewhat hard to pull out.
My front door failed big time, in the middle of the bottom. The bill moved with very little resistance. Other sides were OK. There is not much spring left in the latch, so it's not a surprise. I have never checked it. Time for a new rope gasket.
I decided the do the dollar bill test on all my doors. Here's how to do it. On each door, on each side, middle, and as many other places, put a crisp dollar bill halfway in. Close the door on it. Close the latch normally. Pull the bill out slowly. It should be somewhat hard to pull out.
My front door failed big time, in the middle of the bottom. The bill moved with very little resistance. Other sides were OK. There is not much spring left in the latch, so it's not a surprise. I have never checked it. Time for a new rope gasket.
