Weatherproofing doors and windows means sealing the gaps and cracks around them so outside air stays out and conditioned air stays in. It is one of the simplest ways to stop drafts, and it can keep your heating and cooling bills from climbing. Here is how it works, why it matters and how to tell when sealing is no longer enough.
What Weatherproofing Doors and Windows Involves
Drafts come from small openings: a gap between the frame and the wall, a worn strip along the bottom of a door, a sash that no longer closes tightly. Weatherproofing fills those spaces with the right material for each spot.
Caulk
Caulk seals stationary joints, such as the seam where a window or door frame meets the siding or interior trim. Old caulk dries out and cracks, so it needs to be checked and redone from time to time.
Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping seals the parts that move, such as the edges of a door or the meeting points of a window sash. When it is flattened, torn or missing, air passes straight through.
Insulation
Insulation fills larger hidden spaces around the frame. It is usually added when a window or door is installed or when the trim is removed for repairs.
Why Draft Prevention Matters
Drafts do more than make a room uncomfortable. Air leakage is one of the leading causes of high heating and cooling bills. In winter, small spaces around windows and doors let cold air in and warm air out. Your furnace works overtime to keep up, and you pay more than you should for heating fuel.
In summer the problem reverses. Hot air leaks in, cool air escapes and the air conditioner struggles to keep the house comfortable. The result shows up on your electric bill.
The best time to weatherproof is before the season changes. In Connecticut, that means checking for drafts in the fall before the first cold snap and again in spring before the air conditioning comes on.
When Weatherproofing Is Not Enough
Sealing helps a sound window or door perform better. It cannot fix one that is badly damaged or worn out. If frames are warped or cracked, or drafts return soon after you seal them, replacement is usually the better long-term solution.
Replacement windows
Vinyl replacement windows are popular among Connecticut homeowners because they are durable, attractive and easy to maintain. Aladdin installs many styles, including double-hung, casement, awning, bay, bow and picture windows.
Entry doors
If your front door can no longer keep out cold air, a new entry door designed with energy efficiency in mind will. You can choose a door made of wood, fiberglass or steel. All of those materials can protect your home from cold weather and keep your family and belongings secure.
Storm doors
Adding a storm door puts a second barrier between your entry door and the weather, which helps cut drafts at one of the busiest openings in the house.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find drafts around my windows and doors?
On a cold or windy day, move your hand slowly around the edges of each window and door. You will feel cooler air where there is a leak. Also look for visible gaps, cracked caulk and worn weatherstripping.
Is weatherproofing only for winter?
No. The same gaps that let cold air in during winter let hot air in during summer, so sealing them helps with cooling costs too.
Should I weatherproof or replace my windows?
If the windows are in good shape and only the caulk or weatherstripping has failed, weatherproofing is the sensible fix. If the windows are severely damaged or worn out, replacing them is the better investment.
Get a Quote for Replacement Windows or a New Entry Door
If sealing has not solved your draft problem, the team at Aladdin can install energy-efficient windows or doors that keep your home comfortable, save you money and improve your curb appeal. Contact us to get an estimate.