5 Ways To Fix Drafty Doors & Windows In Your Home

Are you feeling a slight breeze every time you walk past a specific part of your house? Chances are, you have a drafty door or window. Drafts can cause your energy bills to rise and make your home uncomfortable to live in – particularly in the summers.

Luckily, there are many ways to fix drafts and make your home more energy-efficient. In this blog post, Xpress Exterior Design, LLC will discuss the best ways to seal up those pesky drafts. Stay cool and comfy this summer!

What Is a Draft?

A draft is a flow of air through your home or commercial property. It’s usually caused by an opening, such as a door or window, which isn’t properly sealed. In some cases, drafts can also be caused by cracks in the walls or foundation of your home.

Drafts can have a really negative effect on energy bills and comfort levels in the home. In the winter, a drafty window can let in cold air and make it harder for your heating system to warm your home. This causes your energy bills to go up as your furnace must work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature.

A drafty window can let in hot air from the outside in the summer, making your AC work overtime to keep your home cool. This also causes your electricity bills to rise as your AC struggles to maintain a comfortable temperature.

How to Fix a Drafty Door

There are several ways to fix a drafty door. Here are the easiest ones:

1. Get Yourself a Door Sweep

A door sweep is a strip of material, usually plastic, rubber, or metal, which attaches to the bottom of your door. When the door is closed, the sweep slides against the floor, creating a seal that helps prevent drafts.

2. Add Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping is a kind of insulation used to seal doors and windows. It comes in various materials, including foam, vinyl, and felt. To install it, just peel off the adhesive backing and secure it into place around the perimeter of your door.

3. Hang a Heavy-Duty Curtain

If you have a particularly drafty door, hanging a heavy-duty curtain in front of it can help block out air drafts and keep your home more comfortable. Look for a curtain that's made of thick, insulated fabric.

4. Check Your Door and Window Alignment

If your doors and windows aren't properly aligned, they can let in drafts. To check your door's alignment, open it and look at the gap between the door and the frame. The gap has to be even all the way around. If it's not, you can adjust the hinges to improve the alignment. Make sure the sashes are level and flush with the frame for windows.

5. You Can Install a Door Threshold as Well

If you have a drafty door, installing a door threshold can help seal the gap and stop the drafts. A door threshold is a strip composed of metal or wood that fits along the bottom of your door. You can easily pick them up from your local hardware stores.

Xpress Exterior Design, LLC Is Here to Help!

Xpress Exterior Design, LLC, serving Essex, MD, provides quality window and door installation and replacement services. We're a family-owned business serving the community for over 50 years. We're dedicated to providing our customers with the best possible roofing and home renovation services. And don't worry - we also offer a 20-year workmanship warranty on all of our services.

Schedule a free consultation today if you need help with your drafty doors or windows! We’d be happy to help you choose the best option for your home.