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Winter Energy Saving Tips #3: Finding/Sealing Window/Door Air Leaks

By
Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker, Mulleady, Inc. Realtors 42118

Sealing Air Leaks Around Windows and Doors


By sealing air leaks around your windows and doors you can prevent wasting valuable and precious heat.  


Checking for air leaks

A novel and cheap approach is to hold a lit stick of incense near window and door frames where you suspect drafts come in.  You'll notice the smoke move where there is a draft.  Use caulk, sealant and weather-stripping to seal them off.

 

Seal air leaks around windows

If you have old single pane windows, caulking and adding new weatherstripping will go a ways to helping; however, you should ultimately work towards upgrading to dual pain energy efficient windows.  

If you can't afford to upgrade, bronze weatherstripping lasts for what seems like ever but is time-consuming to install.  The self-stick plastic types are easy to put on but only last a year or two.  Adhesive backed EPDM rubber is in the middle and lasts about 10 years.  

 

Seal air leaks around doors

Once again, check for air leaks and replace old door weatherstripping with new.  Foam-type tape has an adhesive backing, is cheap and very easy to install.  Felt comes with adhesive backing or comes with flexible adhesive reinforcement.  You'll have to tack it or glue it into place.  This is cheap, but doesn't last long.  Rubber, Silicone or Vinyl weatherstripping is relatively inexpensive and a bit difficult to install, but it provides a superb seal.  Some types come designed to fit into the pre-cut groves of the door jambs.  Check your existing weatherstripping to see if it's a compatible style.  

Check your exterior trim for any gaps between the trim and the door frame and the trim and the siding of the home.  Caulk the gaps with an exterior latex caulk.  

 

Seal door bottoms

If you have a draft coming in frmo the bottom of yoru door, check the condition of the threshold.  If you can see daylight under your door, you may need to install a new threshold with a taller gasket.  You can also install a door sweep designed for exterior doors.  They attach directly to the door and are easy to install.