A Guide to Weatherproofing Windows and Doors
Drafty windows and doors account for over 25% of the total energy loss in a home, according to the US Department of Energy. This can influence the temperature of your home and make it uncomfortable for you and your family. Fortunately, weatherproofing is an easy project you can do yourself. This guide will teach you the most common methods to eliminate drafts from your windows and doors.
Benefits of Weatherproofing
Weatherproofing your windows and doors is beneficial in several ways, such as:
Decreasing Energy Bills
Air leaking in or out of your home can cause your power and electric bills to skyrocket. Weatherproofing will improve indoor air quality and can reduce energy costs by up to 80%.
Keeping Your Home Dry
If your windows and doors are not completely sealed, moisture and condensation can accumulate and cause water damage. Properly sealing them will keep your home dry and free of mold.
Prolonging the Life of Your HVAC System
A drafty home will cause your heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) system to work overtime trying to keep your living spaces at a comfortable temperature. Weatherproofing will greatly increase the performance of your HVAC system, as well as prolong its life.
Methods For Weatherproofing
There are many simple, inexpensive ways you can weatherproof the windows and doors in your home.
A few methods are:
Use Foam Tape
Foam tape is one of the most common and affordable methods for weatherproofing windows and doors. The tape is applied between the door and the doorstop or between two window sashes to prevent air leakage. It forms a seal that stays in place as they are opened and closed repeatedly. Foam tape is very versatile, adhesive-backed, and comes in rolls with different dimensions that are ready to use.
Install Insulated Curtains
Window treatments are another way to weatherproof your windows or glass doors. Match your drapes to the season by hanging light, sheer ones in the summer, and darker, heavy ones in the winter. Alternatively, thermal curtains work year-round, retaining heat in the winter and blocking out the sun’s rays during the summer.
Replace Door Sweeps
The majority of heat transfer on a door occurs from the gap between the door bottom and the ground. You can combat this by replacing old door sweeps with new, more effective ones. There are a few different kinds of sweeps to choose from, such as heavy-duty, drip-cap, and brush. In addition to stopping drafts, they also seal your home against other unwanted intrusions like water or pests.
Window Film
For windows specifically, you can install a film on either the interior or exterior surface of the glass. The film is made from a thin, laminate material that fits on your window to help reduce heat transfer. Not only does it reduce air leakage, but window film also improves privacy.
Consider Window and Door Replacement
Sometimes, DIY weatherproofing methods are not enough to eliminate the drafts from your windows and doors. In these cases, it is best to replace them. At The Window Depot, we carry high-quality, energy-efficient windows, as well as interior and exterior doors. We also stock a variety of other home improvement products.