Helpful Ideas to Draft-Proof Residential Doors and Windows

January 4, 2020

Homeowners choose to install insulation in their Northern California homes for one main reason: to protect their living spaces from outside air. You might be thinking to yourself that your walls and attic are already insulated, so you don’t need to install insulation. However, this may not be the case. Keep in mind that many older homes can actually benefit from new or additional insulation material, while the owners of newly-built homes need to carefully consider their options during the design phase.

However, poor insulation is not the only cause of cold drafts in the winter. Drafts can be found around doors, windows, pipes, attics and crawlspaces. And cold air is not the only thing that can get inside your house through the smallest openings and uninsulated spaces— moisture and pests can, too.

Don’t let ice-cold winter wind chills get you down—get ahead of them instead! Here are some tried and true ways to draft-proof your home’s windows and doors:

  • New weather-stripping: The type of weather-stripping designed for use on windows and doors keeps outside air out and inside air in. It does this by sealing drafty door and window borders, and starts working as soon as it’s applied. Just about all brands of weather-stripping are inexpensive and very easy for homeowners to install themselves.
  • Door sweeps: Replacing old or damaged door sweeps with new ones can make a huge difference in the draft department. Door sweeps attach to the very bottom of exterior-facing doors. They can look like thin little brooms, almost bristly, or be more like a gentle scraper or shield made of rubber. You can also get wooden door sweepers to match your door.
  • Foam tape: While weather-stripping is ideal for sealing around doors and windows, it can be difficult to use on doors that are slightly warped. A good weather-proofing alternative is a sticky foam tape. All you have to do is cut it to size and secure it in the areas that are drafty.
  • Insulate around frames: Assessing insulation behind enclosed walls is not as easy as glancing around at the insulation in an attic. But, if you feel cold drafts coming from around window or door frames, it could be worth the time and money to have your insulation checked and possibly replaced.
  • DIY window film: Single-, dual- and triple-pane window glass can all benefit from window film. This film resembles plastic wrap before being adhered to the glass and heated with a hair dryer—it shrinks and seals over drafty windows. When installed correctly, this DIY window film works great.
  • Hang insulated curtains: Insulated curtains, also called thermal curtains, can help retain heat in your home during the cold winter months, but they have to be drawn shut to be effective. This may not be a good option for you if you prefer natural light shining into your house.

If you are ready for the pros to come out and install insulation in your Northern California home, make sure your first call is to Ace Insulation Inc. Contact us anytime for more information!

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