Fall is (finally) here, and while we couldn’t be more excited about cooler weather, changing leaves, and upcoming holidays, autumn is also the time to start prepping your home for winter. The time to brace your home against cold winds, ice, and other wintery weather is now. Protecting your home from uncomfortable drafts, cracking materials, and exorbitant heating bills starts with your doors. Here are some common issues to look for before winter settles in.
Swelling & shrinking
As summer shifts to fall and temperatures fluctuate, the fibers in your exterior doors shrink and swell with the weather. As fall settles in, your door could tighten or draw in, leading to:
- Gaps
- Drafts
- Leaks
- Sticking
Cracking
Cool, dry air combined with fluctuating temperatures can lead to cracks in your exterior doors. On top of splitting the door panel, colder weather can damage the weatherstripping around doors and windows. Regularly check for cracked, peeling, or crumbling weatherstripping so you can replace it before drafts, leaks, and gaps wreak havoc on your home’s comfort and utility bills.
Loose screws & sagging
Changing seasons and fluctuating temperatures cause fibers to swell with water and then contract as cooler, drier air settles in. The change in humidity and temperature causes screw holes to loosen and tighten, which may lead to a sagging, misaligned door that is drafty and difficult to open and close.
Cool Weather Solutions
Here’s the good news, the most common problems with cool weather can be addressed with just a few preventative measures. Take a sunny weekend this fall to knockout the following DIY-projects, and relax this winter knowing that your home is safe and sound from icy drafts and leaks.
Updated weathersealing
Worn out weather stripping isn’t just ineffective, it can actually hinder your door’s ability to latch and seal appropriately due to crumbling or ill-fitting materials. Weathersealing includes:
- Weatherstripping
- Corner pads
- Door bottoms
See: What You Should Know About Weather Sealing and BetterDoor’s projects and how-to guides for DIY weathersealing to get your home ready for winter.
Conditioners and sealants
While installing a fiberglass or aluminum door is one of the most effective ways to eliminate concerns about cracking and splitting doors, other materials can be protected with measures like:
- Exterior wood conditioners
- Weather-resistant seals and paints
- Protective UV coatings
Storm doors
Storm doors offer an added layer of insulation against wind, moisture, and other elements. Available in a variety of options, simply choose the storm door that’s best suited to your needs. Keep in mind: a glass door or glass door with a retractable screen will provide better protection than a screen door.