Drafts, leaks, and even bug infestations from your front door are all common concerns for homeowners. These issues can make it harder to keep your house warm in the winter and cool in the summer and lead to higher energy bills. So how do you fix these problems?
Here are a few ways you can check if your exterior doors are feeling drafty:
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Door alignment
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Weatherstripping
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Cracked or unsealed seams
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Door sweeps
Make sure your doors are properly aligned
Newly installed doors might not have this problem, but over time doors can wear on their hinges, causing them to sag. This puts the door slightly off alignment and creates a gap which allows more airflow than it should. This can usually be fixed quickly by tightening the screws in your door hinge, but in some cases the hardware may need to be replaced.
Check your weatherstripping
Weatherstripping is designed to prevent leaks and drafts for any entryway door in your home. If your door’s weatherstripping is old and worn, it won’t be as effective at keeping your door sealed from the elements. Make sure there are no gaps between your weatherstripping and the frame. If so, you may need to replace it. If you need help identifying symptoms of bad weatherstripping, we have more information on that in a previous article.
Check the seams for cracks
The seams around the glass panes in your exterior doors were sealed when the door was made, but this seal can break down over time and allow drafts to carry through. If the seals are worn down or missing, you can replace them by caulking. Look for a window and door caulk at your local hardware store.
Install Door Sweeps
Door sweeps create a tighter seal between the bottom of your doors and the threshold. Installing them will help you save money on your heating and cooling bills, and prevents bugs, dust, and more from entering your home.
BONUS TIP: If the bottom of your door is in good shape but there’s still a gap, try adjusting your sill! Follow our guide to learn how.