How to Stop Drafts from Entering through the Doors & Windows in Your Denver, CO, Home
When the cold of winter grips your Denver, Colorado, home, the last thing you want is for chilly drafts to seep in through your windows and doors. Those drafts can work against the efforts of your HVAC system, making it work harder than necessary to heat your home, which can drive up your energy costs. If your windows and doors are drafty, here are some DIY tips that may help:
Add Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping can be purchased at most home improvement stores. You can choose from various materials depending on what kind of windows and doors you have in your home. The weatherstripping material is applied to openings in the window and door frames to stop drafts.
Re-Caulk Your Windows & Doors
Caulk is applied in much the same way as weatherstripping, but instead of a foam tape or rubber, it consists of a fluid compound that fills gaps in the window and door frames.
Replace Your Door Sweeps
Door sweeps are metal strips that can be attached to the bottom of doors to keep out drafts, moisture, insects, and dirt. If the sweeps on your doors are old, or if your doors have no sweeps at all, installing new sweeps can cut down on drafts.
Use Door Snakes
Another option for eliminating drafts through your windows and doors is a door snake, a weighted fabric tube that rests against the bottom of the frame where it will stop drafts. Door snakes can be purchased at home improvement stores, or you can make your own with a rolled-up towel.
Apply Window Film
Window film is applied to window or patio door frames and then is heated with a hair dryer to seal any gaps or holes.
Hang Insulated Curtains
Thermal curtains can help control drafts and are easily hung above windows and patio doors. They have just one obvious drawback: They need to be closed in order to effectively minimize drafts. This may not be the best option if you enjoy natural light in your home.
A Failsafe Option: Replace Your Windows & Doors
If your windows and doors are drafty, it’s likely because they are old and worn down, or were installed incorrectly. And, while the DIY tips noted above may be effective, they are only a temporary solution to a larger problem. For a permanent remedy to drafty windows and doors, turn to Dreamstyle Remodeling.
We install replacement windows and doors that are made with energy-efficient glass and weather-resistant vinyl or fiberglass frames. Our certified craftsmen custom-size every window and door they install to the exact dimensions of the home to ensure a perfect fit. That way, you can rest assured that when your new windows and doors are closed, they are perfectly sealed and will not allow chilly drafts into your home. You may even notice a decrease in your monthly energy bills, as your HVAC system will have an easier time maintaining a comfortable temperature.
To learn more about our replacement windows and doors and how they are the optimal solution to heat loss for your home in the Denver, CO, area, contact Dreamstyle Remodeling today.