How to Winterize Your Exterior Doors
Drafty windows and doors result in a home losing upwards of 40 percent of its energy efficiency. Like it or not, that aging or misaligned door may be costing you more than it’s worth in unnecessary utility bills. If you are a homeowner who needs to winterize exterior doors seasonally, it may be time to invest in an upgrade. But until you are ready to make a money-saving change, it’s crucial to promptly winterize windows and doors.
Why It’s Important to Winterize Exterior Doors
The most common reason working families winterize exterior doors is financial. Having to crank up the furnace or replenish logs and pellets in wood stoves is akin to burning cash. But another reason that environmentally conscious community members are implementing the best way to stop door drafts involves carbon emissions.
Natural Resources Canada published data indicating more than 16 million dwellings and 482,000 commercial and public buildings in use. Approximately 13 percent of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions are from buildings. Of the greenhouse gases emitted from Canada’s buildings, 78 percent stem from the energy used to heat water and living spaces. Preparing the way for a cleaner and sustainable future, and saving money, are reasons why it’s essential to winterize doors now.
How to Detect Air Leaks Around Exterior Doors
Identifying air leaks remains a relatively simple task. One way to easily notice larger leaks is to wait until dark and have someone shine a flashlight around the door while the lights are turned off inside the house. If you see light coming through seemingly small gaps, that equals an air draft.
Another way to find air leaks is by using a candle. Hold the flame near the outer edges of the door and then the frame. If the candle flickers, you have discovered an air leak. The good news for homeowners is that sealing doors for winter can be done by most handy do-it-yourselfers.
How to Seal Air Leaks Around External Doors
Fill Window Gaps
If you discover drafts coming through the door jamb, it may be prudent to fill the gaps using a caulking product. Press the compound into the spaces and wipe it close. You can circle back and lightly sand it to help the fix blend in later.
Seal Windows with Weather Stripping
One of the better approaches to closing drafts around the door is by installing durable weather stripping. Many of these products have tape on one side and homeowners can stick long strands into affected areas. It’s not uncommon to weather-strip the entire frame around the drafty door for good measure. Securing the deadbolt at night can also help minimize air penetrations because it keeps the door securely in place when the wind blows.
Invest in Replacement Exterior Doors
Knowing how to winterize windows and doors is an excellent first step toward making your home more environmentally sustainable and saving money. This said, sometimes sealing the exterior door with weather stripping or caulk simply is not enough. Often, older doors are simply not designed with energy efficiency in mind, and it’s recommended to invest in insulated replacement exterior doors, like:
Brookstone Offers Energy Efficient Doors in Southwestern Ontario
Brookstone Windows and Doors manufactures a complete line of Canadian-made exterior doors. These industry-leading doors meet or exceed Energy Star Certification and are backed by a lifetime warranty. If you are experiencing exterior door drafts, contact Brookstone Windows & Doors at an Ontario location near you.
