When the weather starts to cool down, you don’t want to worry about drafts and cold air coming in from the outside. Thankfully, we offer tips below on how to properly cover those drafty windows and doors.
Read on to learn about seven ways to insulate windows or doors and what you can do for a more permanent, safer solution:
- Use weather strips
- Install new door sweeps
- Apply foam tape
- Insulate with window film
- Hang insulated curtains
- Recaulk windows and doors
- Use a door snake
1. Use Weather Strips
Weather strips are an inexpensive way to seal doors and windows in your home. There are three main types: compression, V-type, and foam.
Compression weather strips are the most durable for seal-swinging doors and window sashes. V-type weather strips, meanwhile, fit against the side of a door or window jam and form a seal to prevent cold air from entering.
Lastly, foam weather stripping comes in various sizes with an adhesive backing on one side. While foam weather stripping is the easiest to install, it needs to be replaced every one to three years.
2. Install New Door Sweeps
Installing a door sweep along the bottom of an exterior door can block out cold air.
To ensure a good fit, measure the length of the door when it’s closed and cut the sweep to the size you need.
There are a variety of door sweeps, including heavy-duty, drip-cap, and brush styles. Contact a glass and window expert to determine which would be best for your home.
3. Apply Foam Tape
Adhesive foam tape is a great weather-proofing alternative for doors and windows that are slightly warped.
A good rule of thumb is to cut the tape to size and secure it along areas that have a draft.
4. Insulate with Window Film
Window film looks like the plastic wrap you use to cover food and does a great job at insulating your windows during the colder months.
After placing window film on your windows, heat it with a blow-dryer to shrink it and seal out drafts.
5. Hang Insulated Curtains
Thermal curtains are another way to insulate windows. If you keep them closed, they help your home retain heat in the colder months.
6. Recaulk Windows and Doors
Apply new caulk to old spots along your windows and doors to help seal out drafts. If you won’t open any windows until spring, temporarily seal them shut with caulking and peel it off when the weather starts to get warmer.
7. Use a Door Snake
These weighted fabric tubes are placed at the bottom of your door and prevent cold air from coming through. If you don’t want to buy a door snake, a rolled-up towel will also do the trick.
While these are easy, temporary ways to prevent drafts and keep cold air from coming into your home, consider more permanent solutions, such as installing double-pane windows.
Single vs. Double-Pane Windows
Double-pane windows, or insulated glass units (IGUs), have air pockets between their panes to diffuse heat transfer and reduce window conductivity.
They are not only great for insulating your home, but they also lower noise pollution and reduce energy costs.
Single-pane units do not have air pockets, thus allowing cold air and heat to pass through the glass more readily.
Insulate Your Windows with Glass Doctor
At Glass Doctor, we have years of experience installing double-pane windows and keeping cold air out of customers’ homes.
If you want to permanently keep cold air from coming through your windows, install double-pane windows with Glass Doctor. Schedule an appointment today or call us!
