Have you opened your front door on a cold winter day only to feel a chill rush through as if you were letting all the warmth out? Or does the lower corner of your door seem to let in a draft that’s impossible to ignore as you huddle under a blanket on the couch?
If you’ve spent time pleading with your door to stop letting freezing winds invade your home, take heart – fixing cold air coming through doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. With a little know-how to fix cold air coming through door and some basic materials, you can tame those breezes and keep comfortable warmth where it belongs – inside.
In this post, we’ll cover several easy door sealing methods to block drafts at their source so you can enjoy cooler indoor temps all season long without breaking the bank.
What Will You Need?
Before we get into the methods, let’s quickly go over the materials you’ll need to fix cold air coming through door. Depending on which method you choose, you may not need all of these items, but it’s good to have them on hand just in case:
- Weatherstripping: This flexible material helps seal gaps between moving parts of your door, such as between the door and frame or between the door and threshold. Weatherstripping comes in various forms, including adhesive foam tape, felt, rubber strips, or metal strips with vinyl attached.
- Door Sweeps: These are long pieces of material that attach to the bottom of your door to fill in gaps between the door and threshold.
- Caulk: This flexible material fills in small gaps and cracks around your door, preventing drafts from coming in.
- Draft Stopper: Also known as a “door snake,” this is a long fabric tube filled with insulating material that sits at the base of your door to prevent air from entering.
Once you have these materials, you’re ready to tackle the cold air coming through your door. Let’s dive into the methods!
10 Easy Steps on How to Fix Cold Air Coming Through Door
Step 1. Check the Weather Stripping
The first step in fixing cold air through a door is to check the weather stripping. Weatherstripping is a material that is used to seal the gap between the door and the frame, which helps to keep out drafts. If the weather stripping is damaged or worn, cold air can enter your home. To fix this issue, you should replace any damaged weather stripping with new material.
Step 2. Install a Door Sweep
Installing a door sweep is another way to prevent cold air from entering your home. A door sweep is a strip of metal or plastic that attaches to the bottom of your door and helps to seal off any gaps between the floor and the door. Installing a door sweep can help to reduce drafts and improve energy efficiency in your home.
Step 3. Use Caulk
Caulk can also help seal off any gaps around your doors that may allow cold air into your home. Caulk is an adhesive that comes in both liquid and solid forms, and it can be applied around windows, doors, and other openings to create an airtight seal. Using caulk around your doors can help reduce drafts and improve energy efficiency in your home.
Step 4. Utilize a Draft Stopper
A draft stopper, also known as a ‘door snake,’ can be another effective solution in warding off cold air entering through the door. This long fabric tube, filled with insulating material, is placed at the base of your door to act as a blockade against incoming air. It’s beneficial for doors with larger gaps. All you need to do is measure the width of your door, purchase a draft stopper of the same length, and place it at the door base. This should help seal off drafts and maintain a cozy temperature inside your home.
Step 5. Inspect and Replace the Door if Required
Sometimes, despite all the fixes, the door itself may be the issue. Older doors, especially wooden ones, can warp over time due to weather changes, making them inefficient at keeping out the cold. If you’ve tried all the above steps and the drafts persist, consider replacing the door. Look for energy-efficient doors, preferably those with an Energy Star rating. While this option might be more costly upfront, it can lead to significant energy savings in the long run, ultimately paying for itself.
Step 6. Insulate Your Door
If replacing the door isn’t a feasible option, consider insulating it. Insulation kits are available at most home improvement stores and can be an inexpensive solution to deal with the draft. These kits usually include plastic sheets that are applied to the interior of the door with adhesive or tape. Once the plastic is applied, use a hair dryer to shrink it until it’s tight, creating an insulating air pocket.
This added insulation layer can be pretty effective at stopping cold air from entering your home through the door. Clean the door thoroughly before applying the plastic to ensure it adheres properly.
Step 7. Regular Maintenance
Regular door maintenance can also help prevent cold air from entering your home. This can involve tightening loose screws, oiling the hinges for smooth operation, and routinely checking the door’s seal. A well-maintained door will close properly, ensuring no gaps for the cold air to sneak through. Moreover, regular maintenance extends the lifespan of the door and reduces the chances of needing a replacement prematurely.
Step 8. Consider Additional Weather Stripping
If drafts persist even after executing the steps above, consider additional weather stripping. This step is especially beneficial for doors that have uneven gaps. You can use adhesive-backed foam tape along the sides and top of the door frame, and for larger gaps, consider using a door set that includes a jamb strip, a threshold strip, and a door sweep. Remember, the goal is to create a tight seal around the entire door, so don’t hesitate to add more weather stripping if needed.
Step 9. Invest in Thermal Curtains
Thermal curtains can act as an added layer of insulation for your doors. These curtains are made of thicker fabric and have a special backing that helps block cold air. They are easy to install and require no modifications to your door. Simply hang them over your door during the colder months to help keep the cold and warm air out. When the weather warms up, you can easily remove them and store them away until they’re needed again. This is a perfect option for those who can’t permanently change their doors.
Step 10. Consult a Professional
If you’ve tried all of the steps above and cold air is still coming through your door, it might be time to consult a professional. A professional contractor or door installer can inspect your door and the surrounding area to identify any issues causing the drafts. They can provide expert advice and solutions tailored to your situation, ensuring your home stays warm during the colder months. Remember, investing in professional help could save you money in the long run by optimizing your home’s energy efficiency.
Following these steps can effectively prevent cold air from entering your home through the door. These simple solutions help keep your house warm and cozy and contribute to improving energy efficiency and, ultimately, reducing energy costs.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Keep It Simple: The best solutions are often the simplest. Make sure to complete your process. Stay focused on the task at hand and avoid unnecessary clutter.
- Maintain Consistency: Consistency is critical to maintaining a productive workflow. Develop a routine and stick to it. This helps in minimizing errors and improving efficiency.
- Educate Yourself: Continual learning is an integral part of success. Keep up-to-date with the latest trends and technological advancements in your field.
- Seek Feedback: Constructive feedback is a valuable tool for improvement. Don’t be hesitant to ask for opinions, and take criticism positively.
- Stay Organized: An organized workspace leads to a methodical mind. Keep your workspace tidy and your documents properly filed for easy accessibility.
With these additional tips and tricks, you can further enhance your productivity and efficiency. Always stay open to new ideas and strategies, as there is always room for improvement.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Avoid Multitasking: While it might seem efficient, multitasking can often lead to errors and decreased productivity. Focus on a single task at a time for optimal performance.
- Don’t Overwork: It’s essential to avoid burnout. Ensure you take regular breaks and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
- Steer Clear of Negativity: Negative thoughts and attitudes can hinder progress. Foster a positive mindset and surround yourself with positivity.
- Don’t Resist Change: In this rapidly evolving world, adaptability is crucial. Avoid sticking to outdated methods and be open to new technologies and strategies.
- Avoid Disorganization: A cluttered workspace can lead to clarity and efficiency. Make sure to maintain an organized environment, both physically and digitally.
Avoiding these common pitfalls can improve your overall productivity and create a more positive work environment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, how to fix cold air coming through door is easy if you know the proper steps. You can fill in any gaps you find with weather stripping and door sweeps, install felt draft guards on windows and doors, ensure your doors are adequately insulated, and keep any exterior doors tightly closed when not in use.
Additionally, watch for everyday items contributing to cold air coming through your door, such as replacing light switches around the door or ensuring adequate caulking around windows and other wall penetrations. These simple steps will help fix the cold air coming through your door so you can enjoy a warm winter!
So don’t let a drafty door ruin your enjoyment of the season – take on this project now to ensure you are ready for chilly winter temperatures.