If you have drafty walls, you know how annoying they can be. You constantly feel cold, and a breeze is blowing through your house. Luckily, there are some things you can do to fix drafty walls and make your home more comfortable. In this post, we’ll explain what causes drafts and show you how to fix drafty walls. We’ll also recommend some insulation products that can help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. So if you’re struggling with drafty walls, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!
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What Causes Drafty Walls?
Several things can cause drafty walls. The most common culprit is gaps in the insulation. If your home has gaps in the insulation, air can escape, and you’ll feel a draft. Gaps can occur around windows, doors, electrical outlets, and plumbing fixtures. If you have an older home, it’s also possible that the insulation has deteriorated over time and is no longer doing its job.
Another common cause of drafty walls is a chimney. If you have a fireplace, the flue that carries the smoke up and out of the chimney can also allow cold air to enter your home. This is especially a problem if the flue is not properly sealed. Additionally, if you have a furnace or water heater that vents through the chimney, these vents can also cause drafts. The other type of chimney that can cause drafts is a wood-burning stove. Again, if the stove is not properly sealed, air can leak out around it and enter your home.
The final cause of drafty walls is air leaks. These small holes or cracks in the walls allow air to escape. These can be caused by things like settling, poor construction, or damage from insects or animals.
Why Are Drafty Walls a Problem?
Drafty walls are more than just an annoyance – they can actually be a serious problem. The cold air that enters your home can make it difficult to heat, and you’ll likely see an increase in your energy bills. The drafts can also cause condensation on your walls, leading to mold and mildew. Another potential problem with drafty walls is that they can make your home more susceptible to fires.
This is because the drafts can allow sparks and embers from a fire to enter your home, which can start a new fire. Finally, drafty walls can also let in outside noise, so if you live in a busy area, the drafts can make it difficult to sleep or concentrate.
8 Easy Ways on How to Fix Drafty Walls
1. Inspect Your Home for Gaps
The first step in fixing drafty walls is to inspect your home for gaps. This is because gaps in the insulation are the most common cause of drafts. You can use a flashlight to find gaps and look for areas where light is coming through. You can also look for gaps around windows, doors, electrical outlets, and plumbing fixtures. Inspect the exterior of your home as well and look for any cracks or holes. Avoid using caulk to seal gaps around outlets and fixtures, as this can be a fire hazard.
2. Seal the Gaps
Another way how to fix drafty walls is by sealing the gaps. This is because drafts often happen because there are gaps or cracks in the walls. By sealing these gaps, you will be able to get rid of the drafts. To do this, you will need to use a sealant. You can use various sealants such as weatherstripping, caulk, or foam sealant. First, you need to identify the gaps or cracks in the walls.
Once you have found them, apply the sealant on them. Make sure that you apply the sealant evenly so that it can effectively block the drafts. If you want, you can also use a brush or roller to spread the sealant. Avoid using caulk to seal gaps around outlets and fixtures, as this can be a fire hazard.
3. Use a Draft Stopper
Another way how to fix drafty walls is by using a draft stopper. You can place this device on the floor or window to block the drafts. Draft stoppers come in various sizes, so you will need to choose one that fits the width of the door or window. You can also make your own draft stopper by filling a sock with rice or beans. First, you need to measure the width of the door or window to use it.
Then, cut a piece of fabric that is twice the width and three times the length of the opening. Fold the fabric in half and sew the long sides together. Then, turn the fabric inside out and fill it with rice or beans. Finally, sew the open end shut. You can add a decorative touch to the draft stopper using fabric paint or a ribbon. Avoid using caulk to seal gaps around outlets and fixtures, as this can be a fire hazard.
4. Install Door Sweeps
Another way how to fix drafty walls is by installing door sweeps. Door sweeps are strips of material that you can install on the bottom of doors. They help to create a seal between the door and the floor, which can prevent drafts from coming into your home. You can purchase door sweeps at most hardware stores. First, you will need to measure the door to determine the size of the sweep that you will need.
Then, you will need to cut the door sweep to size with a utility knife. Once the door sweep is the correct size, you will need to attach it to the bottom of the door using screws. Make sure that the door sweep is flush against the door so that it creates a seal. If you can’t install the door sweep yourself, you can hire a professional to do it for you.
5. Add Window Film
Another way how to fix drafty walls is by adding window film. Window film is a clear plastic film that you can apply to your window. It will help to create an insulating barrier between the cold air outside and the warm air inside your home. You can find window film at most home improvement stores. To apply the film, clean the window and then apply the adhesive side of the film to the window.
Use a credit card or other tool to smooth out any bubbles. Then trim the excess film from around the window. You may need to reapply the film if it starts to peel off.
6. Install Weatherstripping
Another way to fix drafty walls is by installing weatherstripping. Weatherstripping is a strip of material that you can install around doors and windows to seal off any gaps. This will help to keep the warm air inside and the cold air outside, which will make your home much more comfortable. To install weatherstripping, first, you need to clean the area around the door or window so that the strips will adhere properly.
Next, measure the perimeter of the door or window and cut the weatherstripping to size. Then, peel off the backing and stick the weatherstripping in place. Once it’s in place, you can use a hairdryer to heat up the strips and make them even more pliable. If you want to be extra secure, you can also use a small amount of caulk around the perimeter of the weatherstripping. Avoid using too much caulk, as it can make it difficult to remove the weatherstripping later on.
7. Add insulation
You can add insulation if you want a more permanent solution to your drafty walls. This will help to keep the warm air inside and the cold air outside. There are two main types of insulation: fiberglass and cellulose. Fiberglass is the most common type of insulation, and it is made from recycled glass. Cellulose insulation is made from recycled paper products.
You can purchase insulation at most home improvement stores. To install insulation, you will need to measure the area that you want to insulate and cut the insulation to size. Then, fit the insulation into place and secure it using staples or adhesive. You may need to use a utility knife to trim the insulation so that it fits snugly. Ensure you wear gloves and a mask when working with insulation, as it can irritate the skin and lungs.
8. Hire a Professional
If you want to ensure that your drafty walls are fixed properly, you can hire a professional. A professional can assess the problem and recommend the best course of action. They will also be able to install any materials that you need, such as weatherstripping or insulation. Hiring a professional can be expensive, but it may be worth it if you want the job done right. Try to get multiple quotes from different contractors before you make a decision.
Conclusion
So there you have it, eight different ways how to fix drafty walls. Follow these tips, and you will be sure to keep the cold and warm air out. As a result, your home will be much more comfortable, and you can save money on your energy bills. Thanks for reading!