Since about 40% of your home’s energy loss goes out the doors and windows, it makes sense to focus some attention on them as the temperature drops. How are yours performing? Are you still working with old aluminum frame windows? Is your door worn and poorly insulated?
New installation
Your best defense against cold winter winds invading your home is to replace your windows and doors with quality, insulated versions installed by a skilled professional. Modern windows and doors are designed to keep a lot more cold (and heat) out than those of yesteryear. Proper installation is crucial, however, so it is wise to do some research.
When new windows are installed in your home, your expert installer will first insulate the weight boxes with a fiberglass insulation. Once complete and the window in place, the gap around the window will need a spray foam. Finally, the new window must be sealed with a construction grade silicone caulk on the exterior and a paintable butyl on the interior. Even the most energy efficient window will not perform if any of these steps are missed during the installation.
Door installation demands careful measurement to be sure jam seals are snug, but not too snug. Your installer also will adjust your threshold to provide a proper seal with the door sweep. Your door must be level to assure there are no gaps around it.
Fix the seals on existing windows and doors
If new windows and doors are not in your plan, replacing seals on your existing units is not a difficult or expensive process. However, doing it right will get you through a couple of seasons rather than just part of one.
For doors, check the sides, the top and the sweep for worn weather stripping and be sure to clean the area thoroughly before installing new. Confirm the thickness of weather stripping that is appropriate for your door – a tubular silicone version is a good choice – so that it closes snuggly without damaging the weather stripping. A twin-fin silicone sweep that does not compress should meet the threshold with no gaps and will remain tight even when the door swells or shrinks.
For windows, quality caulk and spray foam are ideal ways to fill those gaps that develop as your windows age. Large gaps that are accessible can be filled with polyurethane, expandable spray foam, while cracks that are one-quarter inch or less may filled with silicone caulk on metal or glass surfaces or latex caulk on paintable surfaces. Rubber, foam or felt weather stripping is best between stationary parts of a window. Careful cleaning is required before applying. A professional can advise you on the best method.
Quick Fixes
Window Film Insulation – A great solution for drafty, old windows, these typically come it kits with film that is cut to fit various window sizes and double-sided tape to install. Once the film is applied, shrink it using a hair dryer to create a taut surface and an airlock between the film and the window.
Draft Stoppers – Also called snakes, these can be purchased or made using fabric or old socks filled with sand, beans or rice. Laid along the bottom of a door or window sash, they are effective blocking drafts at the base of a door or window, but not the sides, top or other gaps.
If your poorly insulated windows or door are freezing you out of your home, contact Precision Siding & Construction for suggestions as to how you can make your home more comfortable. Click here for more information about our quality doors and windows and our professional installation options.