Are those chilly drafts sneaking into your home, leaving you feeling less than cozy? Sealing drafts is one of the simplest ways to boost your home’s energy efficiency and save on heating bills. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you identify and seal those pesky gaps.
Step 1: Identify Drafty Areas
Start by pinpointing where drafts are sneaking in. On a cold day, run your hand along the surface of the following locations in your home. If it feels cold, you've identified an area of weakness.
- Windows: Look for gaps around frames or between window panes.
- Doors: Check the bottom and sides. Often times, the weatherstripping will flatten or fail over time and you may even see light coming through at the right angle.
- Electrical Outlets: These can be surprisingly drafty, especially on exterior walls.
- Attics and Basements: Inspect these areas for gaps where walls meet ceilings or floors.
- Plumbing and Electrical Penetrations: Look for gaps where pipes and wires enter your home.
Pro tip: A simple candle test can help. Light a candle and move it around potential drafty areas. If the flame flickers, you’ve found a draft!
Step 2: Choose Your Sealing Methods
Once you've identified the drafty spots, it’s time to seal them up. Here are some effective methods:
- Weatherstripping: Ideal for sealing gaps around doors and windows. Choose adhesive-backed foam tape or rubber weatherstripping for an easy application.
- Caulk: Use caulk for small cracks and gaps. Silicone caulk works well for windows and door frames, while acrylic latex caulk is great for indoor use.
- Door Sweeps: Install a door sweep at the bottom of exterior doors to block drafts. Choose a sweep with a flexible seal for the best fit.
- Outlet Covers: Use foam gaskets behind electrical outlet covers to reduce drafts in colder months.
- Insulation: If you find significant gaps in your attic or basement, consider adding insulation to keep the cold air out
- Expandable Foam: Use this for larger gaps and holes. Keep in mind that you may need to cover with a bondo or spackle after it dries. It's not pretty.
Step 3: Apply the Sealing Products
Now it’s time to get to work! Here’s how to apply each sealing method:
- Weatherstripping: Clean the surface around the door or window frame, cut the weatherstripping to size, and press it into place. Make sure it forms a snug seal when the door or window is closed.
- Caulk: Clean the area to be caulked, apply painter’s tape to either side of the crack for a clean line, and use a caulking gun to fill the gap. Smooth it out with a finger or caulking tool for a polished finish.
- Door Sweeps: Measure the width of your door, cut the sweep to size, and attach it using screws or adhesive as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 4: Test Your Work
After sealing up the drafts, give your home a once-over with that candle test again. Check for any flickers to ensure you’ve effectively sealed those gaps.
Step 5: Enjoy the Savings!
With your drafts sealed, you’ll notice a cozier home and potentially lower energy bills. Regularly inspect these areas, especially before the colder months, to maintain your home’s energy efficiency.
Wrapping Up
Sealing drafts is a straightforward way to enhance your home’s comfort and efficiency. If you have questions or need help with sealing those gaps, give us a shout. When in doubt, call our front desk at (719) 749-1788 to have one of our handymen come by to identify and seal the gaps for you. Let’s make sure your home is the cozy retreat it should be this winter. Stay warm!
