How to Stop Air Leaks Around Doors & Windows
The spaces around the outside doors and windows in your home can have air leaks that not only let cold air in, but also allow warm air to escape during the colder months of the year. If your home has any leaks around doors and windows, you could be spending more money on energy bills than you have to. Part of the process of weatherizing your home is putting a stop to these air leaks. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Pin punch
- Hammer
- Chisel
- Measuring tape
- Scissors
- Weatherstripping
- Caulking gun
- Permanent caulk
- Non-permanent caulk
Instructions
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Doors
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1
Remove pins in the hinges of the door leaking air. Place a pin punch over the pin and hammer it gently to remove it.
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2
Open up the door. Use the doorknob to balance the door. Lift the door slowly off the hinge and place it on the ground.
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3
Grip the old weatherstripping and remove it slowly and carefully. You should be able to pull it off unless brads hold it in place. These can be removed with a chisel.
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4
Measure the area around the door. Cut one continuous piece of weatherstripping that will fit inside the jamb going around the door.
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5
Push compression weatherstripping into the jamb. Use 1-inch brads to secure it in place. Put the door back on the hinges and replace the pins.
Windows
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6
Clean the window leaking air using a clean cloth and rubbing alcohol. Allow it to dry completely before continuing.
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7
Use a caulking gun and permanent caulk to seal the entire area around the window frame. Add extra caulk under the windowsill as this is a common area that leaks air.
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8
Put non-permanent caulk into the caulking gun. Use it to seal the moving parts of your window, such as the seam at the bottom and around the locks. In the spring, you can remove the semi-permanent caulk with water.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Steel doors will not have a jamb groove to put compression weatherstripping in, so you'll need to use magnetic weatherstripping.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
