Feeling a chill in the air even when your heat is cranked up? Those sneaky drafts from poorly sealed windows and doors might be the culprit. Not only do they make your home less comfortable, but they also force your heating and cooling systems to work overtime, inflating your energy bills.
The good news is that draft proofing is one of the most cost-effective DIY home maintenance projects you can tackle. With a few basic tools and a weekend afternoon, you can seal those air leaks and start to save energy immediately. This guide will walk you through every step of the process, turning your home into a cozy, energy-efficient haven.
Safety First!
Before you begin any home improvement project, safety is paramount. Keep these precautions in mind:
- Wear Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from debris, caulk, and dust.
- Use a Sturdy Ladder: When working on higher windows, ensure your ladder is on stable, level ground. Always maintain three points of contact.
- Handle Tools with Care: A utility knife is sharp. Always cut away from your body and keep fingers clear of the blade.
- Ensure Good Ventilation: If using strong cleaning solvents or caulk with a heavy odor, open a window or run a fan to circulate fresh air.
Tools & Materials List
Gathering everything you need beforehand makes the project go smoothly.
Tools
- Tape Measure
- Utility Knife or Heavy-Duty Scissors
- Caulk Gun
- Putty Knife or Scraper
- Screwdriver
- Cleaning Rags or Paper Towels
- Hairdryer (if using window film)
Materials
- Weather Stripping: There are several types.
- Self-Adhesive Foam Tape: Great for compressing in window sashes and door frames.
- V-Strip (Tension Seal): A durable plastic or metal strip that springs open to block gaps along the sides of window sashes or door jambs.
- Felt Stripping: An affordable, easy-to-install option for a temporary seal.
- Door Sweep: A flexible strip to seal the gap between the bottom of your door and the threshold.
- Exterior-Grade Caulk (Paintable): For sealing gaps around the exterior window and door frames.
- Window Insulator Film Kit (Optional): A clear plastic film that creates an insulating air pocket.
- Rubbing Alcohol or All-Purpose Cleaner: For cleaning surfaces before application.
Project Prep: Setting the Stage for Success
Proper preparation is the key to a long-lasting seal. Don’t skip these steps!
- Inspect for Leaks: Close your windows and doors. On a windy day, hold a lit incense stick or a candle near the frames. If the smoke wavers, you’ve found a draft. You can also try the “dollar bill test”: close a door or window on a dollar bill. If you can pull it out easily, the seal isn’t tight enough.
- Clean All Surfaces: Use a scraper or putty knife to remove any old, cracked caulk or peeling
weather stripping. Thoroughly clean the frames, sashes, and thresholds with an all-purpose cleaner or rubbing alcohol to remove dirt, grease, and grime. A clean surface ensures a strong bond. - Dry Completely: Make sure all surfaces are completely dry before you apply any new materials.
Step-by-Step Guide to a Draft-Free Home
Now for the main event! We’ll tackle this by section, starting with the biggest culprits.
Step 1: Caulk Exterior Gaps
Air can leak through the cracks between your window or door frames and your home’s exterior siding. Sealing these is your first line of defense.
- Prepare the Caulk: Load a tube of exterior-grade caulk into your caulk gun. Cut the tip at a 45-degree angle, creating a small hole (about 1/4 inch). Puncture the inner seal with a long nail or the tool on the caulk gun.
- Apply a Steady Bead: Holding the gun at a 45-degree angle, apply a continuous, even bead of caulk into the gap. Move at a steady pace to avoid clumps.
- Smooth the Bead: Immediately after applying, run a damp finger or a caulk-smoothing tool along the bead. This pushes the caulk into the crack and creates a clean, professional-looking finish.
Step 2: Install Weather Stripping on Doors
Doors see a lot of action, so their seals wear out quickly.
- Seal the Door Frame: For the top and sides of the door jamb, self-adhesive foam tape is an easy choice.
- Measure the height of the two sides and the width of the top of the door frame.
- Cut the foam stripping to length.
- Peel back the adhesive backing and press the strip firmly against the doorstop—the narrow piece of wood the door closes against. The stripping should create a seal by compressing when the door is closed.
- Install a Door Sweep: To block the notorious draft under the door, install a sweep.
- Measure the width of your door and cut the sweep to fit using a hacksaw (for metal sweeps) or a utility knife (for vinyl).
- Close the door and position the sweep on the inside bottom edge, ensuring the flexible flap makes light contact with the threshold.
- Mark the screw holes, drill pilot holes, and fasten the sweep securely with the provided screws.
Step 3: Weather-Seal Your Windows
Windows offer multiple opportunities for air leaks. Here’s how to address the most common energy efficient windows problem areas.
- Seal the Window Sash: The most common leak is where the moveable part of the window (the sash) meets the frame.
- For Double-Hung Windows: Apply V-strip weather stripping into the side channels where the sash slides up and down. For the bottom of the lower sash and the top of the upper sash, use self-adhesive foam tape.
- For Casement or Awning Windows: Apply foam tape to the inside of the window frame where the sash presses against it when closed and locked.
- Apply and Press: For all adhesive-backed stripping, measure and cut the piece to length. Peel the backing a few inches at a time as you press it firmly into place. This prevents stretching and ensures a good bond.
Step 4 (Optional): Add Window Insulator Film
For older, single-pane windows, a window insulator film kit provides an extra layer of insulation that mimics a double-pane window.
- Apply the Tape: Stick the double-sided tape included in the kit around the perimeter of the interior window frame.
- Attach the Film: Cut a piece of plastic film slightly larger than the window. Starting at the top, press the film firmly onto the tape, working your way down the sides and bottom. Pull it taut, but don’t worry about small wrinkles.
- Shrink to Fit: Gently wave a hairdryer, held about 2-3 inches away, over the surface of the film. The heat will cause the film to shrink, removing wrinkles and creating a crystal-clear, airtight seal.
Finishing Touches & Cleanup
You’re almost there! A proper finish ensures your work lasts.
- Test Your Work: Close your windows and doors. Do they still operate smoothly? Re-do the incense or dollar bill test to confirm that the drafts are gone.
- Allow Caulk to Cure: Let the exterior caulk cure completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually 24 hours) before painting over it.
- Clean Up Your Space: Dispose of all old weather stripping, backing paper, and empty caulk tubes. Put your tools away so they’re ready for your next project.
Congratulations! By investing a little time in weather-sealing, you’ve made your home more comfortable, quieter, and more energy-efficient. Now you can relax and enjoy the comfort and savings for years to come.