Vinny Steo
Vinny Steo
Owner/Broker

Winterize Your Home Tip: Seal Off Windows and Doors

Winterize Your Home Tip: Seal Off Windows and Doors

If you have opened and closed your windows a lot this summer, chances are they are dirty. We are talking about the seals, not the glass. Remember a tight seal helps keep cold air out of your house. If you do not clean the seals of your windows, heat will escape over the course of the winter. This is also a good time to check for any loose, frayed, or broken seals. If so, now is the time to replace them. Also, check the caulk around the windows and replace it as needed. Finally, if your windows are older than ten years and are single paned-glass, think about replacing them with storm windows. Since windows are not cheap, each year you could install the ones that need replaced the most.

Typically you will feel a draft around your doors or windows; unfortunately, it can sometimes be difficult to find the source of the draft. An easy way to check is to light a long candle and slowly walk in front of your doors and windows. If the flame moves or flickers, you have found the source of your problem.

Another thing you can do on your own if your door feels ‘drafty’ is to install a weatherstrip. The strip is installed on the bottom of the door and creates an almost airtight seal between the door and the floor. This fixes the draft and helps reduce energy costs in the winter. There are several types of weather strips on the market like spring-metal strips, felt, pressure-sensitive adhesive-backed, and several others. Consult your local hardware salesperson for the best solution for your home.