Getting your home ready for winter? We’re here with some handy home maintenance tips to make things easier for you – and today’s subject is weatherproofing your doors! What is weatherproofing? Why is it important? How do you do it? Find out the answers to all of these questions below!
How Do I Weatherproof My Doors?
Weatherproofing a door is the process of examining the weather stripping and gaps in your doors, in order to determine if they may cause leaks or a draft, and then replacing weather stripping and other elements, as necessary.
First, inspect the door. If you can see light coming through, chances are it’s drafty – and needs to be weatherproofed. Then, you can use caulk to fill up minor gaps, or use backer rod to fill in larger gaps. You also may want to replace damaged weather stripping on the interior or exterior of the door.
Want to weatherproof your doors yourself? Here’s a comprehensive guide on what you’ll need to do!
Why Is It Important To Weatherproof Doors?
Weatherproofing helps prevent water from getting into your home, and also eliminates drafts which can reduce the effectiveness of your heating systems, and raise your utility bills.
Weatherproofing also can help prevent damage to the subfloor below your exterior doors. If moisture and dampness get inside, it can eat away at the floor material, and cause issues like mold and mildew.
How Often Should I Weatherproof My Doors?
A properly weatherproofed door won’t need to be redone for several years, but if you live in a harsh climate, you may need to replace weatherproofing more often.
It’s best to simply examine your doors every year. If you notice gaps or drafts, you may need to weatherproof your doors again. If you don’t notice any issues, you’re good to go for another year!
Top Tips For Maintaining Weatherproofed Doors
Wondering how you can keep your doors insulated and free of drafts for years to come? Here are a few top tips.
- Avoid slamming your doors. This can damage the rubber barriers below the doorframe, and the weatherstripping.
- Clean the weather stripping and door regularly, to remove debris which may cause excessive wear.
- Lubricate the hardware to keep it from sticking, and ensure smooth operation all-year-round.
With these simple tips, you can make sure that your weatherproofing lasts longer – and that you won’t have to keep redoing your doors every year.
Keep Your Home Warm, Safe, And Energy-Efficient With Weatherproofed Doors!
Weatherproofing your exterior doors is a surefire way to stay more comfortable this winter, and save on your heating bills. So take a look at your exterior doors (and don’t forget your windows), and weatherproof them, as necessary! Whether you choose to do it yourself or hire a professional, you’ll be thrilled with the results.
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