Firing up the heating system in your home raises your energy bills, and like most people, you want to spend less. Winterizing exterior doors and sealing air leaks around them is the best way to cut costs. You only need a few low-cost household items to detect and seal air leaks.
Locate Your Air Leaks
First things first: Locate the draftiest areas first so you can close those gaps and begin to save energy right away. During the day, shut the exterior door completely. Look all around the doorframe for any trace of sunlight. Light shining through signals air leaks. At night, have somebody shine a flashlight on one side of the doorframe. Light beams passing through the seal means air leaks. Move a lit candle or incense stick around the door edges. Air leaks are wherever the flame flickers, and the smoke will show the direction of the draft. Move a damp hand over suspected leaks to detect a cool breeze.
Seal Air Leaks
If one of your tests reveals a leak, follow these tips to help trap warm air inside your home. Fill all visible cracks and holes with caulk both on the inside and outside of the doorframe. Apply weatherstripping around the doorframe, making sure that you can close the door all the way. Add a draft guard between the bottom of the door and the threshold. Lock the deadbolt every time to strengthen the door’s seal.
Work Only With the Top Contractors
For the best results, work only with the best. The premier contractors rely on products that feature structural strength and security with superior thermal efficiency. That means less energy loss and reduced home heating and cooling bills month after month. Stop energy loss, and start saving with energy-efficient conscious professionals.
Twin Cities Siding & Roofing is among the top siding contractors in the area. We provide entry/patio door replacement services and top-quality patio doors (French or sliding). We serve homeowners all over the Minneapolis area. Call us at (651) 571-9557 for a consultation.
