If you’ve ever felt a cold draft sneaking through your doors or windows, you know how annoying—and expensive—it can be. I used to think a little chill near the door was just part of the deal in the winter, but after weatherproofing my doors and windows, I realized how much energy (and money!) I was losing. It turns out, weatherproofing isn’t just for keeping the cold out in the winter—it helps keep your home cooler in the summer, too.
Whether you want to save on your energy bills or just make your home more comfortable, weatherproofing is a simple DIY project that makes a huge difference. Let me walk you through the steps I’ve used to make my home cozy and efficient.
Start with the Obvious: Door Sweeps
I can’t tell you how many times I felt cold air blowing in from under the door before I finally learned about door sweeps. These are one of the easiest and most effective fixes you can make to block out drafts.
- Install a Door Sweep: A door sweep is a strip that fits along the bottom of your door to seal the gap between the door and the floor. I installed one on my front door, and the difference was immediate—no more chilly air coming in from the outside. Door sweeps are cheap and can be installed with just a few screws. The rubber ones are great because they adjust to the surface below, whether you have carpet, tile, or hardwood.
- Self-Adhesive Options: If you’re not into using screws or don’t want to make holes in your door, there are also self-adhesive door sweeps that stick on. I used one for my back patio door, and it worked like a charm. It’s super simple: peel off the backing and press it firmly into place. Done in less than five minutes!
Seal Those Gaps: Weatherstripping is Key
The first time I noticed a draft around my windows, I thought I’d have to replace the entire window—thankfully, that’s not always necessary. Most of the time, it’s just a matter of sealing the gaps, and that’s where weatherstripping comes in.
- Choose the Right Type of Weatherstripping: There are a few different types, but the two I’ve had the most success with are foam tape and V-strip (also known as tension seal).
- Foam Tape: This is what I used on some older windows that didn’t seal properly. It’s easy to install and perfect for filling in small gaps. You just cut it to size, peel off the backing, and press it into place along the window frame. The foam compresses when the window is closed, keeping the cold air out. I was shocked at how much warmer my living room felt after installing it.
- V-Strip: For doors and windows that need a tighter seal, V-strip works great. I used this on my sliding glass door, where the gap was just wide enough to let in a breeze. The V-shape springs back when the door or window closes, creating a snug fit.
- Install Weatherstripping on Doors: Don’t forget about your doors! If you can see light around the edges of your exterior doors, that’s a sign that air is sneaking in. I added V-strip to my front door, and now it’s like a vault—no air gets in or out unless I open it.
Caulking: The Hidden Hero of Weatherproofing
When I first started weatherproofing my house, I didn’t realize how much of a difference caulking would make. But after spending a few weekends sealing up all the tiny cracks around my windows and doors, it became clear just how much air was getting through those little gaps.
- Check for Cracks and Gaps: Over time, caulking around windows and doors can crack or wear away, leaving gaps for air (and water!) to sneak in. I found a few gaps around the exterior of my kitchen windows and could actually feel the cold air coming through. I didn’t realize it at first, but this was making my house less energy-efficient.
- How to Apply Caulk: It’s super easy to fix this with a tube of exterior-grade caulk. Clean the area first to make sure the new caulk sticks properly. Then, apply a steady bead of caulk along the gap and smooth it out with your finger or a caulking tool. If you’re sealing windows inside, make sure to use interior caulk for a clean, paintable finish. It’s one of those little tasks that takes 10 minutes but makes a huge difference!
- Where to Apply: I’ve used caulk around window frames, door frames, and even the gaps where the siding meets the windows. Don’t skip any little cracks—you’d be surprised at how much air can pass through even the smallest gaps.
Insulating Window Film: Perfect for Cold Winters
One winter, I noticed that even with all the weatherstripping and caulking, the windows in my bedroom were still letting in the cold. That’s when I discovered insulating window film. It’s a bit of a temporary fix, but if you live in a really cold climate, it can be a game-changer.
- What It Does: Window film creates an additional layer of insulation by trapping a pocket of air between the window and the film. It’s like adding another pane of glass. I put it up on all my windows that faced the cold north wind, and it really cut down on the drafts.
- How to Install: It’s surprisingly easy to install, and you can do it without any special tools. You apply double-sided tape around the window frame, then press the film onto the tape and use a hairdryer to shrink the film, creating a tight seal. The first time I used it, I was skeptical, but by the end of the winter, I could definitely feel the difference. Plus, it’s almost invisible once it’s in place!
Don’t Forget the Attic Hatch or Basement Windows
Here’s something I didn’t think about at first, but it made a huge difference in my house: the attic hatch and basement windows. If you have an attic hatch that isn’t sealed properly, warm air can escape into the attic, and cold air can seep down into your living space. Similarly, basement windows are often a source of drafts, especially if they’re older or single-pane.
- Seal the Attic Hatch: I added some weatherstripping around my attic hatch and placed a layer of insulation on top. Not only did it stop the drafts, but it also helped keep the whole house warmer.
- Upgrade or Seal Basement Windows: For the basement windows, I installed weatherstripping around the edges and applied caulk where the window frame met the wall. If your basement windows are in bad shape, consider upgrading them to more energy-efficient double-pane versions.
Final Tips: Staying Ahead of the Elements
After going through the process of weatherproofing my home, I can confidently say it’s worth every minute of effort. Here are a few extra tips from my experience:
- Regular Maintenance: Weatherproofing isn’t a one-and-done job. Over time, weatherstripping and caulk will wear down, especially in areas exposed to extreme temperatures or moisture. I check my doors and windows every fall and spring to make sure everything is still sealed tight.
- Invest in Energy-Efficient Windows: If your windows are really old and nothing seems to help, it might be time to upgrade to energy-efficient windows. It’s a bigger investment upfront, but the savings on your energy bills—and the added comfort—will make it worthwhile in the long run.
