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Weatherproofing
Doors
Weatherproofing Doors - The Drafts Stops Here
An improperly sealed home door is often where people lose extensive
amounts of heat during cold winter months. Over time rubber or vinyl
door seals dry out and break down. The rubber fails to make a seal
allowing cold air through the door.
This fall check your home doors for proper weatherproofing. If your
doors do not have a tight seal, replace the outer vinyl
weather-stripping and door sweep. The door sweep is attached to the
bottom of the door and is made from vinyl or rubber. Once the door is
closed the sweep makes contact with the metal threshold that is anchored
to the floor providing a tight seal. If the vinyl sweep looks warn or
doesn't make contact with the threshold replace it, as this will reduce
your energy costs.
For added insulation, install ½ inch foam weather-stripping tape between
the door and the door jam. Weather-stripping tape is sold in long rolls
and comes in various sizes. The backing peels off exposing the sticky
side of the tape. Clean your door jams thoroughly before applying the
weather-stripping. Stick this tape to the top and both sides of the door
jam. Once the door is closed it will provide added protection to help
stop cold air leaks.
TIP: If you currently only use a screen door, consider installing a
glass sealed storm door to increase energy savings. These doors reduce
the cold winds, rain, and snow from ever reaching your home door and can
reduce drafts up to 75%.
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