It’s that time of year again. The cold weather is settling in, and you’re finding yourself shivering constantly. You’ve turned up the heat, but nothing seems to be helping, and now you’re fed up with wearing sweaters every day. The problem might not be your heater. It could be your exterior doors.
Before you invest in a new heating system this winter, why not take a little time to check your exterior doors? They might be letting in that chilly air without you even noticing! A small inspection can make a big difference in keeping your home cozy. Here are five reasons why cold air enters through exterior doors, five effective ways to fix drafty doors, and one of our favorite products to help prevent this issue from happening in the first place!
5 Reasons Exterior Doors Let Cold Air Into a Home
Sometimes, the cause of a drafty door is apparent. But other times, it can be trickier to find. These are the five most common reasons an exterior door may start letting cool air in.
1. It’s Old
Exterior doors typically last 20-40 years. If your door is nearing the end of its lifespan or has already exceeded it, then it’s likely time for a replacement.
The older an exterior door becomes and the more weather exposure it receives over time, the less effective it is at keeping air from leaking into or out of a home. As such, if you have old wooden doors on your property that are original to the house, they are likely to be quite drafty.
2. Poor Door Fit
If your exterior door doesn’t fit snugly into the frame, it’s likely to let air in and out. A poor-fitting exterior door can be caused by several factors, such as:
- Warped or rotten framing lumber
- Incorrect sizing
- Settlement of the house over time
- Improper installation
To properly seal an exterior door against drafts, it must fit tightly into the frame and have no gaps around the perimeter. A professional installation is key to ensuring that your exterior doors fit well. Otherwise, you may end up with drafty doors for years to come. If you’re unsure how well your exterior doors fit, ask a qualified professional to take a look and make any necessary adjustments.
3. Damaged Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping is what seals the gap between your door and its frame. Damaged weatherstripping is the most common culprit for drafty exterior doors. Over time, weatherstripping gets worn down and dried out due to age and exposure to the elements. When this happens, it no longer forms a tight seal around the perimeter of your exterior doors, which means the air will freely flow in through those gaps. In fact, most experts recommend replacing or repairing worn-out weatherstripping every few years to keep warm air inside during cold months (and vice versa during hot months).
If you’re unsure how old your weather sealing is or if it’s showing signs of wear and tear, look at it and see if there’s any need for replacement or repair. You can also test it by sticking your hand between the door and frame. If you can feel a lot of air coming through, the weatherstripping is likely damaged and needs to be replaced. You can choose from multiple types of weatherstripping, the most common being Q-Lon. Choosing the right kind can be overwhelming. Fortunately, you can compare all the weatherstripping types and their pros and cons here.
Note: An incorrect installation can also damage the weather stripping. Make sure to hire the right door professional for this job!
4. Lack of Insulation
Your exterior doors may be letting in cold air because they are not adequately insulated. To keep your home warm during the winter months, you should ensure that all of the cracks and crevices around your exterior doors and door threshold are sealed up tight. If there is any space for air to leak through, then you’ll experience drafts and uncomfortable temperatures.
One way to test if your exterior door is adequately insulated is to place a lit candle near the edge of the doorframe (near the weatherstripping). If the flame flickers or goes out, it means that there is a draft coming in from somewhere around the door. You can also hold a piece of paper against the door. If you can see it move at all, there’s a good chance that your exterior doors lack proper insulation.
5. Poor Door Installation
If your initial installer did not install your exterior doors correctly, they will likely let in drafts and cause uncomfortable temperatures inside your home. A poor installation job can result from several things, such as incorrect door size, warped framing lumber, and shoddy installation processes. If your exterior doors are drafty or uncomfortable to stand near, it’s worth checking to see if the installation was done correctly.
To ensure that your exterior doors are correctly installed, it’s best to hire a professional door expert to inspect them. They will have the experience and knowledge necessary to ensure that everything is sealed up tight and that there are no air leaks around the perimeter. Some professionals offer free consultations. Now that you know some of the leading causes of drafty exterior doors, it’s time to find out how to stop this problem once and for all!
Solutions for Drafty Exterior Doors
If your home feels uncomfortable because of drafty exterior doors, there are several ways to fix the problem. You can choose from simple do-it-yourself fixes or more complex tasks that may need a professional. No matter your situation, you can find an effective solution if you know where to look.
Homeowners have several effective methods to prevent their exterior doors from letting in drafts and causing freezing temperatures indoors.
Fix #1: Replace Weatherstripping
If your exterior doors are drafty, one of the quickest and easiest solutions is to replace the weatherstripping. This inexpensive fix can save you money and can be done in just minutes. Additionally, it will create a tighter seal around your doorframe, helping to prevent air from leaking in.
Weatherstripping comes in various shapes, sizes, and materials like V strips, tubular rubber, vinyl, and silicone, giving you plenty of options to match your door perfectly! You can easily find it at your local hardware store or online from many retailers. Installing weatherstripping is a simple DIY task that many people can tackle with ease. However, if you’re unsure or prefer professional help, don’t hesitate to reach out to an expert. You’ll be enhancing your home’s comfort in no time!
Fix #2: Add Insulation
As we discussed earlier, the lack of insulation is one of the leading causes of drafty exterior doors. So if you’re experiencing uncomfortably cold temperatures inside your home during the winter months, it could be because there’s not enough insulation around your doorframe.
Air leaks and drafts from outside can make it hard to keep comfortable indoor temperatures without increasing the heat. To add more insulation around an exterior door, you’ll need some low-expansion foam sealant. We’ve trusted OSI QuadFoam for years. After you have insulated everything, cover the materials so they are not visible from the outside.
Fix #3: Install a Door Sweep
If you’re unable to add insulation around your exterior door, or if it’s an area that’s difficult to reach, another option is to install a door sweep. This is a thin piece of metal or rubber that attaches to the bottom of your door. It creates a tighter seal when the door closes. This helps stop air leaks and drafts from coming in. Installing a door sweep is a quick job that anyone can do with basic DIY skills.
You can find door sweeps at most hardware stores. They are usually cheap and can be cut to fit your door. Before trimming, measure the width of your door to make sure it’s the right size. When the sweep is in place, there should be no gaps between it and the floor.
Fix #4: Install a Storm Door
You can fix drafty exterior doors by installing a storm door. This adds extra protection against cold air, helping you keep your home comfortable during the winter and beyond. Many people choose storm doors because they also improve the appearance of their homes, especially in areas where guests frequently visit.
If you decide to install a storm door, make sure there are no gaps between the door and frame when it’s closed. You can do this by using a weatherstripping kit or even spray foam insulation. And if you have an indoor pet, be sure to get a storm door with a built-in screen so they can still enjoy fresh air without having to leave the home!
Fix #5: Get a New Door
The best and most lasting way to fix drafty exterior doors is to replace them. If your door is old, outdated, or does not fit well anymore, replacing it could be the right choice. This will also make your home more secure. When choosing a new exterior door, consider the climate in your area and what type of door material is best for your needs. For example, in humid areas, hardwood doors may warp over time.
You can find doors that already have weatherstripping or insulation installed. This makes installation easier. Many types and styles of exterior doors are available today, so take your time to look into all your options before making a choice.
Weather-Proof Your Home With ProVia Signet Fiberglass Entry Doors
ProVia is a maker of high-quality front entry doors, storm doors, patio doors, and windows. Their products are known for being beautiful and energy-efficient. With ProVia’s high-end Signet Fiberglass Doors, you won’t experience problems like rotten or warped doors, missing weatherstripping, or poorly functioning hardware. You can say goodbye to drafts, indoor chills, cracks, peeling wood, and break-ins.
In addition to their entry door systems being easy on the eyes, here are a few of the many benefits ProVia offers:
- Custom widths and heights to fit your home perfectly
- High-density foam filled by a computer-driven process
- Reinforced steel lock block to prevent break-ins
- Thoroughly tested for intrusion
- 20-gauge steel gives 49% more strength than standard 24-gauge steel (the lower the gauge, the thicker the steel).
- 20-year warranty
- Great back door for security, quality, and price
- Good, high-quality, no-frills back door
- Factory-installed pet door option
ProVia also provides best-in-class Legacy Steel Doors, adding durability and protection.
Enjoy Your Home All Year Long with Windura
If you’re looking for a beautiful and affordable way to weather-proof your home, consider investing in a ProVia Legacy Steel Entry Door. And there’s no better place to get a ProVia Exterior Door in Kansas City than Windura.
We’ve been in the business for over 20 years and have a team of experts who can help you choose the perfect door for your home. We also offer free, no-pressure consultations to help you find the cause of your drafts without making you feel like you have to buy something. Don’t spend another winter bundled up with blankets. Schedule your free in-home consultation today!
