How to fix draughty Front Doors? A Complete Guide

The draughty front doors let the winter winds inside the house, resulting in severe cold even with your heaters ON. And you still shiver with cold while wearing the three sweaters on. Moreover, the air gaps in your entry doorway cause heat escape too, so heaters can’t keep your house warm, leading to high electricity bills due to too much usage.

So, it’s time to fix your draughty front doors by sealing them and taking precautionary measures to get relief from them. When you fix all the gaps and holes in them, you will feel a warm environment and have low electricity bills from now on with less use of heaters.

Let’s explore the steps to repair your draughty front doors as a DIY. Yes! You hear it right. You can do it yourself with our ways and guide easily or painlessly. Say “goodbye” and have no more draughty doors.

How will we find our doors are draughty? 

When you feel a chilly breeze coming inside the house by standing near the entrance doorway, that’s the biggest identification of draughty front doors. But don’t worry, and you are not alone in this matter. 

Many of us with older homes deal with draughty front door all winter, but the good news is; that these doors can be fixed and protect your house from cold despite their age.

Experiment to find draughty doors

To find door drafts, try these two simple tests:

1. Flame Test

You need a match or lighter to perform this experiment.

You can do it as follows:

• Light a match or lighter.
• And slowly move the flame along the door frame’s crease and where the door meets the frame.
• If the flame flickers, you’ve found a draft.

2. Paper Test

You just require a piece of paper for this test.

Do it as follows;

• Hold a piece of paper near the door frame and where the door meets the frame.
• Then move the paper along these areas.
• If the paper waves, there’s a draft.

These tests help you locate exactly where the cold air is getting in so you can fix it.

Why do we have draughty front doors? 

We may have draughty front doors when they are new but poorly installed or old, so worn out, or rotten. Sometimes their structure is the reason for incoming air, such as its keyhole and low sill. 

Let’s discuss the other causes of draughty front doors briefly:

1. Old or worn weatherstripping

Weatherstripping that deteriorates over time is the major cause of draughty front doors. So, replace the weatherstripping to seal gaps around the door.

2. Loose or improperly installed door hinges and screws

Hinges and screws of doors, when loose, cause misalignment, resulting in door draughtiness. Sometimes they are not fixed properly, so poor installation is also the reason for draughty front doors. So tighten or reinstall hinges and screws and ensure the door fits safely in the frame.

3. Misaligned or missing door sweep

A door sweep that’s missing or not properly aligned also leaves a gap. So, you should install or realign the door sweep to block the door’s bottom draughts or space.

4. Tight sill

When the sill is set too low, it creates a tight fit that may cause gaps elsewhere. So it is necessary to adjust the sill to the correct height.

5. Worn or old door

The old doors, especially wooden ones, can bend and are not foam-insulated. That is why consider replacing the door with insulated steel or fibreglass for better draft protection or to avoid drafty front doors.

6. Rotten door frame

The older door frames, particularly wooden doors, get rotten with time, resulting in air-drafting. In this regard, replace the rotten frame; if it is not an option, then seal the gaps or holes to block air.

Easy fixes for draughty Windows and Doors 

Not only doors, but your house’s windows can be draughty too. So here are simple solutions that will help you stay warm and toasty, lower your heating bill, and fix draughty front doors effectively:

1. Replace weatherstripping

Weatherstripping seals doors and window gaps.

Materials needed

• Weatherstripping
• Scissors
• Measuring tape
• Adhesive (if the weatherstripping is not self-adhesive)

Instructions

• First, measure the perimeter of the door or window frame.
• Then, choose a wide weatherstrip to cover the gaps.
• Cut it to fit the sides and top of the frame.
• Finally, press to apply it firmly to ensure a tight seal.

2. Install door sweeps 

Door sweeps block the door’s bottom drafts.

Materials needed

• Door sweep 
• Screwdriver
• Measuring tape

Instructions

• First, measure the width of the door.
• Then, purchase a door sweep that matches this width.
• Remove any existing sweep by unscrewing it.
• Finally, align the new sweep at the bottom of the door and screw it into place.

3. Use foam tape

Foam tape provides insulation to door and window edges.

Materials needed

• Foam tape
• Scissors
• Tape to measure

Instructions

• First, Measure the length where the door or window frame meets.
• Then, cut the foam tape according to the required length.
• Finally, apply the foam tape to the frame or door/window edge, ensuring it fits snugly when closed.

4. Apply new caulking

Caulking fills cracks or gaps around the window and door frames.

Materials needed

• Caulk
• Caulking gun 
• Utility knife 
• Putty knife

Instructions

• First, remove old caulking with a utility knife.
• Then, clean the area for good adhesion.
• Now, apply a continuous bead of caulk along the gaps with the help of a caulking gun.
• At last, even out the caulk with a damp finger or caulking tool.

5. Use window Insulation film

Window insulation film adds extra insulation.

Materials needed

• Window insulation film
• Hair dryer
• A measuring tape 
• A scissors

Instructions

• First, measure windows and cut the film to that size.
• Then, apply the film to the window according to the given instructions.
• Finally, the insulated film is shrunk using a hair dryer to create a tight seal.

6. Install thermal curtains

Thermal curtains help retain heat inside the room.

Materials needed

• Thermal curtains
• Curtain rod

Instructions

• First, install a curtain rod above your window.
• Now, hang thermal curtains and keep them closed during cold weather.

7. Use draught stoppers 

Draught stoppers (door snakes) block doors and windows’ bottom draft or open space.

Materials needed

• Draft stopper (purchase or make at home using fabric and stuffing).

Instructions

• First, place the draft stopper at the base of the door or window.
• And, adjust it to cover the gap completely.

8. Upgrade to Upvc Doors

Consider upgrading to uPVC doors for better insulation if your budget allows.

Materials needed

•  uPVC doors (professional installation recommended).

Instructions

• Contact a professional to install double-glazed windows.

You can reduce drafts, improve energy efficiency, and lower heating costs by implementing the above easy fixes. Stay warm and comfortable this winter! To get the best uPVC Double Glazing Windows and Doors, call us Now!

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