Here’s How to Prevent Drafts in Your Home

Properly sealing up gaps, cracks and other drafty areas is essential to keeping your house warm through the winter. It can also significantly reduce your heating costs. Here’s how to get your home ready for blustery winds and freezing temperatures.

How to Seal Windows

Windows are a major area where chilly air can find its way inside. This is especially true when it comes to older windows. If your windows are more than ten years old you may want to consider replacing them with new windows.

Window Caulking

Add caulking to areas where there are gaps between your windows and the surrounding frame. Make sure you use a caulk that is specially designed for this purpose to seal windows securely.

Weather Stripping

Weather stripping is another good option for sealing up cracks and crevices where there may be gaps. It can be easier to use and less messy than conventional caulking.

Window Film

Using window film over the glass itself can also help hold in heat, while keeping drafts out. The film is easy to apply and does not require specific skills to use, making it an affordable DIY option for most homeowners.

Insulated Window Treatments

Window treatments, such as thermal curtains and blinds not only add style to your home, they can also help keep drafts out while holding warm air inside where you want it.

How to Seal Doors

Doors are another area that can allow drafts to enter your home. As with windows, door weather stripping is a good place to start. It may also be more cost-effective over the long term to replace an older exterior door with a new door.

Door Sets

Utilize specialized door weather stripping such as foam tape, V-strips and other additions that can help keep cold air out.

Door Sweeps

Door sweeps are made from fabric, often felt, and fit on the bottom of your door to hold cold air out. They wrap around the bottom to move with your door as it opens and closes, so you won’t have to worry about moving it out of the way.

Door Thresholds

A door threshold also blocks cool air from the bottom of the door. Rather than fitting on the door itself, this type of door weather stripping fits on the threshold to close in the gap between it and the bottom of your door frame.

Door Draft Stoppers

A door draft stopper doesn’t even require installation! This snake-shaped fabric is filled with foam balls or other insulating material and is simply placed at the bottom of your door. The stopper moves when the door is opened, however, and needs to be pushed back into place once the door is closed.

Recessed Lighting

Recessed lighting isn't always the first thing people think of when it comes to drafts in a home, but those installed on the top floor will require holes to be cut into the ceiling, creating a penetration into the attic. The attic is not climate controlled, so the air inside will be similar to the air outside. If your lights aren’t insulated well enough, this cool air can enter your home. Make sure there is a vapour barrier in the attic and that each recessed light is properly taped and sealed.

Seal Up Drafty Baseboards

Your baseboards can also be a source of drafts. Here’s three ways to seal them up:

Apply caulking to the top of the baseboard where it meets the wall as small gaps can allow cold air to enter
Apply spray foam into larger nooks and crannies that are too big for caulking to seal
Pry back the baseboard and install a foam backer rod inside to avoid any visible caulking or spray foam

Install a Dryer Vent Seal

Your dryer vent is another location where drafts may enter. The duct goes directly outside, allowing cold air access into your home. The solution is to buy a dryer vent seal to keep the duct closed and prevent cool air from entering when the dryer isn't in use.

Check Your Basement

You may be losing warm air and gaining drafts from your basement or crawlspace. To seal off cracks and holes apply expandable spray foam around basement windows and doors. Silicone caulking can be used to seal off cracks in the basement walls, including around dryer vents, water, ducts, wiring, and electrical lines.

Insulate Your Attic

Your attic may be drafty, especially if it's not properly insulated. Make sure to seal areas where there are attic stairs, exhaust fans, and small holes. In these areas, adding foam insulation and weather stripping can help seal cracks and holes when added to the drywall or plywood in your attic.

Seal Up Your Garage Door

If cold air gets into your garage there’s a good chance it will find its way into your home, so checking your garage doors for a proper seal is important. New garage doors include a garage door seal when they’re first installed, but this seal can break down over time and allow drafts, wind, rain, and even rodents to enter. Adding garage door weather stripping will help keep your garage warm and airtight through the winter.

Sealing up your doors and windows takes a bit of time, but it’s a cost-effective strategy for preventing drafts. You’ll save money on heating bills, and your family will be comfortable throughout the long, cold winter.