Opening and closing the front door isn’t the only way to lose air from a home’s interior. When you feel a sudden change in your home’s temperature, there’s a chance outdoor air is leaking through the doorframe. If you have a drafty wood door at your house, continue reading about three easy insulation fixes to solve the problem quickly!
Door Sweep
Door sweeps consist of materials like aluminum or stainless steel. The frames have small bristles that cover the space between the door and the floor. The bristles are typically made from plastic, vinyl, sponge, or felt.
Door sweeps are incredibly easy to install for about two years of use! You’ll notice an immense difference in the temperature of your home once the door sweep is in place.
Caulking
Caulk can seal any open seams that allow air to flow through. Caulk is a popular solution to limit airflow around the frames of many doors and windows. Caulking is most effective when directly placed on the source.
If you plan to use caulk around the doorframe, do so before placing any weatherstripping materials overtop. Simply purchase the caulking material, squeeze out the product with the applicator while running it in a straight line, and use your finger to smooth out the substance and fill any gaps.
Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping gives an exterior door an additional layer of insulation. It’s easy for anyone who wants to fix a drafty wood door, as you want to avoid letting in unwanted air or losing the desired interior temperature. You can choose from various materials when weatherstripping.
Foam tape is a popular material that goes inside the doorframe. Each roll of foam tape has different widths and thicknesses, so you can choose exactly what you need that suits your wooden door. It’s perfect for fitting irregularly sized spaces that caulk cannot reach. Select the size you need, cut the desired length with scissors, and peel and stick the foam tape onto your wood door.
A V-strip or tension seal is a durable plastic or metal material folded into a ‘V’ shape. It springs into place to close any open gaps. Cut the desired length with scissors. Then, peel and stick the material on the top and sides of the door. There’s nothing else to do besides enjoy the additional layer of insulation that keeps the entrance from letting in any unwanted air!
No matter the season, it’s important to have a properly insulated rustic wood entry door to keep your house at the desired temperature year-round.