How to Insulate Doors in Your Home
As the weather gets colder, you may notice your home feeling draftier. Even if you have recently added installation for your walls, attics, and floors, winter can cause cold air to leak into your home through other means. One of the most common ways that cool air makes its way into your home throughout the winter months is through uninsulated doors, including garage doors. This article will explain why door insulation wears over time and ways you can insulate the drafty doors throughout your home.
The Benefits of Door Insulation
Even though the doors of your home and your garage door likely open and close several times each day, it is still essential to insulate them properly. Doors without proper insulation can allow cold air to seep in.
Insulating your doors can also lead to a lower heating bill. Because door insulation prevents drafts and cold air from making their way into your home, your furnace does not have to work as hard to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Ultimately, this increases energy efficiency, saving you money over the winter months.
Types of Insulation to Add to Doors
Adding insulation to a standard door, such as the front door, is easier than you may think. There are several ways to weatherstrip and improve insulation around doors, including using a door snake, adding caulk, or installing new door sweeps. Let’s learn about each of these types of door insulation and how they can help protect your home against the elements this winter.
Door Snakes
Door snakes are the easiest and quickest way to add insulation to a door instantly. A door snake is a weighted piece of material placed at the bottom of your door to prevent cold air from seeping inside. Although this option is great for those who don’t want to spend a lot of time or money on insulation, these are not as effective as more permanent options. They also need to be moved each time the door opens or closes, making them inconvenient at times.
Caulking Door Cracks
Caulk is a relatively durable substance used to seal cracks. However, it can wear away over time, leaving space for cold air to leak into your home during the winter months. Adding new caulk is an excellent way to add insulation to your door frame. Caulk can fill in any small cracks around the door and seal gaps that allow air to penetrate, especially around the top and sides of your door where you cannot use a door snake.
Door Sweeps
If you notice that drafts come through the space beneath your door, adding a door sweep to the bottom of the door can help. A door sweep seals the gap between the floor and the bottom of the door. They are usually made of foam or metal.
Door sweeps are a more permanent option than door snakes or caulk and can reduce drafts in your home for several years. Door sweeps are relatively easy to install, especially if an insulation kit is used. You can find these kits at most home improvement stores.
Final Thoughts
Whether there are cracks around the door frame of your entry door or spaces at the bottom of your garage door, a lack of insulation around doors causes various consequences. Draftiness, high energy bills, and an overall cold home are some of the most common issues. Adding insulation around your doors can help remedy these issues.
The experts at Installed Services can help you choose the proper insulation for your doors and the rest of your home. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how you can protect your home against drafts and cold weather this winter.