Drafty Front Doors: Issues and Lasting Fixes

Common Causes of a Drafty Front Door

Poor Sealing

Doors need to be sealed properly in order to avoid drafts and other problems. If your front door isn't sealed properly, your home could become cold or hot in the winter and summer, especially in the area around your front door. In this case, sealing includes weatherstripping, caulking, and threshold installation below the door.

Wear and Tear

Doors can break over time. Whether your front door has a cracked window, a hole where a deadbolt used to be, or cracks and chips in the frame, if your front door has substantial wear and tear, drafts could be the result. Making repairs and maintaining your front door can help prevent this problem.

Gaps

If your front door wasn't properly installed, gaps between the door and the frame could lead to leaks, which can cause drafts.

How a Drafty Front Door Affects Your Home

A drafty front door can impact your home in many ways. Everything from your home's value to how comfortable you are at home can be impacted by the effectiveness, quality, and condition of your front door. A drafty front door can make life at home difficult, for sure. Here are a few things to consider.

Energy Efficiency

Air leaks account for up to 40 percent of the energy your home uses for heating and cooling. If you have a leaky front door, your home's energy efficiency could be negatively impacted in many ways.

Comfort

Comfort is important. A drafty home can be an uncomfortable home. If your front door is drafty, you're likely to notice a range of uncomfortable temperatures in your house, especially in the vicinity around your front door.

Heating and Cooling Costs

According to the US Department of Energy, average Americans spend about half their energy bill heating and cooling their home. Heating and cooling can be expensive, and that's especially true when your home is losing hot or cold air through the front door. Replacing your home's front door can help reduce your home heating and cooling costs, and can save you money every year.

HVAC Wear and Tear

HVAC systems have to work hard to maintain a comfortable temperature indoors, and that's especially true when your front door is drafty. The harder it is to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home, the harder your HVAC system must work to keep up with the temperature in your house.

Signs Your Front Door Needs an Upgrade

There are many ways to tell that your home needs a new front door. Some signs include:

• Visible gaps. Can you see light between your door and the door frame? Visible gaps between your front door and the door frame is a clear indication that your home is experiencing air leaks.
• Damage on the door. A damaged door is often an energy inefficient door, especially if that damage includes cracks or breaks where air can escape.
• Water leaks around the door. If water can leak into your home around your door, then most likely, air can too. Look for water stains and spots around your front door.
• Hot and cold spots. Hot and cold spots around your front entryway may be an indication that your front door isn't doing its job keeping your home tight and energy efficient.

Quick Fixes for a Drafty Front Door

As a homeowner, there are many small things you can do to make your front door less drafty. If your door isn't very old or is in overall good condition, you may prefer these DIY fixes to front door replacement.

• Weatherstripping. Weatherstripping helps fill the gaps between your front door and the frame, thus preventing drafts from entering your home.
• Caulking. Caulking can be used to seal the area around the front door, ensuring fewer points of entry for drafts.
• Threshold. Installing a higher threshold can help keep drafts out of your front door.
• Door sweep. Putting a door sweep in place can close the gap around your front door.

Long-Term Solutions for Drafty Front Doors

The best long-term solution for a drafty front door is to install a brand new, high-quality front door from Woodland Windows and Doors. We sell beautiful, energy-efficient front doors from a number of trusted brands including:

• Marvin
• Andersen
• Therma-Tru
• Provia

Not sure which one is right for you? Visit our showroom to see our doors in person.

Choosing the Right Front Door to Prevent Drafts

There are many things you can do to choose the right front door for your home.

• Consider brands. Buy a door from a good brand, known for its commitment to quality.
• Choose the right material. Some door materials are more energy efficient than others. Fiberglass and insulated steel are among the best bets for energy efficiency.
• Choose the right dealer and installer. Choose a front door from a dealer and installer you can trust. Many homeowners turn to Woodland Windows and Doors for their front door installation.

Come Visit Our Showroom!

Want to improve your home's energy efficiency while getting rid of a drafty old door? Contact Woodland Windows and Doors for front door installation in the Chicago area.