Does Your Door Stand Up to the Winter Weather?

Written by Expert Contributor Paul Barrett, PB Contracting Company, LLC

The bitter cold of winter can be brutal, causing everyone to wish for the warmth of spring and summer. What makes it worse is when your doors aren’t living up to your expectations during the winter months. Cold drafts, sticking doors and chilly air all indicate an improvement or upgrade may be needed for your doors.

Feeling a draft at the bottom of the door?

If you feel cold air at the bottom of your door, you may have an issue with the seal at your threshold. If you have an older-style door that does not have an aluminum threshold, you may want to think about an upgrade. If you have an aluminum threshold, run a high-quality caulk on the outside along the bottom, to help keep out the air.

Another cause of a draft along the bottom of the door may be inefficient weather stripping. You can purchase new weather stripping at your local hardware store. Installing a better-grade weather stripping may help with this problem.

Is your door cold to the touch, or do you feel air in various places?

Fiberglass doors are the most energy efficient doors, followed by steel and then wood. If you have an older-style door on your home, chances are it is time for an upgrade. Wood is the least energy-efficient material and can cause multiple issues in the winter, like sticking and being very hard to open. Consider upgrading to a fiberglass or steel door, which will provide a better efficiency rating as well as giving your home the facelift it may need.

If you have a newer entry door and are still having air draft issues, your installation may need a few adjustments. When getting a new entry door installed, be sure to ask your contractor what type of insulation product they are using. A spray foam insulation that’s specifically made for windows and doors is recommended, to seal all spaces when installing a new door.

Does a storm door help prevent cold air from getting through?

Yes! Although storm doors are not 100% airtight, they provide a barrier to the outside elements, which in turn reduces the amount of air that can enter your home.

Are your interior doors sticking when you try to open them?

Cold air causes wood to swell. Your interior doors may need to be planed or shaved to accommodate the space, so the doors will easily open and close.

Broomall Resident, Paul Barrett, PB Contracting Company, LLC

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