The arrival of winter comes with a landscape of snow, hot beverages, and cozy evenings by the fireplace. Winter also introduces challenging weather conditions such as hail, snowstorms, and winds that may find their way into your home. Effectively winterizing your front door is a simple measure to eliminate drafts and enhance warmth inside your home. Below are the key steps to ensure your exterior doors are prepared for winter:
- Initial Assessment: Thoroughly examining your front door and checking for any signs of wear and tear, including damage, cracks, and gaps are important when assessing if any elements can sneak in. As well, ensure that you check the current state of your weather-stripping.
- Sealing the Door: Before proceeding with repairs, make sure you clean your door thoroughly. This step is vital to ensure that materials adhere properly. After cleaning, proceed with sealing any gaps or damage. Install weather-stripping around the door frame and use caulking to fill visible cracks and holes, creating an effective barrier.
- Inspect the Door Sweep: Under-door drafts are a common issue. Examine the door sweep and ensure not even a piece of paper can easily slide under. Additionally, consider placing a draft guard at the door’s base for added insulation.
- Wax Treatment: For wooden doors, apply wax to prevent cracking. The wax penetrates the wood, enhancing its resilience and preventing future damage, saving on costly repairs or door replacement.
Understanding and implementing these steps to winterize your front door can significantly improve your home’s warmth and comfort during the colder months. Our team at Trimlite can help assist in any door replacements you may need during your initial assessment as well as provide any support you may need. Browse Trimlite’s exterior doors today!