The entry door is designed to keep the interior of your home protected from the elements. Unfortunately, over time the caulk and weather-stripping around a door can become worn out or a house can shift and cause the door to no longer be in the correct position. When those things happen, air can leak in around the outside of the door. In a cold Connecticut winter, this can make the interior of a house uncomfortable and can force the heating system to work harder. That can raise your energy bills.
If your winter heating bills are higher than you would like and your house tends to be cold, it could be because the entry door is damaged or out of alignment. It may be possible to make some simple repairs, or it may be necessary to replace the door.
Possible Causes of Air Leakage around the Door
The most common cause of air leakage around a door is damaged or improperly installed weather-stripping. Weather-stripping is placed along the four sides of a door to create a seal to prevent air leakage when the door is closed. If the house settles and the door shifts in its frame, it can move out of alignment, which can prevent the weather-stripping from doing its job. Worn-out weather-stripping can be replaced with adhesive foam, felt, or interlocking metal strips.
Another common problem is caulk that has rotted away because of exposure to the weather. It is relatively easy to remove damaged caulk and to re-caulk a door.
Air can also leak into a house if the door itself is damaged. The door may be out of alignment with the frame, which can cause it to stick or squeak. It might be possible to fix this by tightening the screws.
When to Replace a Door
If it is not possible to repair the door and sealants around it, you may need to replace the entire door. For a house in Connecticut, it is important to choose a door with a high R-value because it will provide the amount of insulation needed to keep cold air out.
If you want a door with glass, look for one with low-emissivity (low-E) coatings. They will reduce energy loss by as much as 30 to 50 percent, which will make your house more energy-efficient and help keep your heating bills down.
Contact All American Locksmiths for Door Repair or Replacement
All American Locksmiths can help with door repair and replacement. We can inspect your door, figure out where air is leaking in, and suggest the best way to repair it or tell you if the door needs to be replaced. We serve towns all over Connecticut, including Fairfield, Norwalk, and Milford. Contact us today to learn more.
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