There are many different ways to insulate your door, be it professional or DIY in fashion. And while pricing may vary from each method, the bottom line remains: it’s worth it. Financially a drafty door increases energy costs, regardless of the season or climate. In winter obviously this will increase your heating bill, just to compensate for the extra amount of energy needed to heat your home. This is also the financial case for the summer, when trying to keep your home air conditioned can be an issue for that one door leaking cool air into the street. So for year round savings on energy costs, make sure all your doors are properly insulated. Here’s a detailed overview of the different insulation options available.
Do It Yourself Options
Which insulation should a homeowner pick from? Many possibilities are present when choosing which method you prefer to insulate your doorframe. Here are a few of the easier ways to keep your home guarded against the elements.
Going with Whether Stripping Self-Stick Foam
This could possibly be the most straightforward method to insulate your doorframe. Simply measure the total amount of inches around your doorframe, purchase that much stripping, and seal it around the door’s inner frame. Use scissors to adjust for the angles. Otherwise the job is really that easy.
Installing a Door Sweep (or Draft Dodger)
All a homeowner needs to do is cut the draft dodger lengthwise to fit across the bottom of the door, and mark the pre-cut holes for the screws along the edge. If the piece lacks pre-cut holes, it isn't too much of an issue to drill through the material. Fit the unit on the door and simply screw in the sweep to the door.
A Step Up: Permanent Door Sweeps
While certainly not beyond the abilities of the average do it yourselfer, this may sometimes require the aid of a professional. The affixture will be permanently fitted to the door, and in most cases of wooden doors or hardwood, aluminum is often used to keep gusty winds out. Otherwise this unit functions much the same as draft dodgers.
Cutting some Bronze Weather Stripping
Just as the name implies, bronze weather stripping functions like the foam self-stick material, but crafted from bronze instead. The alloy is then securely nailed into the doorframe. Bronze may be the best metal to be used as an interior insulator.
Installing a Door Threshold with a Vinyl Bulb
Also another slightly more tricky approach to door insulation, putting in a vinyl bulb requires the removal of the previously installed wooden threshold, with the vinyl being fit around that piece. After being properly fitted, the entire unit is then attached again, with added vinyl insulation.
And Slide-on Removable Draft Guards
These are best for climates that experience extreme weather changes. Should you find your doors shrinking and expanding over the seasons, you can easily slip these under your doors for added insulation, and remove them when necessary.
