When chilly air starts sneaking under your exterior doors, it’s more than just an annoyance. It’s a sign your home might be losing valuable heat and money. Door drafts are common in older homes, but even newer properties in Central Kentucky neighborhoods, like Frankfort or Versailles, can feel the sting once fall and winter roll in.
Taking a few smart steps now keeps your home cozy and protects your energy bill, and our Gilkey Windows & Exterior Solutions team is here to help.
Identify the Source of Your Door Drafts
First, find the source of your door drafts. Close the door and run your hand along the edges or under the bottom. If you feel cold air, drafts are slipping through. Try the paper test for minor leaks by shutting a piece of paper in the door. If it slides out easily, your seal isn’t tight enough.
Door drafts often sneak in at two locations:
- The bottom gap: Most common with aging door sweeps or a poor fit.
- Around the sides or top: Worn weatherstripping or the door is out of alignment.
Quick Fixes for Drafty Doors
If you’re eager for a fast solution to those drafty doors, physical barriers work wonders.
Consider these options:
- Using door draft stoppers: Place one at the base of the door; it’s an easy way to block air until you’re ready for a permanent fix.
- Applying new weatherstripping: Foam or rubber strips around the door frame keep cold outside air where it belongs. Don’t forget to check and replace worn weatherstripping each year.
- Adding door sweeps: A new sweep attaches to the bottom of your door and seals the bothersome gap. Door sweeps are an affordable fix that stops drafts fast, especially under entry doors leading into entryways, basements, sunrooms, or garages.
- Adjusting the threshold: Sometimes tightening the screws or slightly raising the threshold can close gaps and keep out cold air.
If you need a little extra help, talk to our experts at Gilkey Windows & Exterior Solutions. Our team can help you find the best match for your door and frame and ensure that every inch is appropriately sealed.
Permanent Solutions: Upgrade or Replace Your Drafty Door
Drafty doors are relentless. Even the best fixes won’t last forever if your door is warped, cracked, or sits crooked in the frame. If you see sunlight around the edges of your door, or the wood is soft from years of moisture, it may be time to consider investing in a quality replacement door.
Modern energy-efficient doors feature:
- Solid construction, resisting warping and shrinkage.
- Better sealing systems and adjustable thresholds.
- Multi-point locking systems that pull the door snug into the frame.
A new replacement door offers a dramatic boost in comfort. Find one built to handle unpredictable seasons in and around Lexington, KY, keeping your living spaces draft-free and efficient all year round.
Discover Your Replacement Door Company Near Lexington, KY
Are you tired of feeling that chilly breeze every time you walk by your door? Whether you need a simple draft stopper for now or a precision-fit replacement door, Gilkey Windows & Exterior Solutions is here to help. Stay cozy this season and protect your investment with local expertise you can count on all across Central Kentucky. Contact us online or call (859)285-6664.
We offer decades of expertise in addressing unpleasant door drafts and installing premium replacement doors to homeowners in Lexington, KY, and the neighboring communities. Our team never rushes anything and always takes a customized approach. Just solutions that work for your family and home, with no pushy salespeople.
Gilkey Windows & Exterior Solutions proudly serves Lexington, Frankfort, Georgetown, Paris, Richmond, Versailles, Winchester, and all of Central Kentucky.
