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How to Weatherproof Your Doors Against a New England Winter

As the winter months approach, homeowners in New England must brace themselves for the region’s harsh cold, snow, and ice. While homes in our region are built to endure these conditions, one area that often requires special attention is the entry points, particularly doors. Weatherproofing your doors is essential to keeping your home warm, reducing energy bills, and preventing damage caused by the extreme weather. With temperatures that can plunge well below freezing, Window Authority recommends the following steps to ensure that your doors are properly weatherproofed, which make all the difference in your home’s comfort and efficiency.

Understanding the Importance of Weatherproofing

Doors are natural weak points in the thermal envelope of a house. They serve as entry and exit points, and even the most solidly built doors have small gaps where cold air can creep in, making your heating system work harder. Poorly weatherproofed doors can lead to drafts, heat loss, and increased heating costs – and during a Northern New England winter, these effects can be particularly noticeable. Beyond comfort and cost, the damage from winter weather – including ice buildup, moisture infiltration, and even warping caused by temperature fluctuations – can affect the longevity of your doors.

Inspecting Your Doors for Gaps and Leaks

Before winter sets in, it’s crucial to inspect your doors for potential vulnerabilities. Start by checking around the edges of the door where it meets the frame. Even minor gaps can allow cold air to seep into your home. You can test for leaks by holding a candle or incense stick near the edges of the door when it’s closed; if the flame or smoke flickers, it indicates that air is passing through.

Also, look for signs of wear and tear on the door’s materials. Wooden doors, for instance, may show cracks or splintering, while metal or composite doors might have dents or warps that could compromise the seal. Checking the threshold, door sweep, and weather stripping will also reveal areas that might need attention. Weather stripping can break down over time, losing its ability to block drafts, while the threshold may settle or deteriorate, creating uneven gaps.

Sealing with Weather Stripping

Weather stripping is one of the most effective and affordable methods for weatherproofing your doors. By creating a tight seal around the edges of the door, it prevents cold air from entering and warm air from escaping. There are several types of weather stripping available, from adhesive foam tape to more durable options like silicone or rubber strips. The key is selecting the right material based on the type of door and its exposure to the elements.

For example, adhesive foam weather stripping is easy to install and works well for doors that don’t experience a lot of wear. However, for doors that open and close frequently, such as your main entryway, a more durable material like rubber may be preferable. Be sure to measure carefully and install the weather stripping so that it forms a tight seal without impeding the door’s movement.

Upgrading the Door Sweep and Threshold

Another crucial component of weatherproofing is the door sweep, which attaches to the bottom of the door to block drafts. If your existing sweep is worn or ineffective, replacing it with a new, high-quality sweep can make a big difference. Door sweeps come in various materials, such as rubber, vinyl, or brush sweeps, and the right choice will depend on the specific needs of your home. For areas prone to heavy snow, a rubber or vinyl sweep may provide a more effective barrier against moisture and ice.

The door threshold – the raised piece of metal or wood at the bottom of the door frame – also plays an important role in weatherproofing. Over time, thresholds can wear down or become misaligned, allowing drafts to sneak in underneath the door. Installing a new, adjustable threshold or adding a door bottom seal can significantly improve insulation at this vulnerable point.

Installing Storm Doors for Extra Protection

For homes in New England, storm doors offer an added layer of protection against the region’s winter elements. These doors act as a buffer between the outside world and your main entry door, providing both insulation and protection from harsh weather conditions like snow and ice. Modern storm doors come in a variety of styles and materials, allowing you to choose one that complements your home’s aesthetics while enhancing its energy efficiency.

A well-fitted storm door can reduce heat loss by creating a sealed air space between the storm door and your main door. Many storm doors also have interchangeable panels, allowing you to switch between glass and screens depending on the season, making them a versatile option for year-round weatherproofing.

Our New Doors are Built for Winter in New England

If your doors have aged beyond their useful life or have suffered damage that impairs their ability to withstand the weather, it may be time to replace them. We can help. Window Authority has a full range of sturdy, reliable, weather-resistant and very attractive entry doors for your home. 
Contact us today to learn how Window Authority can help ensure your doors are ready to handle the coldest months of the year.