Practical Solutions To Fix A Drafty House

No matter how hard you try, you can’t seem to get your house to a comfortable temperature, especially in the fall, winter, and early spring when windy days and cool nights are common. You’ve checked to see that the windows and doors were closed, cranked up the thermostat, brought portable heaters, and even layered your clothing to keep warm, but nothing seems to work. To top it all off, your energy bill is through the roof, causing other financial struggles. 

How do you deal with this uncomfortable and expensive problem? You start by pinpointing the source. Below are some common causes of a drafty home and ways to resolve the issue. 

Upgrade Windows And Doors

Window and door efficiency are essential to keeping your house warm. Multiple factors contribute to the deterioration, including harsh weather elements, changes in the structure and foundation of the home, and aging. 

If you’ve had the same windows and doors for more than 15 to 20 years, it may be time for an upgrade. Analyze the windows and doors in each room of your house. If you notice cracks, damaged frames, or feel a draft, installing new ones can boost the efficiency in your home. 

Seal Holes And Cracks

The building materials that hold your house together are designed to last for years, but eventually, they give way to damage from the weather and wear and tear. You might notice that there are cracks and holes that expose the outside and let cold air into your home. 

Check around the windows and doors and inspect the attic and basement. If you spot cracks and holes, you should seal them to get rid of the draft. You can use weather stripping or caulk for most cracks. Holes should be filled and then spackled. 

Remove And Replace Insulation

Knowing the history and type of insulation in your home is essential to determine if it needs to be replaced. While insulation can last for years, factors like pest infestations, water damage, mold growth, and severe weather can cause premature deterioration. 

How do you know if you need to hire someone for insulation removal? Check your basement, attic, and crawl space for dirt, mold, water, damage, nests, holes, or thinning. If you see any of these signs, you’ll need someone to install new insulation to improve the temperature in your living space. 

Repair The Fireplace

Having a fireplace is aesthetically appealing and comfortable during those cold winter nights. However, the fireplace can be a significant source of household drafts when it’s not in use. There are a few options to fix the problem. You can purchase a fireplace cover, close the damper or have it replaced, or get a chimney plug. If there is visible damage to the structure of your fireplace or chimney, you may need to have it repaired by an expert to get rid of the draft permanently. 

Have The Roof Serviced

If you’ve checked the above areas of your home to no avail, the problem could be with the roof. Your roof is exposed to everything from bad weather to animals, which can cause significant damage. You can determine the state of your roof by inspecting the ceilings of each room. If you notice any wet spots or mold, you could have a hole in the roof that needs to be repaired. You can also hire a roofer to check for exterior cracks, holes, or missing shingles. Of course, if your roof hasn’t been maintained or replaced in 20 years or more, it may be time to upgrade. 

There’s nothing like dealing with a drafty house. It gets harder to maintain a comfortable temperature, and eventually, it starts to reflect on your energy bill. While simple solutions like putting up drapes or using an electric heater can provide some relief, the draft’s cause is often more significant. Fortunately, there are practical solutions like those listed above you can try to improve your living space’s efficiency, comfort, structure, and functionality.