Weatherproofing: weatherstripping, door sweeps and caulk
Gaps around doors and windows let in air, water and bugs, and make the air conditioning or heating work harder. New weatherstripping, a door sweep and fresh caulk close most of them.
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What people call about
- Daylight or a draft under an exterior door.
- Weatherstripping that is flattened, cracked or missing.
- Cracked caulk around window and door frames.
- Water getting in at a door threshold in heavy rain.
- Bugs getting in around a door.
Before the handyman arrives
- Do not seal the weep holes at the bottom of windows and sliding doors. They let water drain out.
- Water stains on walls or ceilings mean water is already getting in somewhere. Mention it, because new caulk may not be the whole answer.
- Roof leaks and flashing at the roof are for a licensed roofer.
What the handyman does
- Old weatherstripping removed and new strips fitted to the door frame.
- Door sweeps fitted or replaced, and adjustable thresholds set so the door seals.
- Exterior caulk joints around windows and doors cut out and recaulked.
- Small gaps where pipes and cables enter the house sealed.
- Anything that points to a bigger leak, such as rotten framing or failed flashing, pointed out.
South Florida and beyond
In South Florida, sealing gaps keeps out humid air and wind-driven rain and takes load off the air conditioning; before hurricane season is a good time to check every exterior door. In cold climates, the same work keeps heat in and drafts out through the winter.
Questions people ask
- How do I know if my door needs weatherstripping?
- Close the door on a sheet of paper. If it slides out easily, the seal is not touching. Daylight under or around the door is another sign.
- Does weatherproofing lower energy bills?
- Sealing air leaks around doors and windows reduces the air your cooling or heating has to make up for. How much it saves depends on the house.
- Can you fix a window that leaks in storms?
- Exterior caulk and seals can be renewed. If water is getting in through the window unit itself or the wall around it, a window or building contractor may be needed.
Get a handyman out
Free estimate. The price is agreed before the work starts.
Other handyman jobs
- General handyman jobs
- Drywall repair
- TV mounting
- Furniture assembly
- Door repair
- Interior painting
- Pressure washing
- Gutter cleaning
- Caulking and grout
- Shelves and hanging
- Fence repair
- Deck repair
- Screen repair
- Faucet and fixture swap
One Call Handyman Repairs arranges the visit; the handyman does the work and gives you the price.