Home Improvement

Improving the Insulation of Your Doors

Now that the winter is here, it’s important to get your home ready for the frigid temperatures. The front and entry doors are some of the most likely places where heat can escape the home. You could replace your door entirely, an excellent option for this without double-pane windows in the backyard, or you could perform some maintenance to see what you can salvage. Here are some tips to help you prepare your door for winter time.

Weather Stripping

On the insides of your door frame, you will notice the wood protrudes where the latch fits into the frame. A thin strip of foam across the top and sides of the door will help seal some of the gaps that are naturally left behind by an installation. A professional door installation may include this service, but the foam should be replaced on a regular basis to make sure that you have top notch insulation.

Switching from Aluminum to Wood

Wood doors tend to have a higher R-value than aluminum ones. Metal doors have a sturdier construction, and are favored by people who live in areas that receive heavy weather affects. Wood doors can be protected with sealant, but may not be as effective in areas susceptible to hurricanes or heavy snowfall. Choosing the right door for you is largely up to your climate, but wood doors tend to hold heat in the home better than most aluminum doors. Of course, aluminum doors can also have thermal breaks installed. These breaks prevent the transfer of cold through the metal, and are useful in areas that experience snow.

Add Glass

You might think that glass is a hindrance to warmth. If you have weather stripping around your door, and reasonable insulation, double-pane glass will only improve the warmth of your home. The glass also lets sunlight into the space, and provides a space for you to see people coming toward your home.

Article provided by Quick Home Tips.com