10/09/2026
DIY HOME IMPROVEMENT TIP: Stop the Drafts Before Winter!
September is a great time to give your windows and exterior doors a quick check before colder Connecticut weather arrives. Small gaps around doors and windows can allow cold air in and heated air out, making rooms less comfortable and wasting energy. Fortunately, some of the most common problems are also relatively easy DIY fixes. ENERGY STAR specifically recommends weatherstripping doors and windows and sealing appropriate gaps as ways homeowners can reduce drafts.
Start with your exterior doors. Look at the weatherstripping around the sides and top of the door and the sweep along the bottom. If it's cracked, flattened, torn, missing or no longer making good contact, it's probably time for replacement. Close the door during daylight and look around the edges—if you can see daylight where you shouldn't, you probably have a gap. ENERGY STAR also suggests a simple paper test for windows: close a window on a piece of paper; if the paper slides easily, the seal may need attention.
Check windows for noticeable drafts, damaged weatherstripping, gaps around the trim and areas where exterior caulk has cracked or pulled away. Replacing weatherstripping or a worn door sweep can be a fairly simple weekend project. If you discover rotted wood, water damage, windows or doors that no longer close properly, or significant deterioration around the frame, however, it may be time for a professional evaluation.
A few minutes spent checking things now can mean a warmer, more comfortable home when winter arrives!
For over 25 years, K&M Building and Remodeling, LLC in Middletown, Connecticut has specialized in turning our customers' ideas into reality. Whether you want a small deck, a remodeling project or are building your dream home, we deliver with honesty, integrity and only the finest craftsmanship.
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