Cracks and gaps around doors and windows are a safety hazard that impact your home’s moisture control, energy efficiency, pest prevention, and noise reduction. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, sealing air leaks can save you between 10% and 20% on your energy bills. Fortunately, sealing gaps around doors and windows is a simple DIY project that most homeowners can tackle in under an hour‌.

    Keep reading for a quick breakdown of this simple but effective project that can save you hundreds of dollars each year on energy bills. 



    Why Is It Important to Seal Cracks and Gaps Around Doors and Windows?

    Here are some of the main reasons it’s essential to seal cracks and gaps around doors and windows:

    • Energy efficiency. Sealing air leaks can significantly reduce heat loss in winter and cool air escape in summer. This preventative measure allows heating and cooling systems to work less to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures, lowering energy bills.
    • Temperature control. Drafts from poorly sealed doors and windows make it hard to regulate indoor temperatures. Sealing cracks helps rooms stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
    • Noise reduction. Gaps around doors and windows allow outdoor noises to enter the home, disturbing your family’s sleep, peace, and concentration. Caulking cracks helps block outside noise.
    • Pest prevention. Tiny openings allow pests like insects, rodents, and spiders to sneak into the home. Sealing entry points deters these unwelcome visitors, protecting you and your family. 
    • Moisture control. Air leaks let humidity and moisture penetrate the home, leading to mold, mildew, peeling paint, and warped woodwork. 
    • Improved indoor air quality. Unsealed cracks and crevices allow outdoor pollutants to infiltrate the home’s air supply. 
    • Enhanced durability. Harsh outdoor elements can accelerate aging and deterioration around leaky windows and doors. Sealing protects your investment and extends its lifespan.

    How To Seal Cracks Around Doors and Windows

    Sealing gaps around doors and windows involves more than grabbing caulk. To eliminate air leaks, inspect foam weatherstripping and replace worn sections. Most foam stripping is found where window sashes meet or at the top of lower sashes. For easy DIY installation, use foam stripping with adhesive backing to replace worn sections.

    For wider window gaps, use rope caulk. It fills spaces up to 1” wide and seals tightly. Rope caulk comes in vinyl, silicone, or latex.

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    You’ll also want to check beneath doors for tight seals at thresholds. If you see daylight or feel drafts, add door bottom seals. Specialized seals in vinyl, brush, or rubber get rid of those openings. 


    Types of Weatherstripping

    So, what kind of weatherstripping should you use? Here are the standard types of weatherstripping available and when to use them: 

    • Brush strips: Brush strips have synthetic bristles that compress to seal irregular gaps. They easily block drafts when the door or window closes.
    • Foam tape: Foam tape compresses easily with adhesive backing for DIY installation. It’s an affordable choice and effective for small gaps.
    • Magnetic strips: These strips have embedded magnets attached to metal for easy installation. They seal out dirt, dust, and drafts.
    • Rubber seals: Rubber seals are flexible compression seals made of EPDM or thermoplastic rubber. These seals create an airtight barrier.
    • Vinyl strips: These strips are flexible and durable with a fin that inserts into gaps. An economical choice for high-traffic doors.

    How To Seal Specific Areas

    Focus on these areas when sealing air leaks:

    • Entry doors: Install sweeps at the bottom and around the thresholds. Use jamb weatherstripping around the sides and top of the door. 
    • Garage doors: Attach bottom seals along the width of the door. For further insulation and protection, I recommend installing vinyl perimeter seals around garage doors.
    • Sliding doors: Apply vinyl or brush strips along the interior track, then use specialty seals at the edge of the doors. 
    • Windows: Replace worn weatherstripping along sash channels and rails. In my experience, compression strips are ideal around sills and jambs.

    So, Is Sealing Doors and Windows Worth It?

    Properly sealing doors and windows is definitely worth the effort. Maintaining a good seal reduces energy loss from air leaks, prevents pests, increases door and window lifespan, and reduces moisture. It can also help soundproof your home, improving ‌indoor peace and quiet. 

    With so many benefits, it’s no wonder that sealing your doors and windows is almost always worth it. The necessary materials are inexpensive and easy to install, and the results boost home comfort and performance. In nearly all cases, tackling this DIY project is worth it. 


    FAQs About Sealing Doors and Windows

    How often should I replace weatherstripping?

    You should inspect weatherstripping annually and replace any worn sections. Replace high-traffic weatherstripping every two to three years to maintain a tight seal.


    What’s the best caulk for sealing gaps and cracks?

    Use exterior-grade silicone or latex caulk on windows, doors, and exterior gaps. Avoid cheaper oil-based caulks because these often crack.


    What benefits does sealing air leaks provide?

    Sealing leaks has many benefits, including improving temperature control, lowering utility bills, decreasing dust and humidity, enhancing air quality, and preventing pest entry. All of these benefits improve your family’s safety and home’s energy efficiency, making sealing air leaks a worthwhile investment.


    What’s an easy way to find air leaks at home?

    I recommend running your hands or burning incense around doors, windows, and exterior joints on windy days to locate drafts. Scanners and smoke pens can also pinpoint leaks. You can even shine a flashlight through potential gaps at night while a partner stands outside and watches for signs of light to detect any gaps.


    When do doors or windows need new weatherstripping?

    Signs include cracked, torn, brittle, or flattened stripping. Also, check for drafts, visible daylight, rattling, and energy loss.


    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Amy DeYoung

    Amy DeYoung

    Contributor

    Amy DeYoung has a passion for educating and motivating homeowners to improve their lives through home improvement projects and preventative measures. She is a content writer and editor specializing in pest control, moving, window, and lawn/gardening content for Today’s Homeowner. Amy utilizes her own experience within the pest control and real estate industry to educate readers. She studied business, communications, and writing at Arizona State University.

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    Casey Daniel

    Casey Daniel is a writer and editor with a passion for empowering readers to improve their homes and their lives. She has written and reviewed content across multiple topics, including home improvement, lawn and garden care, sustainability, and health and wellness. When she’s not reviewing articles, Casey is usually playing board games, repainting her bathroom, or quilting.

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