It’s been said that life has two certainties: death and taxes. But there’s actually a third thing: thermal expansion. 

Homeowners should understand this event, how it affects your home’s energy efficiency, and — above all — what to do about it. 


This gap in a a residential doorway needs caulking
Extreme temperature changes cause building materials to shift. This often results in cracks and gaps that allow outdoor air to seep inside. 

About Thermal Expansion 

As a solid, liquid or gas’ temperature increases, so does its volume. That, in a nutshell, is the definition of thermal expansion. 

But you don’t need to study thermodynamics to understand the basics. It’s simple: If your doors or windows get stuck, it’s because they got hot. 

The reverse happens, too: as a solid, liquid or gas’ temperature decreases, so does its volume. 

Such temperature swings and structural shifts often stress homes, leaving cracks and gaps.

Air, water and debris can then creep indoors, lowering the home’s energy efficiency, raising your energy bills, and diminishing your comfort. 


“Today’s Homeowner” co-host Chelsea Lipford Wolf removes old weatherstripping from a home
Preparing your home for severe weather — in this case, removing and replacing old, cracked weatherstripping — is one way to boost energy efficiency and protect your heating and cooling system. 

The Importance of Home Weatherization

Heating and cooling systems keep you comfortable, but thermal expansion undermines even the best climate control. 

Winter air that invades your home forces the heater to work harder — giving ‘forced air furnace’ a whole new meaning! And summer air that sneaks inside strains your air conditioner. 

Frequent stress on the heating and cooling system leads to equipment failure, more service calls, and shorter life expectancy for the unit. 

No home has maximum energy efficiency — not even new ones — because cracks and gaps are inevitable as the seasons change. So, it’s up to the homeowner to do something about it. 

That’s why weatherization — sealing your home with aftermarket products to protect it from extreme weather changes — is so important. 


Chelsea Lipford Wolf installs The Duck Brand's Max Window Roll On Kit
Duck® Brand has a number of products that make home weatherization an easy, affordable do-it-yourself project. The results could save you hundreds of dollars each year in energy bills.

Weatherizing Your Home: A Checklist

Home weatherization is an easy, affordable do-it-yourself project. And it’s your best defense against thermal expansion and contraction.

Best of all, the results can boost your home’s energy efficiency, slash utility bills, and increase your family’s comfort. 

Not sure where to begin? Follow along! 

Man installs Duck Brand door sweep in beautiful modern home with Persian rug
Duck® Brand’s Double Draft Seal blocks outside air coming from entering under your doors.

1. Block Drafts Under Doors

While inside, look under your entry doors — if the sun shines through, they need bottom seals. 

Duck® Brand’s Double Draft Seal is a foam insert that you cut to size and secure in place with patented straps. It’s removable, renter-friendly, and works for interior and exterior doors.

The seal won’t slide off or stick to doors, and it won’t damage them. It works with most flooring types, and the fabric cover is machine washable — so you can block drafts in style.  


Man installs Duck Brand window insulation kit
Finding cracks in your window frame is hard — but covering up those drafty windows with Duck® Brand’s Rolled Window Kits is easy.

2. Insulate Your Windows

During cold winter months, you may feel gusts through a window frame’s gaps. You can install a temporary barrier between the window and your home’s living space to block these drafts. 

Duck® Brand’s Rolled Window Kits are easy to apply and have everything you need. To prepare the surface, clean the window frame to remove excess dust. Then, apply double-sided tape to the window’s outside edge and remove the tape liner. 

Next, roll the film horizontally, from the window’s top-left edge, and cut it to size; roll the film vertically to the window’s bottom edge, and press it firmly onto the tape. 

Finally, shrink the film with a hairdryer to remove wrinkles, and cut any excess film with scissors. 


Weatherstripping product from Duck Brand
Duck® Brand’s Weatherstrip Seals are self-adhesive, affordable and keep your family comfortable during cold and hot weather.  

3. Apply Weatherstripping

Small cracks and gaps around windows and doors lead to year-round energy losses. You can’t stop thermal expansion, but you can apply weatherstripping to prevent its inevitable impact on your home. 

Duck® Brand Weatherstrip Seals are made of self-adhesive foam for an easy install. Just remove dirt and dust from the project area, measure the space, cut the product to size, remove the protective backing, and press the seal into place. 

For added assurance, especially in colder climates, consider Duck® Brand Heavy-Duty Weatherstrip Seals. They’re guaranteed to not crack in temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Remember: Weatherstripping works year-round, not just to prevent drafts, but also to block dust, pollen and insects from invading your home. 


Man caulking around windows to weatherize his home
Seal your home’s ‘envelope’ — or exterior — with caulk to prevent outdoor elements like air, dust and water from sneaking indoors. (DepositPhotos)

Next Steps 

Congratulations! You’ve taken the first — and best — steps toward protecting your home from thermal expansion’s inevitable results, and boosting energy efficiency. 

It’s also a good idea to add more attic insulation, replace your air filter, caulk exterior cracks, and get a professional heating and cooling system inspection. Read ‘5 Reasons Your House is Cold’ to learn more about that! 

And check out Weather.DuckBrand.com for more home weatherization products.

Watch the video above to find out more.

Editorial Contributors
avatar for Danny Lipford

Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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