Insulating doors effectively: Simple solutions for warmth
The cold days have compelled us to switch the heating back on in our homes. It's challenging for many families who must manage their heating expenses throughout the winter. Proper insulation is worth considering to prevent heat from escaping through the front door. Often, doors are the main source of cold air entering the house.
Sealing windows with tape and using door sealants are some of the simplest methods to help reduce cold air infiltration. If our doors are quite old, there's a risk they're not sufficiently sealed. Fortunately, there are home methods for improving them that don't require significant financial outlay. These methods can help save on heating bills.
Door insulation - how to do it simply?
Where to start? It's best to visit the hardware shop, where you can find the appropriate insulation materials and seals. We'll use these to seal any small gaps that heat might escape. You might also consider purchasing thermal insulation boards for the doors.
Once we've identified the source of leakage, expanding foam can be helpful. Apply this to the door frame and all the gaps, taking care not to use too much, as the foam expands as it hardens. The next step is to replace seals, which can lose their properties over time and contribute to heat loss. Ensure their length is measured accurately to cover the entire door frame perfectly. This should eliminate unpleasant draughts.
What is worth investing in?
It's worth focusing on the threshold after attending to the seals and foam. Installing a baseboard strip is a practical solution that effectively reduces air circulation and limits draughts. Various models are available in the shops, which can easily complement the home's existing interior design.
Ultimately, if all other methods fail, consider replacing the doors. Although this might seem like an expensive investment initially, it can result in savings in the long run. Modern doors have better insulating properties. According to technical requirements, since 2012, the U-value for thermal transmittance for doors should be above 2.6 W/(m²·K). This value should be even better for energy-efficient homes, not exceeding 1.3. Such a decision can significantly lower future heating bills.
