7 Often Overlooked Places Where Winter Winds Can Enter Your Home

The recent cold snap here in northern Illinois has been a bit of a reality check for many area residents. What had been a relatively tame winter by Chicagoland standards has given way to the icy temperatures and biting winds most of us have come to expect. But even in more pleasant weather conditions, wind isn’t something that homeowners can afford to ignore. A drafty home is not only uncomfortable, but can lead to significant increases in energy costs.

With recent wind-chill numbers cracking double digits below zero, homeowners are scrambling to seal up their homes against the cold air and ensure that heat isn’t rushing out. While replacing aging windows and doors can be one of the best ways to effectively lock out winter weather, there are other areas of the home that should be carefully inspected to ensure their not undermining winterization efforts.

·         Window And Door Seals – Even newer windows can spring leaks if sealants and caulking hasn’t been properly applied. Check for cracked caulk or gaps between sashes, frames and sills to make sure that cold air isn’t trickling in.

·         Exterior Lighting Fixtures – Anywhere that the exterior barrier of the home is breached can allow cold air to infiltrate, so a good rule of thumb is to inspect anywhere that a hole has been created in the siding or exterior wall of a home. Outdoor lighting fixtures should be checked to ensure that the trim pieces meet tightly to the home and are affixed with weatherproof caulking.

·         Exterior Vents – In the same vein, be sure to check that dryer vents are properly sealed at the point where they exit the house. Additionally, inspect the vent itself to ensure that it’s not allowing cold air to rush into the home. Over time the metal “flapper” inside the vent can become obstructed by lint buildup or even ice, causing it to remain open even when not in use.

·         Skylights – Skylights are a beautiful way to add sunlight to your home, but they can also cause costly leaks of not only wind, but water if not carefully inspected and maintained. Be sure that both the exterior and interior of skylights are properly sealed and that any flashing on the roof size is structurally sound and free of rust and gaps.

·         Chimneys – While you’re checking on the skylights, be sure to inspect the areas around chimneys and roof vents. A drafty chimney can be a major source of energy loss so be sure that the flashing surrounding the chimney is in good shape. If your home has a fire place, also be sure to check that the flue is sealing properly and not allowing heated air to rush up and out of the house to be replaced by icy outdoor air.

·         Garage Doors – One area that often gets ignored when weatherproofing a home is the garage. While many garages are unheated and insulated from the home, in many cases rooms above or beside a garage may not stay warm if persistent drafts are entering under or through the garage door. Doors should be inspected to ensure they make a tight seal when closed and that any seems remain weather tight.

·         Basement And Foundation – The most common areas to develop air leaks in any home are where two structures meet, and the point at which the walls meet the foundation is a frequent culprit of heat loss, especially in older homes. If your basement is unfinished, check to see if there is air leakage where the walls rest on the foundation. Even a small gap can add up to a significant draft when multiplied by the entire perimeter of your home. While you’re down there, check that the foundation itself doesn’t have any cracks that penetrate the wall.

One of the best ways to check for areas of your home that may be causing heating inefficiencies is with a home energy assessment. The experts at Opal Enterprises Inc. can help you identify areas of your home that may be leading to heat loss and recommend ways to correct any problems uncovered.