Imagine stepping into your cozy Toronto home on a crisp winter day, only to feel an unwelcome chill creeping in through cracks and gaps around your doors and windows. Drafts are a common issue in many of Toronto's charming older homes, and they can significantly impact your comfort and energy bills. These sneaky drafts not only make it harder to keep your home warm but also lead to wasted energy and increased heating costs.

But fear not! With a few strategic measures, you can effectively seal these drafts and create a more comfortable, energy-efficient living space. In this blog post, we'll explore ten practical ways to improve home comfort by tackling those pesky drafts. From simple DIY solutions to more extensive upgrades, you'll find a range of tips to suit your needs and budget. Let's dive in and discover how you can make your older Toronto home cozy and draft-free all year round.

Conduct a Home Energy Audit

A home energy audit is the first and most crucial step in identifying and addressing drafts in your home. This comprehensive assessment evaluates how much energy your home consumes and pinpoints areas where energy is being wasted, particularly through drafts and poor insulation. By understanding where these issues lie, you can take targeted actions to improve your home's comfort and efficiency.

How will you conduct the audit - 

Performing a Basic DIY Energy Audit -

Identify Drafty Areas: On a windy day, walk around your home and feel for drafts around windows, doors, baseboards, and electrical outlets. You can use a lit incense stick or a smoke pen to detect air movement.

Inspect Windows and Doors: Check for gaps around window frames and doors. Look for signs of wear and tear on weather stripping and seals.

Examine Attic and Basement: Inspect these areas for signs of air leaks, such as gaps in insulation, cracks, or holes in the walls and ceilings.

Check Ductwork: If you have a forced-air heating system, inspect the ductwork for leaks and ensure connections are sealed properly.

Use Weather Stripping on Doors and Windows

Weather stripping is a simple yet highly effective way to seal drafts around doors and windows. It involves applying a material along the edges of doors and windows to create a tight seal that prevents air from leaking in or out. This not only helps in keeping your home comfortable but also improves energy efficiency by reducing the workload on your heating and cooling systems.

Selecting the Right Weather Stripping - 

Material Options:

  • Foam Tape: Easy to install and affordable, ideal for irregular-sized cracks and gaps.
  • V-Seal (V Strip): Flexible and durable, suitable for the sides of windows and top and sides of doors.
  • Door Sweeps: Installed at the bottom of doors to seal the gap between the door and the floor.
  • Rubber or Vinyl: Provides a tighter seal and is more durable, best for high-traffic areas.

Installing Weather Stripping -

Measure the Area: Use a tape measure to determine the length of the door or window edges that need sealing. Accurate measurements ensure you buy enough material without wastage.

Clean the Surface: Before applying weather stripping, clean the surface with soap and water to remove dirt and debris. This ensures better adhesion of the weather stripping.

Cut to Size: Cut the weather stripping to the appropriate lengths using scissors or a utility knife. For door sweeps, ensure they cover the entire width of the door.

Apply the Weather Stripping:

  • For Foam Tape or V-Seal: Peel off the backing and press the adhesive side firmly along the edges of doors and windows. Make sure it adheres well and forms a complete seal when the door or window is closed.
  • For Door Sweeps: Attach the sweep to the bottom of the door using screws or adhesive, depending on the type. Ensure the sweep brushes lightly against the floor to block drafts without hindering door movement.
  • For Rubber or Vinyl Stripping: Align the stripping with the edge of the door or window frame and nail or staple it in place. Ensure a tight fit to maximize draft protection.

Test the Seal - 

Close the door or window to check for any remaining gaps. Adjust the weather stripping as needed to ensure a tight, draft-free seal.

Install Door Sweeps

Drafts sneaking in under your doors can significantly undermine your home's comfort and energy efficiency. Installing door sweeps is a simple yet effective solution to seal the gap between the bottom of your doors and the floor, keeping cold air out and warm air in. Here's how you can do it:

  1. Choose the Right Door Sweep:

Adhesive Sweeps: These are easy to install with a peel-and-stick backing, ideal for light to medium-duty applications.

Screw-On Sweeps: These provide a more secure fit with screws, perfect for heavy-duty use and high-traffic areas.

Automatic Door Bottoms: These retractable sweeps drop down to seal when the door is closed and retract when it's open, offering a seamless and efficient seal.

  1. Measure and Prepare:

Measure the Door: Measure the width of your door to ensure you purchase the correct size. Most sweeps can be trimmed to fit if necessary.

Clean the Surface: Clean the bottom edge of the door thoroughly to ensure a strong bond for adhesive sweeps and a secure fit for screw-on sweeps.

  1. Installation Process:

Adhesive Sweeps:

  • Peel off the backing.
  • Press the sweep firmly along the bottom edge of the door, ensuring it's aligned properly.

Screw-On Sweeps:

  • Mark the screw holes on the door.
  • Drill pilot holes if necessary.
  • Screw the sweep into place, ensuring it's flush with the floor or threshold.

Automatic Door Bottoms:

  • Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation, typically involving attaching the mechanism to the bottom of the door and adjusting for a snug fit.

  1. Test and Adjust:

  • Close the Door: Check for any gaps between the sweep and the floor. The sweep should make light contact with the floor to block drafts effectively.
  • Adjust if Necessary: Make any needed adjustments to ensure the sweep seals properly without hindering the door's movement.

Apply Caulk to Cracks and Gaps

Caulking is a quick and effective solution for sealing cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and baseboards, preventing drafts and improving home comfort.

  • Prepare the Surface: Clean the area thoroughly to remove dirt and debris.
  • Choose the Right Caulk: Select a caulk suitable for the surface and application.
  • Apply the Caulk: Use a caulking gun to apply a smooth bead of caulk along the cracks and gaps.
  • Smooth and Seal: Smooth the caulk with your finger or a caulking tool for a neat finish.
  • Allow to Dry: Let the caulk dry completely before exposing it to moisture or temperature changes.
  • Inspect and Touch Up: Check for missed spots and touch up as needed for complete sealing.

Caulking is a cost-effective and efficient way to reduce drafts and improve home energy efficiency with minimal time and effort.

Add Window Film

Window film is a practical solution for enhancing energy efficiency and reducing drafts in your home while maintaining natural light and visibility.

Choose the Right Film: Select a window film designed for insulation, such as low-emissivity (low-e) or thermal film, based on your climate and insulation needs.

Measure and Clean: Measure the dimensions of your windows and clean the glass surface thoroughly to ensure proper adhesion.

Cut the Film: Cut the window film slightly larger than the dimensions of the window to allow for trimming.

Apply the Film:

  • Spray the window with a solution of water and a few drops of dish soap to lubricate the surface.
  • Peel the backing off the film and gently press it onto the window, starting from the top and working your way down.
  • Use a squeegee to remove any air bubbles and smooth out the film.
  • Trim any excess film using a sharp utility knife or scissors.

Allow to Dry: Allow the film to dry completely before trimming any remaining edges.

Optional: Heat Shrink: If using shrink film, use a hairdryer to gently heat the film, causing it to shrink and conform to the window for a tight seal.

Window film is an effective way to improve insulation and reduce drafts in your home, making it more comfortable and energy-efficient.

Use Draft Stoppers and Snake Draft Guards

Draft stoppers and snake draft guards are simple yet effective tools for blocking drafts under doors and windows, preventing cold air from entering and warm air from escaping.

Select the Right Draft Stopper:

  • Choose a draft stopper or snake draft guard that matches the length and width of your door or window.
  • Consider materials such as fabric, foam, or silicone for optimal insulation.

Place the Draft Stopper:

  • For doors: Simply place the draft stopper along the bottom edge of the door, ensuring a snug fit that blocks drafts.
  • For windows: Position the draft stopper along the window sill or bottom edge of the window frame to prevent air leakage.

Adjust as Needed:

  • Ensure the draft stopper sits flush against the door or window to provide maximum insulation.
  • Trim or fold the draft stopper if necessary to fit smaller or irregularly shaped openings.

Use Multiple Draft Stoppers:

  • Consider using multiple draft stoppers for larger doors or windows to provide comprehensive draft protection.

Maintain and Clean:

  • Regularly inspect and clean draft stoppers to remove dust and debris that can affect their effectiveness.
  • Replace draft stoppers if they become worn or damaged over time to maintain optimal insulation.

Insulate Electrical Outlets and Switches

Electrical outlets and switches are often overlooked sources of drafts in homes. Insulating these areas can help prevent air leakage and improve overall comfort and energy efficiency.

How will do do that - 

Turn Off Power: Before starting any work, turn off the power to the outlet or switch at the circuit breaker to ensure safety.

Remove Cover Plates: Use a flathead screwdriver to gently pry off the cover plates from the outlets and switches.

Install Foam Gaskets: Place foam insulating gaskets behind the outlet or switch cover plates. These gaskets provide a barrier against drafts and air leakage.

Seal Gaps: 

  • Inspect the area around the outlet or switch for any gaps or openings in the wall.
  • Use caulking or foam sealant to fill in any gaps or cracks, ensuring a tight seal.

Reattach Cover Plates: Once the gaskets are in place and any gaps are sealed, reattach the cover plates to the outlets and switches.

Test for Drafts: After completing the insulation process, test for drafts by holding a lit candle or a tissue near the outlet or switch. If there is no airflow, the insulation is effective.

Seal Attic and Basement Leaks

Attics and basements are common areas where drafts can enter your home, often through gaps and cracks in walls, ceilings, and floors. Sealing these leaks is essential for maintaining comfort and energy efficiency.

Inspect for Leaks: Begin by thoroughly inspecting your attic and basement for any signs of air leaks, such as visible gaps, cracks, or holes in walls, ceilings, and floors.

Seal Gaps and Cracks: Use caulking or foam sealant to fill in any gaps or cracks you find, paying particular attention to areas where pipes, wires, or vents penetrate walls or floors.

Weatherstrip Doors and Windows: Install weatherstripping around attic and basement doors and windows to create a tight seal and prevent drafts from entering.

Insulate Pipes and Ducts: Insulate exposed pipes and ducts in the attic and basement to prevent heat loss and reduce the risk of freezing during cold weather.

Add Insulation: Ensure that your attic and basement are adequately insulated to minimize heat loss and improve energy efficiency. Consider adding additional insulation if needed.

Seal Attic Hatch: If your attic has a hatch or access door, make sure it is properly sealed with weatherstripping or foam insulation to prevent drafts from entering the living space below.

Install Vent Covers: Install vent covers or dampers on attic vents to prevent cold air from entering during the winter months.

Repair Roof Leaks: Check your attic for signs of roof leaks, such as water stains or mold growth, and repair any damaged or missing shingles to prevent water infiltration and air leaks.

Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors

Older windows and doors are often significant sources of drafts in homes, leading to energy loss and decreased comfort. Upgrading to energy-efficient windows and doors can significantly improve insulation and reduce drafts, enhancing both comfort and energy efficiency.

Assess Your Current Windows and Doors: Evaluate the condition of your existing windows and doors, looking for signs of damage, deterioration, or poor insulation, such as drafts, condensation, or difficulty opening and closing.

Research Energy-Efficient Options: Explore energy-efficient window and door options available on the market, such as double or triple-pane windows, low-emissivity (low-e) coatings, and insulated fiberglass or steel doors.

Choose the Right Style and Material: Select windows and doors that complement the architectural style of your home and suit your aesthetic preferences. Consider the material, durability, and energy performance ratings of different options.

Schedule Professional Installation: Hire a reputable contractor experienced in window and door installation to ensure proper fitting and sealing. Professional installation is crucial for maximizing energy efficiency and preventing air leaks.

Seal Around Windows and Doors: Apply weatherstripping and caulking around the frames of new windows and doors to create a tight seal and prevent drafts. Proper sealing is essential for maximizing energy savings and comfort.

Consider Additional Features: Explore optional features such as gas-filled panes, thermal breaks, and insulated frames for added energy efficiency and insulation benefits.

Upgrade Window Treatments: Install energy-efficient window treatments such as cellular shades, insulated curtains, or window films to further enhance insulation and reduce heat loss through windows.

Maintain Regularly: Maintain your new windows and doors regularly by cleaning them, inspecting for signs of wear or damage, and resealing as needed to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Conclusion

Improving home comfort by sealing drafts in older Toronto homes is an investment in both energy efficiency and livability. By implementing the ten methods outlined here, you can effectively minimize drafts and create a cozier, more sustainable living environment.

Reducing drafts not only enhances comfort but also lowers energy bills and contributes to a healthier indoor environment. Whether you're tackling small DIY projects or investing in larger upgrades, every effort you make toward sealing drafts brings you closer to a snug, energy-efficient home.

Remember, regular maintenance is key to ensuring long-term comfort and efficiency. With vigilance and proactive measures, you can enjoy the benefits of a draft-free home year-round, regardless of the weather outside. So, get started today and make your Toronto home the cozy retreat you deserve!