Inspecting your home’s windows and doors regularly will help stop air leaks and water seeps that create high energy and repair bills.
Keep the following tips in mind as you examine your windows and doors:
Begin by inspecting your window panes for cracks. If there are any, it’s time to replace your windows, preferably with energy-efficient models.
You can examine your windows, doors and skylights for air leaks, foil water drips, and gaps by performing a home air pressure test. A home air pressure test sucks air into the house to reveal air leaks that increase your energy bills. To inspect windows and other openings do the following:
-Seal the house by locking all doors, windows, skylights, and shutting all vents.
-Close all dampers and vents.
-Turn on all kitchen and bath exhaust fans.
-Pass a burning incense stick along all openings including, windows, doors, fireplaces,
and outlets to detect air rushing in from the outside.
Air and water can also seep into closed windows from gaps, rot in frames, deteriorating caulking, cracked glass, and closures that don’t fully close. In addition, check doors for cracks that weaken their ability to stop air leaks and water seeps, by looking for weather stripping that causes peels and gaps, and making sure all hinges are tight and doors fit securely in their thresholds.
Brown stains on walls under a skylight are signs that water is invading and air is escaping. Cut a small hole in the stained drywall to check for wetness, which would indicate rot, or gaps in the skylight.