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Where's That Draft Coming From?

Oct 29th 2021

Have you been noticing that your home is getting colder than normal? It could be because of drafts. This happens when cracks or holes occur from wear, tear, and time. It's completely normal for this to happen. Even so, this makes it even more important to maintain your home while you can.

Caulking is the perfect solution to unwanted drafts. Sealing holes can reduce the amount of air spilling into your home. Yet, it can be difficult to know where to look. With the number of potential culprits, finding a draft can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack. Here’s everything you need to know about drafts and how caulking can help.

Where to Look for Drafts

Many kinds of air leaks could be causing drafts in your home. Certain places in the home tend to be leakier than others. By targeting these locations and sealing them, you can keep cold air out. To make it a little less overwhelming, here are some of the most common culprits:

  • Windows
  • Front and back doors
  • Chimneys
  • Attics, basements, and garages

Most of these can be fixed with basic sealing caulk. Re-caulking windows is a very easy way to prevent air leaks in your home. To look for drafts, search around the house for areas that may be bringing air in. To search for drafts, follow these simple steps:

  • Pay attention to subtle breezes near doors or windows.
  • Turn off anything that creates a lot of noise and light a candle. Walk around your home to watch if the fire flickers or burns out.
  • Hang a plastic bag around your coat hanger. Place it around windows and doors. From there, observe the coat hanger to see if the plastic bag blows from a draft.
  • Hire a professional to look around your house for drafts.

How to Seal Air Leaks

Use a caulking gun to seal windows and doors. If you notice any cracks in the walls, trims, or baseboards, you can use caulk to seal them. If you would like to seal drafts by yourself, here are the steps you need to take:

  1. Clean the affected area. Remove any old caulk or paint and make sure the area is dry.
  2. Prepare the caulking gun. Test it out on a newspaper or paper towel to get an idea of how to use it.
  3. Hold the caulking gun at a 45-degree angle.
  4. Push the caulking gun into the affected area.
  5. Clean up the area once you’re finished.
  6. Let the caulk dry.

If you're looking for the tools you need, Silicone Depot has got you covered! We sell high-quality silicone sealants and caulks at wholesale prices. Check out our silicone selections today!