Winters can get brutally cold in Connecticut. If air leaks in from the outside through gaps around the doors, your home can get cold and uncomfortable. That means you will need to spend more money on fuel to keep the interior of your home comfortable.

Air leakage can also be a problem in the summer. If you run an air conditioner to keep the interior of your home cool but air leaks out through gaps around the doors, your air conditioner will need to work harder to keep the house comfortable. That will add to your summer energy bills.

Door Sweeps Can Make Your Home More Energy-Efficient

Door sweeps can prevent air leakage and keep your home at a comfortable temperature year-round. A door sweep is a type of weather-stripping that is placed over the bottom of an exterior door to seal gaps between the bottom of the door and the threshold and make the door more energy-efficient.

A sweep creates a physical barrier that seals the cracks between the bottom of the door and the floor. A door sweep can prevent drafts and can also protect against moisture, insects, and dust. Door sweeps are inexpensive but can be a simple and effective way to prevent drafts that could make your home cold in the winter and hot in the summer.

Types of Door Sweeps

Two types of door sweeps can be used. U-shaped sweeps can slide under steel or aluminum doors. Metal strips can also be screwed, nailed, or stapled to the bottom of a door.

Steel and fiberglass doors usually use sweeps that slide on or are snapped into place. Benchmark steel doors can be fitted with L-shaped bottoms. Wrap-around and L-shaped sweeps are screwed onto doors. Wood doors usually have sweeps that are nailed or stapled on.

Call All American Locksmiths for Door Sweep Installation in Connecticut

If your house is cold because of air leaking in around the doors, call All American Locksmiths. We can install door sweeps to keep drafts out. Weather-stripping can make your home more energy-efficient and can reduce your heating and cooling bills. All American Locksmiths serves towns all over Connecticut, including East Haven, Redding, and Stamford. Contact us today to schedule an installation.

The entry door is an essential part of your house that you and your family use several times a day. It is also one of the first things people see when they visit your home and can make an impression on guests. Doors can last for many years, but daily use and exposure to extreme weather can eventually take a toll. Here are some signs that it may be time to replace your entry door.

The Door Sticks

If it is difficult to open the door, it may need to be replaced. The door could be expanding and contracting because of changes in temperature. In addition to making it difficult to open the door, the changes can also create gaps that can allow hot or cold air to leak in and out of the house. Exposure to rain and moisture over a long period of time can cause the door to swell and warp and can cause permanent damage that may make it necessary to replace the door.

The Door Has Drafts

If your door has drafts, it probably needs to be replaced. You may feel air moving when you stand next to the door while it is closed, or you may see light coming in around the edges of the door. Drafts can reduce your home’s energy efficiency and increase your heating and cooling bills. You may be able to fix the issue temporarily with weather stripping, but that is not a permanent solution. Installing a new door that is insulated and fitted correctly can save you money on your energy bills.

The Door Is Cracked

If a door expands and contracts repeatedly in response to changes in the weather, cracks can form. This can reduce the amount of insulation the door provides and allow insects to get into the house. If your entry door is cracked, it needs to be replaced to keep insects out and prevent your utility bills from skyrocketing. Cracks in a door can also create a safety risk by making it easier for someone to break into your home.

The Door Sags and Scrapes the Floor

As a door ages, it can start to sag. The bottom of the door can scrape across the floor when it is opened and closed, which can damage the flooring. It may be possible to fix the problem by rehanging the door from the hinges, or it may need to be replaced.

The Door Has Surface Damage

A door can become damaged on the surface from years of use. It can develop dents and scratches that can detract from its appearance. This is usually a cosmetic issue, but you might want to replace the door so it doesn’t detract from your home’s curb appeal.

The Door Looks Old and Outdated

Sometimes a door simply looks outdated. If your door is old and does not provide your home with the attractive, modern appearance you would like, you can replace it.

All American Locksmiths Can Repair or Replace Your Entry Door

If your entry door is damaged, it may be necessary to replace it to keep drafts and insects out and to keep your home looking the way you want. All American Locksmiths can inspect your door and either repair or replace it, depending on the issue. We serve homeowners in cities and towns across Connecticut, including Bridgeport, Redding, and New Canaan. Contact us today for more information.