How to Reseal Windows & Doors

Inspect the windows and doors around the edges for visible damage or separation of the components. Hold a candle or incense stick near the edges of the windows and doors to find out where air is leaking. Flickering of the flame or smoke indicates a potential air leak.

Pull off the interior trim from doors and windows carefully using a pry bar and a gentle prying action. Squeeze low-pressure spray foam made for doors and windows into the gaps between the frame and rough opening. Sand off excess insulation that expands out of the frame. Nail the trim back into place.

Remove old caulking along the inside edges of the door and window trim using a putty knife. Apply a bead of silicone caulk along the edges to give a new, stronger seal.

Caulk around the window and door trim on the exterior of the home. Caulking on the inside and outside provides extra protection from leaking air.

Remove the existing weatherstripping by unscrewing the sections around the door and windows. Cut new weatherstripping to length and screw it into place along the edges.

Replace the threshold gasket along the bottom edge of doors for a better seal. Another option is to attach a door sweep along the bottom of the door. The sweep is screwed to the door and rests along the bottom trim piece of the door when it is closed.