At its core, weatherization means sealing your home so that conditioned air stays inside, and outdoor air stays outside.
DIY Projects to Jump-Start Weatherization
With a few hours and the right products, you can tackle the most common sources of drafts.
Project 1: Seal Windows and Doors (featuring OSI QUAD MAX)
- Prep the joint. Remove loose or failing caulk. Clean the area thoroughly.
- Apply the bead. Cut the nozzle at a 45-degree angle. Keep the tip in the joint and pull a steady bead.
Tip: Don’t seal over window weep holes – they must stay open to drain water.
Project 2: Fill Gaps and Cracks (featuring Loctite Tite Foam)
- Prep the gap. Remove any dust or debris. Attach the straw, unlock the trigger and shake the can.
- Apply the foam. Hold the can upside down, insert the straw and fill the gap halfway. (The foam will expand.)
- Trim and finish. Once the foam is dried, cut back excess with a sharp knife then sand or paint for a finished look.
Drafts aren’t just uncomfortable – they also make your home less efficient. When air leaks through gaps and cracks, your heating and cooling system has to work harder to keep temperatures steady. That extra effort drives up energy use and, in turn, your monthly bills. If your rooms never feel consistent, or you’re noticing rising costs, home weatherization can help seal those leaks and restore efficiency.
This guide provides practical steps to help you get started. You’ll learn the benefits, how to spot leaks and what tools to use. Then we’ll walk through two projects you can start this weekend.
What Is Home Weatherization?
At its core, weatherization means sealing your home so that conditioned air stays inside, and outdoor air stays outside. It’s not one product or one job. Think of it as a set of practices that improve the “envelope” of your house, the barrier between indoors and outdoors.
The main goal is simple: stop uncontrolled air leaks. Air sealing around windows, doors, and openings reduces wasted energy and keeps your rooms comfortable. Adding insulation where it’s thin or missing helps even more. Together, these steps slow down heat transfer and moisture movement. This means your HVAC system likely won’t need to work as hard.
Why Weatherization Makes a Difference
Home weatherization pays off in ways you’ll notice every day. It can improve comfort and lower utility bills.
Comfort you can feel: Drafts at windows and doors make the temperature of the rooms in your home feel uneven. With proper air sealing, conditioned air stays where it belongs. This results in steadier temperatures and less noise from outside.
Lower utility bills and a smaller carbon footprint: Uncontrolled leaks waste energy. When you seal those gaps, your HVAC runs fewer long cycles. Paired with insulation, homeowners save an average of about 15% on heating and cooling costs.
Durability and indoor air quality: Weatherization protects your home’s structure by limiting moisture intrusion, which can damage wood and drywall. It can also reduce dust and pests entering through cracks, supporting better indoor air quality.
How to Spot Drafts in 15 Minutes
You don’t need special tools to find leaks – just a tissue or candle. Hold it near joints and openings; if it flutters, you’ve found a leak.
Key areas to check:
- Windows and doors: Look for cracked or missing caulk between trim and siding.
- Utility openings: Inspect where pipes, wires and vents enter walls – gaps are common.
- Attics and basements: Pay attention to the attic hatch, rim joists and sill plates.
This quick inspection step can show where your home weatherization project should start. Once you identify the trouble spots, you can seal them permanently.
Keep Your Home Sealed Year-Round
Weatherization isn’t a one-time job. Regular small checks each season can help keep your home energy-efficient and comfortable. Walk around your house every fall and spring to look for new gaps, aging caulk or settling foam. Touch-ups now prevent bigger repairs later.
The right products make the work last. OSI QUAD MAX seals windows and doors against the elements, while Loctite Tite Foam fills gaps around pipes and vents. Both are built for durability, both reduce drafts and both are available at The Home Depot.
