The cool breezes coming off the lake can be refreshing, but you don’t want them inside the cottage when the windows are closed. Here are some tips for finding and fixing the air leaks.
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Design & DIY
7 easy ways to stop the drafts in your cottage
Draft detector
Not sure where the air is leaking in? On a windy day, light a candle or incense stick and then pass it closely in front of the likeliest areas — around window and door frames, along the baseboards, and around electrical outlets and light switches. Take note of any areas where the flame or smoke flickers.
Caulk the gaps
Caulk around window and doorframes (being careful to avoid any moving parts) and along the top and bottom of baseboards. Buy a colour that matches the shade of your trim, or opt for clear to blend in.
Foam sweet foam
For any gaps larger than about ¼” wide, you’ll want to seal those with spray foam. One place to look is on the outside wherever your waterline, hydro, and other services penetrate the exterior wall.
Weatherstripping
Another easy DIY project is to buy weatherstripping kits which include a door sweep and peel-and-stick foam for exterior doors. You can also lay a “door snake” along the inside of the door to block the gap. You can buy these or make one yourself from an old shirt sleeve or pant leg.
Window film kits
If your windows are just single panes of glass, you can temporarily seal them for the colder months with plastic film kits that you stick in place.
The light brigade
Drafts can also creep in through your light switches and electrical outlets. Remove the faceplates and install fitted foam gaskets in behind.
And, curtains
Finally, on really windy days, close the curtains for an added layer of protection.
