Ever tried using a thermal camera or just the old candle test to spot leaks? Sometimes it’s surprising where the cold air sneaks in...
I’ve done the candle test, but I’m always a bit nervous about open flames near curtains or old paint. Anyone tried those incense sticks instead? They’re less risky, and you can still see the smoke move if there’s a draft. Also, have you checked for gaps around outlets or baseboards? Sometimes it’s not just the windows—those little spots add up.
Tried incense once, but I swear half the time I just end up smelling like a yoga studio and still can’t find where the draft’s coming from. Honestly, I’m a fan of the thermal camera route—borrowed one from a buddy and wow, you see stuff you’d never expect. Found cold air pouring in through a spot behind my fridge... who knew?
About those outlets and baseboards—yeah, they’re sneaky, but in my experience, the big culprits are usually attic hatches or old doors that don’t quite shut right. I’ve seen folks go wild sealing every outlet, but if your attic hatch is basically an open window, you’re fighting a losing battle. Maybe it’s just me, but I’d rather chase down the big leaks first before fussing with every tiny crack.
Anyone else ever get obsessed and start sealing things that probably don’t even matter? My tenants laugh when they see me crawling around with a flashlight and a roll of weatherstripping...
Totally get the urge to seal up every little crack—been there myself, crawling around with a can of foam and a weird sense of satisfaction. I always tell folks, you’ll get more bang for your buck tackling the obvious gaps first, like that attic hatch or basement rim joist. Funny thing is, I once spent an afternoon sealing up every outlet in a rental, only to realize the main problem was a warped back door. Ever tried one of those door sweeps that actually seals against uneven floors? Curious if anyone’s found a fix for those old-school doors that never sit flush...
Ever tried one of those door sweeps that actually seals against uneven floors? Curious if anyone’s found a fix for those old-school doors that never sit flush...
Honestly, those old doors are a pain. Here’s what’s worked for me: first, check the hinges—sometimes just tightening or shimming them helps the door sit better. If it’s still wonky, I use one of those adjustable sweeps with the rubber fin. They’re not perfect, but they flex enough to fill most gaps. Just make sure you don’t screw into any wires or pipes hiding down there (ask me how I know...). If all else fails, weatherstripping tape around the frame can help too, but it’s a bit of trial and error.
Those old doors really do have a mind of their own, don’t they? I’ve run into similar issues more times than I can count, especially in homes where the floors have settled unevenly over the years. You’re right about checking the hinges first—sometimes it’s surprising how much just a little tightening or a shim can do. It’s almost like the door just needed a nudge to behave.
The adjustable sweeps with the flexible rubber are a solid workaround. I’ve found that if you take your time lining them up and maybe even trim them to match the worst spot on the floor, you can get a pretty decent seal. Not perfect, but way better than those rigid ones that leave gaps or drag so hard they yank themselves loose after a week. And yeah, that thing about hidden wires or pipes... learned that lesson the hard way too. Sometimes old houses like to keep their secrets right where you least expect them.
Weatherstripping tape is underrated for those last stubborn drafts. It’s not always pretty, but if you’re dealing with temperature swings between rooms like you mentioned (living room sauna, bedroom igloo—classic), every little bit helps balance things out. If you’re still getting big swings after sealing up doors and windows, might be worth checking for gaps around baseboards or even in the attic hatch. Air finds its way through the strangest places.
It can definitely be trial and error—sometimes what works on one door just doesn’t cut it on another from the same house. But honestly, even small improvements make a difference in comfort. Don’t get discouraged if it takes a few tries to dial it in... those old doors aren’t going down without a fight, but they *can* be tamed.
