How to Identify and Repair Entry Door Air Leaks

There are a few things you never want to deal with when it comes to any entry doors on your property, and air leaks are definitely on this list. Luckily, some simple approaches will allow you to easily locate and repair any leaks in your entry doors, whether on your own or with help from professionals.

At Price’s Guaranteed Doors, we’re proud to serve as your one-stop shop for all things entry doors, garage doors, Pella windows and more, offering an extensive range of entry door installation and entry door repair solutions to clients around Salt Lake City, Utah and Boise, Idaho areas, including help with any issue involving entry door air leaks. Here are some of the possible indicators of an air leak taking place on your entry door, plus how to address them either on your own or with our help wherever necessary.

Visible Light Present

One of the simplest and most common ways to tell if there’s an air leak on your entry door: Check for visible light leaking through the edges of the door or surrounding frame. This will be most noticeable at night, when ambient light is lower and any gaps in the doorway become more visible.

If you notice this taking place, it generally means there’s an issue with either how the door was installed or how it fits into its frame. Your first step here should be checking all weatherstripping – is it secure and free from damage? If not, replacing these strips may resolve your issue right away.

If this doesn’t do the trick, check around for any gaps between the door and its frame that could be allowing air through. These may be filled in with weatherstripping, caulk or other sealant materials. If you’re unsure how to handle these areas yourself, our pros are happy to assist.

Hand Test

Another basic test for air leaks: Use your hand to feel around the edges of your door and frame, paying close attention to any temperature differences. Air leaks will often produce notably cooler (or warmer) temperatures than their surrounding areas.

If you notice this sort of difference, try placing a lit candle near the area while observing it from both sides of the door. If you see smoke moving horizontally along the edge of the door or frame, this is a strong indication that there’s an air leak present.

Smoke Test

There’s also the official smoke test, which involves lighting an incense stick and holding it near the edges of your door while observing for any changes in the smoke’s direction. If you notice any movement that corresponds to air flowing through the doorway, this is a clear sign of a leak.

Feeling for Warmer or Colder Air

While it’s perhaps less precise than the smoke test, you may also be able to feel for air leaks by standing near your door under different weather conditions. For instance, if you notice obvious drafts coming through when it’s cold outside, this is a good sign of air leaks that should be addressed.

Professional Assistance

If any of these tests confirm an air leak on your entry door and you’re unable to fix it yourself, our team is here to help. We’ll walk you through possible solutions or offer professional repairs or replacements where necessary.

To learn more about any of our entry door repair services around SLC, Utah and Boise, Idaho areas, speak to the pros at Price’s Guaranteed Doors today.